Facts about Spray Tans
Indoor tanning beds have been associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, as well as long-term skin damage and faster aging. The warnings sound scary but people still wish to have a bronze tan. With spray tans, women and men, can have a sexy tan without the health risks. With newer advancements, professional or home spray tans can last longer and appear natural, without spending hours baking in the harmful sun's rays. Does this Spark an idea?
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How Spray Tans Work
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Spray tanners are made from a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is a simple carbohydrate. DHA is a non-toxic sugar substance that has been U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved since 1977. The coloring initially comes from bronzers, until DHA has time to react with skin and gradually darken dead skin cells. Spray tanning is best done in layers, to avoid streaks and any mistakes.
Inhalation and Other Warnings
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While the FDA allows DHA to be "externally applied" for skin coloring, the agency warns against inhalation or ingestion of the chemical. This is due to a lack of research and studies, and unknown health risks that the chemical can pose if used internally. DHA should not be inhaled, ingested, or exposed to areas covered by mucous membranes including the lips, nose, and areas in and around the eye (from the top of the cheek to above the eyebrow), warns the FDA. To prevent this from happening, professional tanning salons offer nose and ears plugs, and goggles to be worn during the application process.
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Other Concerns
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A key concern for people using spray tan applications is that they will look orange or that the tan will look completely fake. Bronzing and coloring is necessary, therefore it cannot be completely removed from tan products. However, the excess color washes off after DHA has taken full effect.
Pregnancy
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DHA interacts only with the first layer of skin, therefore it does not penetrate into the bloodstream. This makes spray tans safe to use during pregnancy, as long as it is applied to the skin only.
Professional vs. Home Application
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The biggest disadvantage of a professional spray tan is the cost. However, due to the popularity of spray tans, more competition is available as well as reasonable and affordable rates. Home application is popular because you pay for one product that can be used several times. Quality of home spray tans is not compromised, and they can be applied in the privacy of your own home.
Considerations
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A spray tan can last up to a week, although this is affected by activities and your skin condition. Sweating wears off DHA, as will frequent showering or rubbing skin with a washcloth. The DHA is attached to dead skin cells, which fall off on their own, or are removed as a result of washing or rubbing of the skin.
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