Spray tanning, often called airbrush tanning or sunless tanning, is a process by which a DHA
based solution is sprayed on to the
skin via an automated system or HVLP tanning equipment. When the spray tanning solution is sprayed onto the
skin, a safe, natural, sunless tan develops and lasts for between
one and two weeks. Sunless tanning solutions contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), an ingredient approved by the
FDA, which reacts with the natural amino acids in the top layer of your
skin, producing the best looking sunless bronze tan. The pigments resulting from a spray tan do not provide
UV protection. The DHA spray tanning solution is applied while the client stands in either an automated booth, or in a pop up spray tan tent. With most solutions the deepest tan color is reached within about 12 hours, so the color will continue to darken after the initial application. Spray tanning solutions also typically have a bronzer that provides an immediate tan effect. When using an airbrush or spray
gun, this instant color helps ensure even coverage. In this age of immediate gratification, solutions that include instant bronzing are
popular with most clients. Most of this added bronzer will come off in the first
shower/bath after application. The color that remains is produced by the DHA reacting with the
skin, aka, your spray tan.