Spray Tan Myths

There are several urban legends of sunless tanning. We are sure that you have heard a lot of them! In the past some of these were true. Even though the sunless industry has grown and developed much more sophisticated methods of creating and implementing spray tans, these legends still linger. Since we continually hear these questions, we thought we should break down and dispel the most common myths. 

Myth #7 - Having a sunless tan protects the skin from the sun exposure.

The theory behind this statement is that if you build a base tan your skin is less likely to burn when exposed to the sun. While this may or may not be true, a sunless tan is a cosmetic coloring of the skin, NOT a real tan. It will no more protect you from the sun, then if you sprayed on perfume just before going the beach. You would fry crispy. You should always wear a good protective sunscreen when exposing your skin to UV rays.

Myth #6 - Sunless tans don’t last.

The reality is that all tans fade, whether it’s a sunless or traditional tan. Sunless tans last about seven days, but with proper care can last as long as ten days. Traditional tans last only slightly longer. The sunless tan will afford you the same tanned appearance without the UV side effects (i.e. peeling or damaged skin, premature aging and cancer). 

Myth #5 - The color I see immediately after the session is the final color.

Many sunless solutions contain bronzers. This is a temporary color that gives a tanned appearance while the DHA develops, but it is not representative of the final result. The final color depends on what level of solution is used and how long it is left it on before getting wet.

Myth #4 - The chemicals in the solution are more harmful than UV exposure.

Sunless tans are safer than traditional UV tans for the obvious reasons (i.e. skin damage, premature aging and cancer). Many of the same ingredients that are used in your shampoos, cosmetics, hairsprays and lotions are also used to create sunless solutions and considered to be safe.  If you are concerned about the composition of your solution, ask your technician for a list of ingredients. 

Myth #3 - Spray tan solution makes you stinky.

Anyone who has gone to a spray tan booth or has used self-tanners in the past may have experienced the starchy smell that DHA produces. At one time it was a very prominent smell that was difficult to mask even with perfume or scented lotions. The sunless industry has made tremendous leaps with the development of spray tan solutions. Solutions are now created with a host of pleasant fragrances and neutralizers that do not leave you smelling like an old potato.

Myth #2 - Using any lotion will keep a sunless tan looking fresh.

The key to a lasting sunless tan is moisture maintenance. However, if you use a lotion containing petroleum, mineral, coconut and sesame oils or containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) they will most definitely destroy their sunless tan. About 98% of the lotions on the market contain one or more of ingredients that don’t play fair with a sunless tan. Make sure to read your lotion bottles before using or ask your Technician for a recommendation. There are lotions on the market, like Sol Potion Smooth, that are designed to work well sunless tans. 

Myth #1 – Spray tanning turns you orange.

Spray tanning will NOT turn you orange. Why won’t this urban legend die? One only needs to look at photographs of Snooki and Lindsey Lohan, or watch the famous episode of “Friends” where Ross turns himself orange in a spray booth. Even worse, you get a glimpse of a poor gal you pass on the street that looks like she drank three gallons of carrot juice. It is not the solution that created the orange appearance. It’s the spray tan technician. These are classic cases where the technician has used way too dark a color or has sprayed too heavily. Just because you want to be dark doesn’t mean your skin tone can handle the depth. If you go for the lighter shade, you won’t be orange. 

While there are several more crazy myths that we could tackle these are the best of the best. If you have a myth you want us to dispel let us know. We’ll keep you posted on new myths and the true answers.