What is actually different?
| Difference | Self tanner | Spray tan |
|---|---|---|
| Application | You apply it yourself, usually in sections. | Tanning solution is sprayed or misted onto the skin. |
| Formula and texture | Creams, lotions, gels, mousses and foams are available. | A spray formulation delivers the tanning solution. |
| Strength | DHA concentration affects how dark the colour becomes. | The amount of DHA applied affects how dark the colour becomes. |
| Result | Application skill and formula affect evenness. | Custom formulations can help tailor the colour. |
| Exposure | Creams and lotions make inhalation easier to avoid. | Mist requires precautions against inhalation and contact with eyes and lips. |
For home application, lotions and creams often include moisturisers, while mousses and foams dry relatively quickly. A spray service suits someone who wants a quick application and tailored colour, provided the exposure precautions are in place. An even tan depends on application as well as formula, so the bottle cannot take all the credit.23
How quickly does the colour develop, and how long does it last?
Topical DHA colour can begin around one hour after application and is usually most prominent after 8 to 24 hours. Spray tan colour generally starts developing after two to four hours and can continue developing for 24 to 72 hours. DHA colour typically lasts three to ten days; spray tans commonly last five to ten days as surface skin cells shed. Follow the specific product or salon directions for rinsing rather than treating colour development as a shower timer. Reapplication frequency depends on the product, body area and colour you want, not a universal daily schedule.23
How do you apply self tanner evenly?
- 1Exfoliate with a washcloth, paying extra attention to elbows, knees and ankles.
- 2Dry your skin completely before applying the tanner.
- 3Apply in sections, such as arms, legs and torso, using circular motions.
- 4Wash your hands with soap and water after each section.
- 5Lightly blend from wrists onto hands and from ankles onto feet.
- 6Dilute colour over elbows, knees and ankles with a damp towel or a thin layer of lotion on top.
- 7Wait at least ten minutes before dressing. Wear loose clothing and avoid sweating for the next three hours.
What is self tanner spray?
Self tanner spray is a spray format for sunless tanning, not a separate tanning mechanism. A home spray still needs precautions against inhalation and contact with eyes or lips. Before a commercial spray tan, ask how the entire eye area, lips and mucous membranes will be protected, and how inhalation or swallowing will be prevented. Do not proceed without those protections. Bronzer is temporary colour that washes off, which makes it makeup with a holiday theme.13
Who should be careful?
Fragrance and other additives can irritate sensitive skin or worsen eczema, rosacea or contact dermatitis. Check ingredients for known sensitivities. People with lung disease should be cautious with sprays. During pregnancy, the cautious choice is to avoid DHA tanning because pregnancy safety is not well studied. Stop using a tanner if irritation develops; coughing, dizziness and fainting have also been reported after sunless tanning, particularly in spray booths.123
Does either tan replace sunscreen?
No. Keep using broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even if your self tanner contains SPF. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply at least every two hours.245
Where this answer comes from
- 1Sunless Tanners & Bronzersfda.gov
- 2Are Spray Tans Safe?health.clevelandclinic.org
- 3Dihydroxyacetone, tanning cream, sunless tanningdermnetnz.org
- 4How to apply self-tanneraad.org
- 5search.aad.orgsearch.aad.org
