What is a spray tan, and how does it work?

A spray tan is a cosmetic application that utilizes dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a colorless sugar that interacts with the amino acids in the skin's outermost layer, leading to a temporary darkening effect. This process occurs because DHA reacts with the proteins in the skin, resulting in a natural-looking tan that typically lasts around five to seven days, depending on skin type and aftercare.

The method is popular for those seeking a tanned appearance without the harmful effects associated with ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Unlike options that imply a permanent change or methods that include UV light, a spray tan is designed specifically for quick and temporary results. Moreover, using natural oils to enhance skin tone does not apply to the spray tanning process and does not include the key active ingredient, DHA, responsible for the tanning effect.