What Is DHA in a Spray Tan? Everything You Need to Know About the Ingredient Behind Your Glow
If you’ve ever wondered how a spray tan actually works, you’ve probably come across three little letters: DHA.
It might sound rather scientific, but DHA is simply the ingredient responsible for creating the beautiful golden colour you see developing after a spray tan.
So what exactly is DHA, how does it work, and why is it used in professional spray tanning?
Let’s take a closer look.
What does DHA stand for?
DHA stands for dihydroxyacetone.
It is the active tanning ingredient found in many sunless tanning products. When DHA is applied to the skin, it reacts with proteins in the outermost layer of the skin, creating the temporary brown colour that gives the appearance of a tan.
In other words, DHA is what helps create your gorgeous glow without needing to sit in the sun.
And that’s rather clever when you think about it!
How does DHA actually tan your skin?
Unlike a natural suntan, DHA doesn’t stimulate your skin to produce more melanin. Instead, it works on the surface of the skin. When DHA comes into contact with proteins in the outermost skin cells, a chemical reaction takes place which gradually produces the brown/golden colour we recognise as a tan. This is also why a spray tan is temporary. As those surface skin cells naturally shed, your tan gradually fades too. It’s one of the reasons that good preparation and aftercare can make such a difference to how evenly your tan develops and how long it lasts.Why doesn’t my spray tan look the same immediately?
This is one of the things that can confuse people when they’re new to spray tanning. The colour you see immediately after your appointment isn’t necessarily your finished tan. The DHA needs time to work with the skin, so your colour can continue developing after your appointment. This is why your spray tan professional will give you specific advice about when to shower after your appointment. Washing too early can interfere with the development process, while leaving your tan to develop for the recommended time allows the colour to build beautifully.Why does a spray tan eventually fade?
Unfortunately, your gorgeous glow isn’t permanent! As your skin naturally sheds its outermost cells, the colour created by the DHA gradually disappears with them. This is completely normal and is why your tan will eventually fade rather than simply staying on your skin indefinitely. You can help your tan fade evenly by:- Keeping your skin moisturised
- Avoiding unnecessary exfoliation while you want to maintain your tan
- Using gentle products
- Patting your skin dry rather than vigorously rubbing it
- Following the aftercare advice given by your spray tan professional
Does DHA protect me from the sun?
No! This is a really important one. A DHA spray tan gives your skin the appearance of being tanned, but it does not provide protection from UV radiation. Sunless tanning products generally don’t contain sunscreen unless a separate SPF has specifically been included in the formulation. So even if you’re beautifully bronzed, you still need your usual SPF and sun protection when you’re outside. Your gorgeous glow is not a substitute for sunscreen!Is DHA the same as a sun tan?
No – and this is actually one of the biggest benefits of choosing a sunless tan. A traditional suntan happens when your skin responds to UV exposure, whereas DHA creates temporary colour through a reaction on the surface of the skin. Choosing a spray tan means you can enjoy the look of a golden tan without deliberately exposing your skin to UV rays to achieve the colour. Of course, you’ll still want to protect your skin from the sun whenever you’re outdoors.Why is DHA used in professional spray tanning?
DHA has become a key ingredient in sunless tanning because it can create a natural-looking temporary colour without requiring UV exposure. And the formulation surrounding the DHA matters too. Professional spray tan solutions are carefully formulated with other ingredients designed to help create a smooth, even and attractive result. At Wild About Tan, we use professional tanning solutions and tailor your tan to help you achieve the colour you’re looking for — whether that’s a subtle golden glow or something deeper for a special occasion.What makes a good spray tan?
It’s not simply about putting DHA onto your skin and hoping for the best! A beautiful spray tan is a combination of:Good preparation
Exfoliating appropriately before your appointment and arriving with clean, product-free skin can give your tan the best possible starting point.The right shade
Your spray tan should complement your natural colouring and the occasion you’re tanning for.Professional application
Even application makes a huge difference to the finished result.Good aftercare
Moisturising and looking after your skin can help your tan fade more evenly.Your Tan, Your Home, Your Glow
One of the things clients love about Wild About Tan is that you don’t have to travel to a salon to get your glow.
As a mobile spray tanning service, we bring your spray tan directly to your home or chosen location.
Whether you’re preparing for:
You can enjoy a professional spray tan without leaving your home.
Our professional tanning solutions are selected to create a beautiful, natural-looking finish, and we’ll guide you through preparation and aftercare before and after your appointment.
So, the next time someone asks “What actually makes a spray tan work?”
You can tell them:
DHA!
Those three little letters are doing rather a lot of the work behind your gorgeous glow.
And now you know exactly what they mean.