Summer is here and you want to look your best with a golden tan. But you also want to avoid the harmful effects of the sun, such as sunburns, skin damage and skin cancer. You may have heard that spray tanning is a safe and easy way to get a tan without exposing yourself to UV rays. But does spray tanning prevent sunburns or protect you from the sun? The answer is no. Here’s why.

What is spray tanning?

A Spray Tan, Airbrush Tan, and Sunless Self Tanners all use a similar formula to give you a quick, just off the beach, sunless faux tan. The most common ingredient in spray tanning solutions is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the amino acids in outer layer of the skin turning it a brownish tan color.Since the sunless tan only effects the outer most layers of the skin, it lasts until these skin cells shed in the normal exfoliating cycle. Typically, results last 5-7 days.

Does spray tanning prevent sunburns?

No, spray tanning does not prevent sunburns. Sunburns are caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources, such as tanning beds. UV radiation damages the DNA of your skin cells, causing inflammation, redness, pain and peeling. Sunburns can also increase your risk of skin cancer, especially if you get them frequently or at a young age.

The sun emits two types of UV radiation: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeper into your skin and cause premature aging, wrinkles and sagging. UVB rays affect the surface of your skin and cause sunburns, freckles and moles. Both types of UV rays can damage your DNA and cause skin cancer.

Spray tanning does not shield you from either type of UV radiation. It only gives you a cosmetic tan that has no effect on your skin’s health or function. Spray tanning does not change the SPF (sun protection factor) of your skin, which measures how well your skin can resist sunburns.

Can you get a spray tan while you have a sunburn?

We do not recommend getting a sunless tan while you have sunburn. Since a sunburn is a result of the trauma your skin endured from UV & UVB Sun Rays; your skin is working over-time to heal the damaged cells. As your skin sheds the damaged skin it exposes the new healthy skin. If you apply a sunless tan over top of these areas of dead and new skin, you will likely experience patchiness and exaggerate the look of peeling skin.

If you cannot avoid spray tanning a client with a sunburn here are some tips that help you achieve better results:

1. Gentle exfoliation - Recommend your client gently exfoliate their skin 24 hours before the appointment. For this you’ll want to have them skip the harsh scrubs and loofahs as this can irritate their already damaged skin. Suggest a warm bath and they use a washcloth to gently message the effected area remove any dead skin that is about to peel.
2. Use a moisturizer prior to day of appointment - In the days leading up to the appointment recommend they apply a high-quality, hydrating lotion at least 2 times a day to help replenish their skin and reduce peeling.
3. Hydrate from within! Be sure they are drinking plenty of water both before and after their appointment.
4. Set realistic expectations before the appointment- Since you are spray tanning over damaged, peeling skin let you client know prior that they may not experience a perfect results. The DHA will absorb faster in those areas with dry, peeling skin and may not take as well to those areas of new skin. This causes patchiness and enhances the appearance of peeling skin.