Getting a sun tan can cause skin cancer, wrinkles, and age spots.  Spray tans provide a much healthier alternative to lying out in the sun or going to a tanning booth for getting a warm glow to your skin.

But what is involved in getting a spray tan? And how long does it last?

There are several different methods of spray tanning. All spray tans use dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, to stain the outer layer of skin cells. Because of this, the tanned look lasts about a week to ten days before needing to be reapplied. Here are some of the different options for spray tans.

1. Aerosol

Like hair spray, this tanning liquid comes in a can and is done in your home. It is advisable to have a friend help you to get difficult to reach areas such as your back. Protect your hair and make sure you wash the solution off of the palms of your hands and other places that do not typically get sun. Aim for an even, light coating of solution.

2. Airbrush

Airbrush is offered by salons and comes in do-it-yourself kits as well. If a salon does the airbrush application, the tanning solution will have a temporary bronzer that will darken your skin immediately, so that the operator can see where he or she has already sprayed or needs to spray more. This temporary bronzer will wash off when you take your first shower after the application, and the “real” color will peak about twelve hours after the treatment.  If you do it at home, it’s a good idea to elicit the help of a friend, as in the aerosol option.

3. Salon

There are many spray-tan salons cropping up these days, sometimes taking the place of traditional tanning booths. These companies provide an all-over spray in a special area, and usually use an airbrush or shower-like misting system to apply the solution.

4. Mobile salon

This is an interesting idea in the realm of home tanning – some salons will bring the tan to you! Rather than setting up business in a fixed building, mobile salons set up shop in your home or other designated place and ply their trade on location.

5. Home shower

There are actually devices you can purchase that will turn your home shower into a spray tanning booth. This certainly takes care of the problem of finding a designated area and makes clean up a lot easier.

Generally speaking, spray tans are more even than lotions are creams, and less “orange.” In other words, they tend to look more natural. In this day and age of sun avoidance, spray tans may be the answer for those seeking a bronzed look.