- It is important to understand exactly how airbrush tanning works. With airbrush tanning, tan color is spread evenly over the skin with the use of both a compressor and airbrush. The air compressor pushes air out using the airbrush (which is connected to a can of tan skin coloring). The air moves rapidly through the airbrush and picks up small particles of the tanning solution which are smoothly deposited onto the skin.
- The active ingredient used in airbrush tan solutions is dihydroxyacetone, otherwise known as DHA, which is a non-toxic sugar substance that if FDA (Federal Drug Administration) approved. This substance is mixed together with an external bronzer that was mixed to enhance the skin color. Once sprayed onto the complexion, this bronzer shows up immediately. The richness of color in the tan is dependent upon the amount of DHA that is in the tanning solution.
- There are some downsides and negative parts of tanning with airbrush, such as the fact that it is only capable of affecting the uppermost skin layer, known as the stratum corneum. The problem with this is that it takes an extremely long time to apply, between one and two hours, which is a lot more tedious than simply going into a tanning booth.
- There are also various benefits and advantages to airbrush tanning. Airbrush tanning produces a smooth, even and extremely natural looking tan finish on the skin that simply cannot be replicated by using any tanning lotions or sprays that you can buy. You don't run the risk of a spotty, streaky or blotchy looking tan with airbrush tanning.
- As of late, there have been even more exciting advances in the field of airbrush tanning. There are some modern salons that utilize a technology that connects magnetic polarity directly to the molecules inside of the tanning color solution. This results in smaller particles of color that make the tan look extremely natural, believable and smooth.
