If you’ve been looking for a quick guide to understanding the relationship between Spray Tanning and Hyperpigmentation, look no further. In this post, we will answer all of your questions about how it works and what you can do to prevent it from happening in the future.
Spray Tanning is one of the most popular ways to get a good summer glow without having to spend time at the beach or by a pool. This article will teach you everything that you need to know about spray tanning and hyperpigmentation!
What is Spray Tanning?
Spray tanning is a way of producing instant tans by spraying diluted solutions of DHA (dihydroxyacetone) onto the skin. The solution interacts with dead cells (which are not part of living skin layers, like epidermis and dermis) in the skin to create an even, immediate darkening.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of skin which can be caused by many different factors including sun exposure, inflammatory skin disorders, hormones, cosmetics, and other external factors.
Spray Tanning and Hyperpigmentation
Sometimes when people have hyperpigmentation issues they will spray tan to also get a bronzed glow. This does not mean that they will permanently be dark while spray tanning, but there is always a chance for this to occur. The DHA solution which causes the immediate bronzing also can affect pigment-producing cells called melanocytes in the skin.
The pigmentation changes will go away if you stop using products with DHA before your skin returns to its normal color. But if you do not stop using DHA, the hyperpigmentation may become permanent.
Why Hyperpigmentation occurs?
The skin continually renews itself and over the course of time, cells gradually move from the lower epidermis to the surface. As they do so, they darken and die. This results in a certain amount of pigment that is released into your skin’s layers.
If this process doesn’t happen properly, extra pigment is left on the surface of your skin. This extra pigment is known as hyperpigmentation and it can result in dark patches, which are more noticeable on people with darker skin tones.
What can be done to prevent such issues?
If you have any skin pigmentation disorders such as melasma or vitiligo, it is advised that you consult your physician before getting a spray tan. This will ensure that the product will not cause any permanent pigmentation issues.
In addition, it is important to use a good sunblock on the skin when going out in the sun because both sprays and UV rays can contribute to hyperpigmentation disorders.
How can you prevent Hyperpigmentation?
There are many products on the market that can help reduce hyperpigmentation, however some of these products have not been clinically tested.
The best way to prevent hyperpigmentation is through using sunscreen on a daily basis and avoiding sun exposure as much as possible. As with all skin conditions it is always advised to see your dermatologist for treatment options.
Treatments for Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation can be treated using bleaching creams which contain hydroquinone, corticosteroids (steroid creams), tretinoin cream, glycolic acid peels, and laser treatments.
Another possible treatment for hyperpigmentation involves corticosteroids (steroid creams) which reduce inflammation and help decrease the production of melanin.
Another treatment is using tretinoin cream (which has the active ingredient retinoic acid, and it works in a similar way to hydroquinone).
Tretinoin can be prescribed by your physician or dermatologist for use with hyperpigmentation disorders. Be aware that this is not an over-the-counter medication and that you will need a prescription for this treatment.
Another possible way to treat hyperpigmentation involves glycolic acid peels. These work by removing the surface layer of skin which allows any new hyperpigmentation or discoloration under the top layer of skin to show through. Therefore, it is easier to treat the hyperpigmentation because these treatments are designed to target visible areas of skin.
Please consult your physician or dermatologist before using any products to treat hyperpigmentation disorders. This article is only meant as a guide to educate you on certain aspects of medical conditions, and it should not be used to self-diagnose any medical concerns.
Is spray tanning the only reason why Hyperpigmentation happens?
No. Both sun exposure and natural pigment production can cause skin to darken; however, these cases are more likely to be reversible.
What is the importance of sunscreen?
Sunscreen use is essential for preventing all types of hyperpigmentation disorders as both UV rays and spray tanning products (including DHA) contribute to this issue.
What is the dose response relationship as it relates to Hyperpigmentation
In general, any increase in exposure to a substance will have an increased response of some kind. In the case of tanning products and their effects on hyperpigmentation disorders, there is not necessarily a linear dose response relationship. It more likely depends on the predisposition of an individual to these types of disorders.
In Conclusion
Even though spray tanning does not mean that you will be permanently dark forever after, if you have any hyperpigmentation issues you should always consult your physician before getting a spray tan. Furthermore, make sure to use an SPF of at least 30 when going out in the sun (even if it is cloudy).
