spray-on tan

spray-on tan

An orange-brown pigment that is sprayed on the skin surface and meant to simulate a suntan. It has been promoted as a safe alternative to tanning beds, which are linked to an increased risk of melanoma and other skin cancers; however, recent data suggests that the active chemical used in spray tans, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), has the potential to cause genetic alterations and DNA damage.