How Temperature Affects Beet DHA and Tips for Storing Your Spray Tan Solution

When it comes to maintaining the quality and effectiveness of your spray tan solution, understanding how temperature affects its key ingredient—DHA (Dihydroxyacetone)—is crucial. DHA is the active ingredient responsible for creating that beautiful, sun-kissed glow in Beettan’s spray tans, and it’s essential to store your solution properly to ensure optimal results.

The Science Behind DHA and Temperature

DHA is a sugar derived from natural sources like beets, which react with the amino acids on the skin’s surface to produce a browning effect. This reaction, known as the Maillard reaction, is what gives your skin that tan appearance. However, DHA is sensitive to environmental factors, particularly temperature.

 • High Temperatures: Exposure to heat can cause DHA to degrade faster. When DHA breaks down, it loses its ability to produce an even, long-lasting tan. High temperatures accelerate the oxidation process, leading to a reduction in the effectiveness of the solution. As DHA degrades, it can also alter the color outcome, potentially resulting in an uneven or unnatural-looking tan.

 • Low Temperatures: On the other hand, freezing temperatures can cause the spray tan solution to become unstable. Freezing can lead to the separation of ingredients, which might make the solution less effective or difficult to mix evenly. Thawing a frozen solution can also be problematic, as it may not return to its original, fully mixed state, affecting the quality of the tan.

Ideal Storage Conditions

To preserve the integrity of your spray tan solution, it’s essential to store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Here are some tips to keep your Beet DHA solution in top condition:

 • Room Temperature Storage: Store your spray tan solution at a consistent room temperature, ideally between 60°F and 75°F (16°C to 24°C). This range helps to prevent the degradation of DHA, ensuring that the solution remains potent and effective for a longer period.

 • Avoid Sunlight: Direct sunlight can increase the temperature of your solution, even if stored indoors. It can also lead to light exposure, which can cause DHA to break down. Store your solution in a cabinet or closet, away from windows or other sources of natural light.

 • Refrigeration: If you live in a particularly hot climate, or if you need to store your solution for an extended period, consider refrigerating it. The cool temperature of a refrigerator can help slow down the oxidation process. However, avoid freezing the solution. If you choose to refrigerate, make sure to bring the solution to room temperature before use to ensure it sprays evenly.

 • Proper Sealing: Always ensure that the container is tightly sealed after each use to minimize exposure to air, which can also contribute to the oxidation of DHA.

Signs Your Solution May Have Been Compromised

Even with proper storage, it’s important to regularly check your spray tan solution for any signs of degradation. Here’s what to look for:

 • Separation of Ingredients: If the solution appears separated or if shaking doesn’t restore its consistency, this might be a sign of improper storage conditions, such as exposure to extreme temperatures. This is sometimes hard to notice but the solution will change in consistency when affected by extreme heat. 

 • Strange Odor: A noticeable change in scent could be a sign that the solution has gone bad. (Usually sweet syrupy smell)

Conclusion

Maintaining the quality of your spray tan solution is essential for delivering consistent, beautiful results to your clients. By understanding how temperature affects DHA and following proper storage practices, you can ensure that your Beettan solutions remain as effective as the day you opened them. Whether you’re a seasoned spray tan artist or just starting out, keeping your solutions stored correctly will help you provide the best possible experience for your clients.