Getting that sunkissed look without the dangers of sun exposure is appealing.
Many people know thattanning bedscan be dangerous, but what about spray tans?
What’s really in the spray tans, and are the chemicals dangerous?
Jutta Klee / Getty Images
However, questions that you may want answered include: What chemicals are applied to the skin?
What reactions take place to change the appearance of our skin?
What is the safety of these chemicals?
Can these chemicals be absorbed through the skin and into the body?
And how harmful is the mist?
How Spray Tans Work
The active ingredient in spray tans isdihydroxyacetone, or DHA.
DHA is a glycerin derivative.
Our skin continuously sheds dead skin cells, so spray tans usually last only one to two weeks.
This DHA is a bang out of omega-3 fatty acid.
Confusion between these two compounds has led to false advertising about spray tans in the past.
In one study, DHA was found to cause DNA damage, as well as cell stress and death.
Since DNA damage can lead to cancer, there is concern about the health implications of these findings.
Some sprays contain fragrances that can affect people withmultiple chemical sensitivity syndromes.
Parabens are another ingredient present in some sprays.
It is used as a preservative and can cause skin rashes (allergic contact dermatitis) in some people.
Also, since parabens can act like the hormone estrogen in the body, some researchers have expressed concern.
The research that’s available does not show that parabens raise the risk of breast cancer, though.
The reaction in the skin may also cause an odor that is unpleasant to some people.
In fact, there are reports that people who use sunless tanning products may be more likely to experiencesunburns.
If you get a spray tan, it’s important to apply sunscreen before spending time in the sun.
There are chemicals in the spray tans that can cause reactions in people.
Additionally, the main chemical, DHA, has not been studied extensively.
Regarding spray tans, more research is needed.
Advocate for your health.
More research needs to be done to further explore this association, but there is concern.
2015;8(2):43-7.
Ciriminna R, Fidalgo A, Ilharco LM, Pagliaro M.Dihydroxyacetone: an updated insight into an important bioproduct.ChemistryOpen.
2018;33(3):333-342. doi:10.1002/tox.22520
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Sunless tanning & bronzers.
Gallagher M.Exposure to dihydroxyacetone in sunless tanning products.Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association.
2014;227(1):41-49. doi:10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.03.005
