Not wanting to put a downer on things, could they be very mild hives?
We are just about to release the following press article which you may find interesting:-
WARNING - RE BRONZER INGREDIENT - ISSUED 14:01 MON 4TH JUNE 2012
Ingredient:-
'Brown HT'
also known as:-
- Chocolate Brown HT
- Brown
- Caramel
- Food Brown 3
- C.I. 20285 (In Cosmetics)
- E155
Brown HT is a brown colour, petroleum-derived, coal tar and azo dye. This ingredient is used to provide the guide colour (Bronzer) in many UK spray tan brands.
It's use in any product has now been totally banned in the following countries:-
United States
Austria
Belgium
Denmark
France
Germany
Norway
Switzerland
Japan
Canada
Sweden.
In the UK Brown HT is not yet banned, However, a very small max daily consumption limit has been set. Just 1/100 of a gram per day for the average person. This limit is for oral consumption and not skin absorption or inhalation. Brown HT is normally used as a food colour and therefore skin contact and inhalation issues have not been legislated for.
All Brown HT manufacturers advise that skin/eye contact and inhalation should be avoided, as Brown HT is known as a skin irritant, potential carcinogen and to causes asthma attacks in people allergic to aspirin.
Brown HT is a histamine liberator and can induce hypersensitivity, and skin ailments including eczema, dermatitis, itching, rashes, and hives. It can also cause bad reactions in people who are allergic to aspirin and is known to induce asthma attacks. It is also linked to hyperactivity in children.
Clearly this is an issue for spray tan clients, but far more of an issue for the Spray Tan Professional as they are exposed to Brown HT overspray in the air every day. Our industry is all about promoting safe tanning ie. not hitting the sun-beds and hammering the beach and yet many UK spray tan solutions contain this dangerous ingredient.
We strongly advise that all spray tan professionals immediately request their supplier to provide a full ingredient list for their spray tan solutions. Manufacturers do not always list all ingredients on packaging. It is a legal requirement for any manufacturer to provide a full ingredient list if their product is sold in the UK. If they won't provide the full list, stop using the product immediately.
END Warning.......