The Ed.
Well-Known Member
I'm always cautious to report on these stories. I'm the first to criticise anyone for scaremongering but this story is out there in the press and, to be honest, it's relevant and worth writing about. So, write about it I shall, but with (I hope!) a healthy dose of common sense and reality.
The spray tan has always been considered the 'safer option' compared to demonised sunbeds and irresponsible tanning habits but now, a study from the University of Pennsylvania has indicated that some ingredients of spray tan formulas should not be inhaled.
The chemical baddie in this story is DHA (dihydroxyacetone) - it's the ingredient that actually darkens the skin. It was first approved for use by the FDA in the 70s but at that point it was only intended to be used in tanning creams. Not one of the beauty brains at the time could have looked into the tan-coloured future and foreseen the development and subsequent popularity of spray tans but here they are. The problem is, with spray tans the DHA is dispersed into the air and potentially into the lungs and bloodstream - something that was never considered when initially approving it for tanning creams.
Dr. Rey Panettieri, a toxicologist and lung specialist at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine had this to say about the findings.
Note that he has 'concerns' and we should be 'wary'. This is not a final damnation on spray tans as being carcinogenic. He goes on to say,
The agency has advised consumers who spray tan (and of course, therapists who offer it as a treatment) are "not protected from the unapproved used of this colour additive if they are inhaling the mist or allowing it to get inside their body." The agency recommends, "consumers should request measures to protect their eyes and mucous membranes and prevent inhalation."
As I mentioned at the beginning, these are the conclusions of early tests that have been conducted on non human cells - further studies will be conducted. It's an issue that we should be aware of but not an issue that should send us into a full scale panic.
I'd be interested to know how many therapists wear masks when spray tanning and how many clients have ever expressed a desire to wear a mask or cover eyes etc. I know that whenever I've had a spray tan neither myself or my therapist have worn a mask. Has this ever been a concern to you? Does this concern you now?
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
The spray tan has always been considered the 'safer option' compared to demonised sunbeds and irresponsible tanning habits but now, a study from the University of Pennsylvania has indicated that some ingredients of spray tan formulas should not be inhaled.
The chemical baddie in this story is DHA (dihydroxyacetone) - it's the ingredient that actually darkens the skin. It was first approved for use by the FDA in the 70s but at that point it was only intended to be used in tanning creams. Not one of the beauty brains at the time could have looked into the tan-coloured future and foreseen the development and subsequent popularity of spray tans but here they are. The problem is, with spray tans the DHA is dispersed into the air and potentially into the lungs and bloodstream - something that was never considered when initially approving it for tanning creams.
Dr. Rey Panettieri, a toxicologist and lung specialist at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine had this to say about the findings.
❝I have concerns. The reason I'm concerned is the deposition of the tanning agents into the lungs could really facilitate or aid systemic absorption - that is getting into the bloodstream. These compounds in some cells could actually promote the development of cancers or malignancies and if that's the case then we need to be wary of them.❞
Note that he has 'concerns' and we should be 'wary'. This is not a final damnation on spray tans as being carcinogenic. He goes on to say,
❝DHA should not be inhaled or ingested...The use of DHA in 'tanning' booths as an all-over spray has not been approved by the FDA since safety data to support this use has not been submitted to the agency for review and evaluation.❞
The agency has advised consumers who spray tan (and of course, therapists who offer it as a treatment) are "not protected from the unapproved used of this colour additive if they are inhaling the mist or allowing it to get inside their body." The agency recommends, "consumers should request measures to protect their eyes and mucous membranes and prevent inhalation."
As I mentioned at the beginning, these are the conclusions of early tests that have been conducted on non human cells - further studies will be conducted. It's an issue that we should be aware of but not an issue that should send us into a full scale panic.
I'd be interested to know how many therapists wear masks when spray tanning and how many clients have ever expressed a desire to wear a mask or cover eyes etc. I know that whenever I've had a spray tan neither myself or my therapist have worn a mask. Has this ever been a concern to you? Does this concern you now?
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.