Are Spray Tans Actually Safe? Here's What To Know Before You Get Bronze For Summer

Ah! Summer. The time of tent dresses, shorts, and everything light and breezy. It's also the time when we finally get a little bit of sexy tan as we head out to the pool or the beach. However, getting a tan with the help of mother nature (aka the sun) not only takes time, but the sun's UV rays can be unkind (and dangerous!) to our skin, which is why there are concerns around whether safe sun tanning is even possible. So, in lieu of sunbathing, we may opt for a spray tan to get our bronze allure for the season. But, again, we have to ask how safe is this method, really? While it is a safer alternative to sunbathing, it does unfortunately, pose some potential risks to our health.

A closer look at these tanning product labels will show that they include an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. "DHA is a simple sugar which, when applied to the skin, leads to a chemical reaction involving the uppermost part of the skin known as the stratum corneum," Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, dermatologist and author of Beyond Soap told the Sunday Edit. "DHA interacts with amino acids of the keratinocyte cells, leading to a darkening effect. I like to explain to patients that it is similar to the caramelization of onions — when you cook them they darken. It's a simple chemical reaction."

The more spray you apply on your skin (and thus the more DHA) the darker the tanning result will be. It typically takes anywhere between one to three days for the full effect to set in. So, is DHA safe? While it is FDA-approved, there are some concerns that you need to be aware of before getting a spray tan.

The good news is that the Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of DHA for external use only. The bad news is, that while using the spray, you may inadvertently breathe it in through your nose and mouth. However, consuming DHA falls under internal use, which means that "tanning booths" that use a full body spray are not approved due to an inhalation or ingestion hazard. "The use of DHA in 'tanning' booths as an all-over spray has not been approved by the FDA ... When using DHA-containing products as an all-over spray or mist in a commercial spray 'tanning' booth, it may be difficult to avoid exposure in a manner for which DHA is not approved, including the area of the eyes, lips, or mucous membrane, or even internally," the FDA cautions.

According to a 2018 research study published in the Journal of Environmental Toxicology, exposure to DHA leads to a cytotoxic effect on our cells, damaging their DNA. Moreover, some researchers suggest that inhalation of this active ingredient can negatively impact our health and lead to asthma, pulmonary dysfunction, and even lung cancer. According to the Journal of Aesthetic Dermatology, other side effects of using DHA include "rashes, cough, dizziness, and fainting."

Users have also reported an unpleasant smell on their bodies following the spray application. Some products use fragrances to conceal this odor, but this has led to some allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to certain types of scents. Additionally, the parabens in these products can lead to rosacea and an inflammatory hypersensitivity reaction on the skin, known as allergic contact dermatitis.

A 2004 research article published in the Journal Mutation Research suggested that contrary to previous belief (aka that DHA stays only on the dead cells of the outer skin level), a report by the FDA suggested that an approximate 11% of the product actually penetrates into the inner levels of our skin, and "the living cells of the epidermis and dermis." However, further research needs to take place before reaching any definitive conclusions on the effects of DHA. "There just isn't enough data yet, at this point,'" dermatologist, Dr. Jennifer Lucas told Cleveland Clinic.

Surely, when compared to tanning beds and traditional tanning methods, spray tans are safer. This is primarily due to the fact they do not expose your body to harmful UV rays from the sun or UVA rays from tanning beds. So, if you are itching to get that bronze glow, then spray tans are probably the way to go. Of course, if you are going to use a tanning booth, properly prep your skin first, and ensure that the specialists there provide adequate protection for your eyes, nose, and mouth to avoid ingestion and inhalation of the spray mist. Plus, you have to remember that a spray tan doesn't last that long because "it is not a base tan," as Dr. Lucas explains. With that in mind, you will still need to fully protect yourself from sunburns by applying at least a 30 SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen before heading outdoors.

So, to spray or not to spray? On that, Dr. Lucas says, "If you have to have a tan, I would much rather you get a spray tan or use a self-tanner than the other alternatives."