A lot of us just feel better and assume we look better with a sun-kissed glow on our skin. And we think we're making a healthy choice opting for artificial tanners instead of roasting in the sun and allowing UVA and UVB rays to cause irreversible skin damage. But there's a scary downside to spray tanners that you might not know about.
The Danger Of Spray Tanning
Spray tanning salons have become immensely popular in recent years. Instead of risking leaving your skin a streaky mess (and wreaking havoc on your bathroom tiles), a fake tan applied by a salon professional takes just minutes, looks super natural, and covers your entire body — so your knees won't look three shades darker than the backs of your legs.
The Danger Of Spray Tanning
The downside to spray tanning is that many formulas contain between 1 and 15 percent DHA, which is an omega-3 fatty acid and color additive used to create that deep fake glow. Since the salon pro applying your tan is using a spray formula of it, there's a greater risk of inhaling DHA or getting it into your eyes, which can cause dizziness, headaches, and nausea. If you are hooked on spray tanning, it is recommended that you always wear protective gear for the mouth, nose, and eyes.
The Danger Of Spray Tanning
Another great option? Opt for a manual application of self tanner, as there is no clear evidence that DHA applied topically is harmful. There are also plenty of natural DHA-free self tanners on the market that you can use if you prefer to not take chances. Many of these formulas are well regarded and made from organic ingredients.
