Skin care

Spray Tanning News: Is it Really Dangerous?

Not convinced that spray tanning really causes cancer? Here's the info you need before you decide to get a faux glow this summer

by Sarah Carrillo

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Minimize your risk If you don't want to stop spray tanning, there are ways to at least minimize the amount of DHA that gets in your system. Rigel recommends covering your eyes with goggles and using nose plugs. But he warns there may still be some absorption, since the particles can stay in the air and goggles and nose plugs don't block everything.

If you decide to get a spray tan, you might want to bring your own eye covers and nose plug, though: ABC News found that nine out of 12 salons they visited didn't have these in stock.

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Older comments

Thank you for this fascinating piece! I always feared that there had to be harmful chemicals to change the color of skin, especially detrimental when inhaled as a spray. I'll stick to my "whiter shade of pale."

by GigiSD Monday, April 29, 2013 at 08:33PM Report as inappropriate

I think tanning in general is just dangerous!

by Misselizabeth Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 01:59AM Report as inappropriate

Nice to know

by EricaC123 Friday, December 28, 2012 at 04:46PM Report as inappropriate

I guess bronzing make-up is here to stay.

by skinpro Friday, August 17, 2012 at 07:07PM Report as inappropriate

When I see articles about xyz causes cancer, my first reaction is, "what doesn't these days?" However, im confused by this article because it kept going back and forth between spray tan in a bottle and spray tan from the store. I use spray tan in a bottle. I can't live without it. I am getting older and my legs need as much color as I can give them to coverup problems. I think I will keep using the product (Lancôme, love it!) until more research is done. Seriously, is there anything that doesn't cause cancer? If the spray tan doesn't contain DHA is it okay? I need more info!

by Cheryl5752 Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 02:06AM Report as inappropriate

very interesting

by LittleBunny Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 01:08PM Report as inappropriate

hm interesting

by Nicole2814 Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 05:04PM Report as inappropriate

I am comfortable with the color of my skin. :)

by yestfl Monday, July 23, 2012 at 09:54AM Report as inappropriate

I agree with Crystal0107. We need to do our own research, read labels, and become very knowledgeable about how to proceed.

by CaroleVonAllten Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 05:15PM Report as inappropriate

I think the best thing to do is be smart. Do your own research, read labels and do what is best for you.

by Crystal0107 Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 07:22PM Report as inappropriate