A bronzy glow may be the look you want for summer, but you likely know that sunbathing or using tanning beds could expose you to ultraviolet rays, which raise your risk for skin cancer. A spray tan may seem like a safer option for sun-kissed skin — but is it?
In reality, “the safest option is no tan via sun, tanning bed, spray or lotion,” Dr. Allison Larson, the physician executive director of dermatology at MedStar Health in Washington, D.C., told HuffPost. “Love the skin you have.”
Still, doctors recognize that you may want a tan. And spray tans are “definitely safer from a skin cancer perspective,” said Dr. Kenneth Mark, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. “We know that sun exposure and its ultraviolet rays damage our skin cells’ DNA and predispose us to skin cancer and skin aging, in general, including sun spots, wrinkles, thinning of skin and collagen breakdown.”
While spray tans are safer than lying out in the sun or using a tanning bed, they’re not risk-free. Here’s what medical experts want you to know about them.
How Do Spray Tans Work?
Spray tans are made of a sugar compound called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) that reacts to the proteins in the outer layer of your skin, giving you a bronzed color, said Marc Hurlbert, a pharmacologist and CEO of the Melanoma Research Alliance.
DHA is a colorless compound that’s applied as a fine mist by a trained technician. “It doesn’t involve melanin or UV exposure, just a surface-level chemical reaction,” Dr. Asmi Berry, a dermatologist in Los Angeles, told HuffPost. That reaction produces a temporary tan that fades over several days as your skin cells turn over and naturally exfoliate, she said.
The biggest benefit is that you get a tan without exposing yourself to UV rays, Hurlbert said. This is important, as skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and 1 in 5 Americans will develop it in their lifetimes, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Spray tans also often produce quick results, Larson said. And if you struggle to apply self-tanners evenly, spray tans can provide “streak-free color,” Berry added.
“Spray tans are ideal if you want fast, all-over results and don’t want to risk sun exposure,” Berry said. “Compared to self-tanning lotions or mousses, spray tans can be more even and less messy, but they require a trip to the salon.”
The Biggest Spray Tan Risk
The Food and Drug Administration has approved DHA for use in sunless tanners but not in spray tans. The agency says, “the use of DHA in ‘tanning’ booths as an all-over spray has not been approved by the FDA.” The reason is that there’s a lack of safety data on the effects of inhaling the DHA mist.
This is notable, Larson said. “Based on animal and cell culture studies, we have reasons to be concerned about a negative impact on the lungs when DHA is inhaled. It is not yet known the degree of impact a spray tan would have, if inhaled, or how long this might last.”
Inhaling particles from a chemical that’s not tested for use as a spray tan could pose an “unknown risk” for anyone, but especially those with asthma or pregnant women, Hurlbert said. The impact of getting DHA in your eyes, mouth or nose is also unknown.
“So, ultimate all-around safety cannot be confirmed,” he noted.
Experts also aren’t sure how much DHA is absorbed into the body from the skin or what impact that will have, Larson said.
Is A Spray Tan Good For Your Skin?
There’s the potential for DHA to irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction, Berry said. If you have a history of eczema or sensitive skin, she recommended doing a test patch or checking with your dermatologist first. Spray tans may also contain fragrances, which some people find irritating, Hurlbert said.
Getting spray tans too often could lead to a buildup of DHA on your skin, which might cause dryness, Berry said.
Keep in mind, too, that spray tans don’t protect your skin from UV rays — so you still need to wear sunscreen and take steps to reduce your risk for skin cancer, Larson said.
However, not everyone does that. A 2018 study published in JAMA Dermatology found that people who use sunless tanners often engaged in risky skin cancer-related behaviors, such as not seeking shade or wearing protective clothing outdoors. They were also more likely to report a recent sunburn.
Research also suggests that DHA application followed by sunlight exposure can lead to damaging free radical formation in the skin, which could possibly lead to skin cancer, Larson said. That’s why wearing sunscreen after a spray tan is crucial.
Other studies have shown that DHA could damage the DNA of skin cells, Mark said. DNA damage is linked to skin cancer and may hinder new cell growth.
How To Increase The Safety Of Spray Tans
Since we don’t know the full risk of inhaling DHA, Mark recommended covering your eyes, nose, lips and mouth during a spray tan to avoid exposure. However, he acknowledged, “That could prove challenging to also tan your face.”
And make sure the room is ventilated, Hurlbert added.
When you get a spray tan, they’ll tell you how long to leave it on before showering. Follow those directions to ensure the tan sets properly, and then moisturize daily to keep your skin barrier healthy and to maintain the tan, Berry said. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen before going outside, Larson emphasized.
The bottom line is spray tans are safer for skin than suntanning or using a tanning bed when it comes to skin cancer risk, Mark said. But they could still bring some safety concerns.
“The aerosolized ‘spray’ form has not necessarily been studied enough or proven to be safe,” he said.