You thought you were doing the “safe” thing by staying out of the sun and embracing spray tans -recently developments show you may be wrong!

University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, told ABC News:

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.

The specific tanning agent is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which has the potential to cause genetic alterations and DNA damage. The FDA states on it’s website:

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 advises those who spray tan that they are not protected from the unapproved use of this color additive if they are inhaling the mist or allowing it to get inside their body.

Consumers should request measures to protect their eyes and mucous membranes and prevent inhalation.

What does this mean for your Summer Glow? Will you be cancelling your next spray tan appointment? Tell us!