DETROIT – Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in America. More than three-and-a-half million people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States each year.
Many of you may consider spray tanning as an alternative to the sun. Help Me Hank wanted to know more about the process, the chemicals and any potential risks. So, we teamed up with Local 4 Medical Expert Dr. Frank McGeorge to give you the information you need about spray tanning.
"I take such good care of my insides that I feel like caring for my skin is something that I also need to do, and I feel like doing this is caring for my skin in a great way," said Erin Young as she prepared for a weekly spray tanning session.
Dr. Frank McGeorge says he agrees and has few concerns about spray tanning as an alternative to soaking up the sun's rays. "Spray tanning is a great way to get a healthy glow without exposing yourself to the dangers of ultraviolet radiation," he said.
Spray tanning: sensitive skin?
Still, like anything you put on your skin, you should know as much as possible about the spray tanning process. Up first, be sure you keep the chemicals on the outside of your body. "The main chemical in spray tanning is DHA and it can cause some problems if its inhaled or you expose it to your eyes or mouth," warned Dr. McGeorge.
He also warns people with sensitive skin to take great care with the spray tanner they use. Some salons might add perfumes or additives that could irritate your skin. If that's a concern, you can shop around for a mixture that works for you.
However, Dr. McGeorge warns if you are sensitive to the base chemical, DHA, you may have a bigger challenge. "Most spray tanners use the same base chemical. So, if you're sensitive or allergic to that chemical you've got a serious problem and should stop using it."
How it works
Each spraying session produces an instant tan that lasts about five to 10 days depending on your skin tone and activity level. Experts say it's best to have your last spray tan completely faded before getting another.
"I liken it to fingernail polish where when it starts to come off, you need to get it all the way off before you put it on," said salon owner Angela Alney.
And, Doctor McGeorge offers this advice, "Prior to spray tanning, you do need to completely exfoliate, you need to remove the dead layer of skin cells and that's so the spray tan can get into that top layer more easily and frankly be a more effective tan."
Angie Hicks is the founder of Angie's List, a website offering customer reviews of businesses across the country. She also has this advice, "There is not a certification for spray tanning. So, you need to do the homework for yourself. Talk to them, find out their experience and find someone that can do an even tan."
Because there is no certification, your homework should include looking at online reviews (on sites like Angie's List and the Better Business Bureau), get referrals from friends, and get a tour of the salon before making a spray tan appointment. Make sure everything is clean and that you'll feel comfortable during the process.
"Spray tanning is a very easy process that usually only takes about 10 minutes. While you can use the automated booth to have a spray tan, a trained professional can often times get you a more even spray tan," added Hicks.
Angie's List says one spray tan session will cost you around 30 to 50 dollars, but most facilities offer discounted rates with multiple sessions. Experts say you should wait at least eight hours after each session before you shower or do anything that would cause you to sweat.
And, Dr. Frank McGeorge offers this final piece of important advice, "One really important thing to remember about spray tanning is it provides absolutely no protection against the ultra-violet rays of the sun. So, a spray tan means you still need to use sunscreen."
Hopefully, this information will help you decide if spray tanning might be an option for you.