Tanning Booth Dangers and Alternatives

Tanning booths were first introduced in 1999 and by 2000, there were about 20,000 tanning salons that popped up across the United States. Every day, more than a million people were visiting tanning salons. Since this data was provided in 2000, it’s safe to assume that the number of tanning booths and tanning salons and regular visitors per day has dramatically increased.

What is a Tanning Booth?

A tanning booth is a stationary upright booth. A booth is usually a misters that rotates 360 degree around you and applies the tanning solution evenly on your body, or alternatively it is an upright tanning bed, which uses bulbs to shoot out UV A rays to provide the tan.

Tanning Booth Dangers

Although a tanning booth is quick and easy to use and does a good job of  uniformly tanning your body, it also has negative aspects just like we previously mentioned in the dangers of tanning beds.

When it comes to the spray or mist tanning booths, not only is your entire body exposed but you are likely to get unwanted exposure to DHA. DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is contained in sunless tanners which reacts with the amino acids in the dead layer of your skin and turns it brown.

Although DHA is not absorbed into the body and is considered non-toxis, the FDA advisory warned against such spraying tanning booths because there are possibilities that tanners might ingest some fo the DHA. A  much safer solution is to use self tanning wipes or towelletes as they do not spray anything into the air and the application is just as easier, quick and clean.

According to the FDA, it is suggested that tanners cover and protect sensitive skin areas such as eyes, lips, and mucous membranes from the spray and accidental inhalation of DHA-contained chemicals.

Whatever warnings the FDA provides or tanning salons claim, it’s up to you to be well informed to make your decision. Tans look great but there are other safe alternatives which doesn’t cause skin cancer.

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