Charles Darwin believed in natural selection – survival of the fittest. The tongue-in-cheek Darwin Awards are given to people who contribute most to the evolution of humanity by removing their genetic material from the gene pool. They do something so stupid (and usually, fatal), they ensure that their genes will absolutely not spread.
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Witness Jamie McBride, a young “bird” as they say, from England. She uses a special nasal spray that she claims will deepen her tan. Jamie choses this method as she has a fear of needles, which stopped her from trying tanning injections. Although banned and unlicensed in the UK, there really has not been a lot of research into the potential risks that this type of “bronzing” nasal spray could pose. Geez, there isn’t really any research showing that it even works! Alas, that won’t stop Jamie from taking a squeeze and sniff of the product. She says that she feels more beautiful with a tan, but hates the odor of a “false tan.” Of course, this makes the nasal spray use even more confusing, yeah? I hear that so far, she has had no side effects to speak of. My research on sniffing also took me over to spray paint, super glue, magic markers and so on. Inhaling these products will clearly put you in line with respiratory issues and headaches. Don’t put super glue on anything that you don’t want bonded together … like your fingers, let’s say. But, I digress.
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Well, on this side of the pond in the good ol’ USA, we’ve got a group called the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which offers some pretty detailed information on the use of dihydroxyacetone – otherwise known as DHA – the active (bronzing) ingredient in spray-tan solutions. It’s restricted to external applications, not to be used on the lips or any body part covered by mucous membrane. So, what does the FDA recommend to consumers who frequent salons that offer spray-tanning?
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The FDA advises asking the following questions when considering commercial facilities where DHA is applied by spraying or misting:
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- Are consumers protected from exposure in the entire area of the eyes, in addition to the eyes themselves?
- Are consumers protected from exposure on the lips and all parts of the body covered by mucous membrane?
- Are consumers protected from internal exposure caused by inhaling or ingesting the product?
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If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” the consumer is not protected from the unapproved use of this color additive. Consumers should request measures to protect their eyes and mucous membranes and prevent inhalation of DHA mist.
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Note that most professional salons offer nose filters and eye protection. Another important point: a spray-tan does not provide photoprotection from indoor or outdoor UV exposure. Always apply and re-apply the appropriate SPF for your skin type when exposed to natural sunlight, especially between 10am-2pm.
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For more information on FDA and state regulations, take advantage of our current $99 tanning salon staff training special and get your team certified at sunislife.com.
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