The summer months typically bring violent storms and the beginning of summer 2012 saw them rolling through much of the U.S. Just as the clouds, hail, thunder and rain seemed to pass, another round could come ripping through … and so it seemed with a recent round of media backlash for indoor tanning.
This time, the industry’s sunless/spray-tan sector was under attack. In early June, ABC News’ “Good Morning America” sent film crews to investigate the heretofore, “safe” side of indoor tanning and found that many salon operators were not offering covers, filters or other forms of protection, per FDA recommendations. Some salon staff had made some pretty outlandish claims about their services, as well.
Why all the fuss? The FDA approved the use of DHA as an ingredient in cosmetics many years ago. Some of you remember it being used in early self-tanning type lotion products. However, it was approved in lotions used only for topical application, not in misting solutions.
The FDA had actually issued its view on DHA in spray-tanning many years ago, stating …“that 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, When using DHA-containing products as an all-over spray or mist in a commercial spray ‘tanning’ booth, it may be difficult to avoid exposure in a manner for which DHA is not approved, including the area of the eyes, lips, or mucous membrane, or even internally.
- Consequently, FDA advises asking the following questions when considering commercial facilities where DHA is applied by spraying or misting:
- 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?
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.”
Now, this view is different from those offered by others. The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety from December, 2010 found that:
- SCCS is of the opinion that the use of Dihydroxyacetone as a self-tanning ingredient in cosmetic formulations up to 10% will not pose a risk to the health of the consumer.
- Based upon the available information, the SCCS considers that the use of Dihydroxyacetone as a self-tanning ingredient in spray cabins up to 14% will not pose a risk to the health of the consumer.
- Lastly, the SCCS does not have any further scientific concerns regarding the use of DHA in a spray solution as a tanning agent without UV.
Alas, that is the European Commission’s viewpoint, not the FDA’s. It might seem perplexing that the FDA and European Commission aren’t in agreement on DHA, but there isn’t consensus on sunbed regulations between these two, either.
But let’s get back to the FDA. Its recommendations on consumers using protective covers and filters and to avoid sunless solution mist contact with mucous membranes have been available since 2006. In fact, claims and protective advice offered in salons providing sunless tanning opportunities have been investigated since 2006, as well.
ist Magazine’s Sun is Life® Training and Certification program is designed to offer all salons (UV and sunless) the most current info regarding governmental recommendations and restrictions. The restriction on making medical/health claims is probably the most notable. Should state and/or federal changes regarding claims or any other changes or updates be confirmed, our online training program can instantly “morph” to accommodate the change, rather than waiting until the next time a training course manual or update is published.
But, not all U.S. salons have taken the Sun is Life Training and Certification program (just yet!) If so, they would have had the necessary factual info to bring them immediately into compliance with the FDA. After the “GMA” broadcast, we were inundated with so many questions and comments, that we shifted into overdrive and offered a bonus: the first 50 salons to reply to our eblast and facebook post on the subject received our “Got Sunless?” Sun is Life training module, free of charge. Next, we offered a downloadable PDF document stating FDA’s recommendations on spray-tanning protection – again, free of charge. Then to top it off, we assembled a disclaimer (similar to that used for UV services) offering consumer guidance and advice on recommended spray-tan protective measures.
If you haven’t signed up for Sun is Life training, please visit sunislifetraining.com, where you’ll find a free preview of one of the program modules. You’re going to like what you see. The program is available 24/7and features easy-to-use, easy-to-understand online lessons (only $9 each!) and specifically trains you and your team on what should and should not be said in salons about all types of indoor tanning services.
The cloud may have passed … but the storm may be far from over.
