Houma, LA
A 17-year-old male asked:
Are spray on tans that you can pick up in a can from local drug store safe?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ed Friedlanderanswered
Pathology 46 years experience
Yes: Dihydroxyacetone darkens the dead layer of your skin the same way that charring darkens a burger. Some folks inhale the contents of the can which is a bad idea; close eyes & hold breath when spraying your face. Trusting you simply want the tan, much favored by bodybuilders.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Myra Skluthanswered
Internal Medicine 37 years experience
Perhaps: They probably are safer than a tanning bed which exposes you to the risk of developing skin cancer. I am not sure exactly what the ingredients are in tanning sprays. They may also contain carcinogens. Environmental working group: ewg.Com is a good site to check it out.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment
Dr. Dan Fisher commented
Internal Medicine 29 years experience
Dihydroxyacetone is the active ingredient.
Mar 12, 2013
Last updated Dec 9, 2013
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