Are Professional Spray Tanning Salons Really Harmful

It’s been some time now that the professional spray tanning industry has become the subject of a heated debate, on the veracity of claims that tanning salons have become a hot bed for melanoma. But is there truth to these claims? A report by the World Health Organization that the use of tanning beds increases the risk of developing skin cancer by about 75 per cent.

However a deep study of this data reveals that the data actually quoted is the average increase and not the original risk, which is very low. This risk is so low that even with a 75 per cent increase, the final risk is under 1 per cent. If the perceived threat is so low, why is that everyone up in arms against tanning salons? This could probably be blamed on the fact that the growth of the tanning industry could result in a possible loss to cosmetic dermatologists who charge anywhere from $100 or more for a single session for phototherapy, whereas tanning salons charge much less.

The sun has always been considered the best option for those looking to soak up Vitamin D. This essential nutrient as we all know helps to absorb calcium and protect the immune system from everyday infections. But then, you also risk burning your skin and develop wrinkles. But tanning salons allow professionals to control the UV exposure. You can also get a UV -free tanning done on yourself. Often sold as creams, gels and lotions, these have become very popular.

Air brush tanning has also become very popular method of sunless or UV free tanning and is being used by many professional tanning salons. These salons use DHA or Dihydroxyacetone as an active ingredient. When applied to the skin the DHA reacts with the dead skin to darken it.

Tanning also helps to protect the skin from a sun burn. The melanin produced as a result of the tanning protects and shields the skin from the harsh effects of the sun, thereby protecting it from sun burn and too much exposure to UV rays. It is also known to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. Vitamin D is also known to prevent Alzheimer’s.

Indeed there are health benefits of tanning. But the biggest lure is indeed the fact that we all love a sun kissed skin. In fact, we’ve been ingrained this idea from very early on in our lives that the darker shades of skin are the healthiest and hence the most preferred.

The next time you choose to visit a salon for a red light therapy session, feel comforted from the fact that you are in fact protecting your skin against sunburn.