Is Sunless Tanning Safe?
How Self-Tanners Work
To understand the risks and advantages of sunless tanners, you must know how they work. Sunless tanners contain the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone, which is a simple carbohydrate, a colorless sugar. DHA reacts with the amino acids in the skin cells from the top layer of the epidermis, which is the outer layer of skin. The reaction causes the skin cells to turn a bronze or tan color.Because the sunless tanning products only alter the one layer of skin, the results aren’t permanent. In fact, they only last about a week. Tanning beds and the sun’s rays work on the deepest layer of the epidermis and have longer results even though that tan also fades over time.
What Makes Sunless Tanners Safer
The main reason sunless tanning products are a safer option is because they don’t contain UV rays. They won’t damage your skin or cause age spots. You won’t get wrinkles or dry skin from using these products.Another concern people have with these types of products is the DHA contained in most of the products. This ingredient has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in products. It’s been used in cosmetics for several years, and is seen as a safe product at the level used in self-tanners.
The amount of DHA in most of these tanners is between three and five percent, which provides no significant impact outside of altering the skin tone. Only if it’s used in high concentrations would there be cause for concern.
Concerns for Sunless Tanners
The main risk in using these tanning products is in regards to the inhalation of the spray or ingestion. If you wear masks and eye protection when spraying and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth while applying any tanning product, you will be safe.Another concern for people who use sunless tanners is a lack of proper coverage when out in the sun. Many assume that because they have a fake glow, they don’t need to worry about sunburn. Sunless tanners only protect the skin from sun damage if they contain sunscreen. Otherwise, they do nothing to prevent sunburn.
When tanning in the sun, the tan you end up with does provide some protection from future sunburns. However, this small benefit doesn’t outweigh the risks involved with the damage that results from being a sun-worshipper.
The Dangerous Version of Sunless Tanning
There is one type of sunless tanning you should be aware of. Tanning pills are ingested and will turn your skin a tannish color. These products generally contain an additive called canthaxanthin, which is considered to be unsafe. They can damage your live and even harm your vision.What About Airbrush Tanning?
Airbrush tanning, which is just a spray tan applied by a professional is just as safe as other topical applications. Just make sure to cover your eyes and don’t let it get in your nose or mouth. The person who sprays you will most likely wear a mask to protect himself or herself, so it only makes sense for you to do the same. The same active ingredient, DHA, seen in other products is also in the airbrush tanning.Some users do experience a rash when using sunless tanning products, but it’s often caused from other ingredients rather than the DHA. It’s usually harmless and goes away after a while. If you discover you get a rash, you may want to switch products.
Sunless tanning products are the safer alternative to tanning in the sun or a tanning bed. They don’t cause damage to your skin or make you look older than you are. They won’t turn your skin into a piece of dried leather. When you use these tanners, all you get is the beautiful bronze look with none of the risks and dangers that come with the other methods of tanning. For a safe, fabulous tan, these tanners are the only way to go.
