Unless you've been living in a cave for the past several years (in which case, tanning is obviously low on your list of priorities), you've heard and read enough to know that the sun can really do a number on your skin. A smattering of freckles or age spots is hardly the end of the world, but skin cancer is striking more people -- at a younger age -- than ever before. As for wrinkles, you'll be blessed with a few laugh lines no matter what you do, so why make matters worse? But many people have come to associate a tan with a relaxed, luxurious lifestyle and sometimes we still want that bronzed look. Happily, you do have a few options for achieving a "truly healthy glow."
Don't Get Burned
The most important thing to remember about artificial tans is that they have no power to protect your skin against the sun. In fact, they can be more dangerous than no tan at all because they tend to instill a false sense of security. By all means, when using artificial tanners, slather yourself with the same amount of sunscreen you would use if you were as pale as a ghost.
Look for DHA on the Package
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is currently the only active ingredient approved by the FDA for artificial tanning. It interacts with the proteins in the outer layer of your skin to produce a darkening effect.
Smooth Out the Rough Spots
Rough, dry skin doesn't take well to artificial tanning and creates an uneven skin tone. First, exfoliate gently with a sea sponge or loofah, then take great care to apply the product as smoothly and evenly as possible.
Tanning Pills Pale in Comparison
You may have heard of tanning pills, which contain chemicals related to vitamin A from fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Unless you want your skin color to resemble that of a carrot, an orange, or a tomato (which is where those chemicals occur naturally), steer clear of them. In fact, ones containing beta-carotene or canthaxanthin have been banned by the FDA due to dangerous side effects.
Dihydroxyacetone
Dihydroxyacetone is an FDA-approved ingredient used in cosmetics to give a tan-like appearance without sun exposure. Dihydroxyacetone reacts with the proteins in keratin to produce the color change on your skin. However, it can cause allergic contact dermatitis.
Carotenoid dyes
Canthaxanthin is a common carotenoid that is included in tanning pills. When taken orally, carotenoid dyes enter the bloodstream and are deposited in the skin. Although carotenoids are approved at low levels as food coloring, the amount needed to color the skin is much higher. The levels of carotenoids necessary to produce a change in skin color may produce carotenemia (yellowing of the skin). Tanning pills have also been associated with anemia, allergy, abdominal cramps, liver damage, nausea, diarrhea, and eye discoloration. They are not approved by the FDA and should not be used.
Tyrosine
Melanin is the skin pigment that gives the skin a tan color. It is synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine, which is an ingredient added in tan accelerators. This assumes that tyrosine in tanning creams can penetrate the skin, diffuse through body tissues, enter melanocytes, and then increase production of melanin. Unfortunately, tyrosine, when applied through tanning creams does not work.
Appropriate Uses
Sun-free self-tanner
Dyes the skin a tan-like color without sun exposure.
Tanning pills
Dyes the skin a tan-like color without sun exposure.
Common Misconceptions
Sun-free self-tanner
Does not protect your skin from the sun.
Tanning pills
Not approved by the FDA and should not be used.
Like Sunshine in a Bottle
Be sure that the product you use already has a sunscreen or use a separate one.
Exfoliate your skin with a loofah before applying sunless tanning lotions to avoid uneven application of color.
Apply to skin in thin layer wherever you want color. Avoid getting product on hair or eyebrows because it can color hair.
To avoid staining clothing, wait about 30 minutes for the product to dry before putting on clothes. Try wearing dark clothing to avoid staining.
Tanning lotion tends to get applied unevenly to areas such as elbows, ankles, and knees. To remove excess and avoid uneven darkening, wipe over joints and creases with a wet cotton pad.
Wash your hands thoroughly so you don't have tanned palms.
Don't shave, bathe, or swim for at least an hour after applying the product.
Beware of Tanning Pills
Do not use tanning pills without first consulting your physician.
Pills containing beta-carotene or canthaxanthin are not approved by the FDA.
Beta-carotene and canthaxanthin are carotenoids often used as plant dyes. They are approved as dyes by the FDA, but not for use in tanning pills.
It Isn't a Sunscreen Unless It Says So
Only a few sunless tanning products contain sunscreen. Check the label for the SPF.
You are just as likely to burn under sun exposure with an artificial tan as without one. Sunless tanning dyes do not provide any protection from the sun.
Do not use if you are allergic to dihydroxyacetone (DHA) or any other ingredient in the product.
Beware the Orange Tan
Sunless tanning products may give you uneven color, or yellowish or orange skin. Skin with blemishes is particularly likely to result in an uneven-looking tan.
Better Pale than Sorry
Do not use oral tanning products (containing beta-carotene or canthazanthin). They have been associated with fatal blood problems, retinopathy, hepatitis, and urticaria (a type of rash).
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