Facts About Sunless Tanning Products

By Haywood Hunter


Sunless tanning, which is also known as self tanning, is the use of chemicals on skin to produce results that are similar to that of a suntan. This practice has become more popular in the last few decades. It began in the 1960s when there was increased concern over the effects of sun exposure and tan beds. Health officials urged individuals to not use these methods, which were being linked to skin cancer and other health problems. There are now numerous sunless tanning products on the market that are considered safer alternatives.



These sunless tanning products are considered a safe alternative that still offers the desired change to skin color. They do not include chemicals that are as harmful as natural ultraviolet rays. These products are available in many different forms: creams, sprays, gels and lotions, to name a few. Typically they are applied directly on the skin.

DHA, Dihydroxyacetone, is an active ingredient used in many sunless tanning products. The chemical temporarily darkens the skin when it is applied. The change in color will not was off, but instead, fade over time. Most of the tans last for three to seven days, but it will depend on product usage and quality. Generally, such formulas do not have ingredients that protect against the sun, for instance: sunscreen. This is done because sunless tanning products are not designed for outdoor application or use.



Sunless tanning products may be Carotenoid based. These formulas are associated with better results because they use beta-carotene, which is both natural and permanent. Carotenoids are naturally found in fruits and vegetables and are what give such foods their color. Afamelanotide and Tyrosine are examples of other chemicals employed.

Tanning pills are widely available and used as sunless tanning products. Most of the supplements of this kind have beta-carotene, which is not considered harmful. Still, high dosages of these pills can cause skin to turn yellow or orange. Some pills include Canthaxanthin, which is not as favorable because it is known to cause hives and orange skin.

Bronzers are used as sunless tanning products as well. These may be considered makeup, particularly when in powder form, but give skin a desirable color and glow. Bronzer may come as a powder, spray, gel, mousse, moisturizer or lotion. The ingredients found in these products may also be present in makeup. Bronzing gives a natural glow and subtle darkening.

As a whole, these sunless tanning products are known to be safer than the exposure to UV rays that is standard with normal tan techniques. They give the skin a natural and even tan when used correctly. Some tips for proper application: exfoliating skin before adding the formula, use a light touch when applying the product to give more even coverage, apply product on the top of the hands as a last step, and allow liquid-based formulas reasonable time to settle and dry.

Sunless tanning products are a popular way to change the look of skin without putting oneself at risk for skin cancer and other health problems linked to excessive exposure to the sun. The formulas of sunless tanning products come in a variety of forms, such as gels, pills, lotions and sprays. The results are known to range, but typically last three to seven days.




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