 Sun
Safe Tanning
With cases of skin cancer on the rise, more Americans are wising
up about sun safety. Put your money where your skin is. Get all
the benefits of a beautiful tan without soaking up those harmful
rays.
Sunless-tanning products also known as "self-tanners"
contain an ingredient called dihyroxyacetone (DHA), a colorless
sugar that interacts with dead skin-cells in the epidermis causing
the skin to turn a bronze color. The effects of DHA are temporary
because as dead cells naturally rub off, your sunless tan will fade,
just like a natural tan.
Tan From a Bottle
The important difference between a natural tan and a sunless tan
is harm from the sun is permanent. Getting a real suntan breaks
down the DNA in your skin, but using self-tanners cause no damage
at all.
Self-tanners have come a long way in the cosmetic industry. They
are now suited for all skin types and come in a variety of different
forms to make the application easier and consistent. Self-tanners
come in light, medium and dark tones. People with dry skin can buy
self-tanning products that contain moisturizing ingredients and
people with oily skin can buy self-tanning products that are alcohol-based.
Because the demand for self-tanners is high these days, companies
are now creating self-tanners with vitamins, herbal-extracts, antioxidants
and alph-hydroxy acids to benefits all ages and skin types.
If you are not sure which self-tanner is right for you, speak to
your dermatologist before making your purchase.
Buyer Beware
Don't be misled by products that sound like self-tanning lotions.
Avoid products that are called tanning amplifiers, tan accelerators
and pills. Tanning amplifiers and accelerators work in conjunction
with the sun to create a tan and just as the label says, these products
amplify the harmful effects of the sun.
Whatever you do, never take tanning pills. The Food and
Drug Administration has commercially banned tanning pills in the
United States. These pills have been associated with a skin condition
called uticaria, a serious skin irritation that causes uncontrollable
itching and blistering of the skin.
Not Without Your Lotion
Don't assume that you are protected from the sun just because your
skin turns darker. Most self-tanners do not contain sun protection.
When heading outdoors with your great looking "tan," make
sure you wear protective lotion with a sun protection factor of
15 or higher.
What's the difference: Sunscreen
vs. sunblock
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