Addicted to the Glow: Is Sunless Tanning Really Better for You?
Image Courtesy: Time
As a natural redhead I had the pleasure of inheriting the classic trait of fair, pale skin. Since I could walk, I’ve had to slather on sunscreen like it’s my day job, especially in the summer, since I love being outside. What is my solution to not being able to reap the sun’s UV beauty benefits, you may be asking? Fake tanning. Or should I say sunless tanning — not the skin-cancer-causing, UV bed tanning that comes to mind.
Image Courtesy: Harper’s Bazaar
Self-tanning products became all the rage this time last year on TikTok, once we were all bored at home and needed something to do. We never really thought about the potential side effects of these products, we mostly just bought the most influencer-recommended lotions and mousses without hesitation. However, I’ve been wondering if spray tans and self-tans pose any dangers and if they are really that much better for our skin than direct UV light; I found some surprising answers to my question. Here is everything you need to know about sunless tanning and its potential risks.
Image Courtesy: Nordstrom
Image Courtesy: Aussie Bronze
DHA is the Main Ingredient
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is what gives fake tans their color when it produces a browning reaction on the top layer of your skin after it combines with the already present natural amino acids. This is also what contributes to the unique, coconutty-but-odd smell that comes with self-tanning. This reaction is called a Maillard reaction, the same one that occurs when bread toasts. Free radicals are also released, which could speed up the aging process of our skin — think wrinkles and fine lines (yikes).While there is very little research on the long-term effects of DHA use, one study featured on ABC News claimed it could cause damage to DNA by altering genes. However, this theory was not tested on humans, and fake tanning products are FDA-approved — so have no fear! Just be careful that you avoid applying it to your lips and protect your eyes with those really sexy goggles if you’re getting a spray tan. However, if you’re still worried, there are DHA-free products available, such as Chemistry Brand Glow Oil or Aussie Bronze Tanner.
Don’t Breathe it In
Image Courtesy: Giphy
While there is little research available about the effects of sunless tanning on your skin, we know that there is some risk involved when it comes to your lungs, particularly with spray-on tans. Inhaling spray tans can cause coughing or difficulty breathing, which can lead to dizziness. You also don’t want the chemicals to be inhaled, since they could travel to your lungs, and possibly further into your bloodstream, according to Dr. Pannetieri in an article for Total Beauty, which could potentially cause cancer in your cells. Let me reiterate once again that there are very few studies to back up these risks, and there really haven’t been any incidences of people being harmed, so don’t worry. You should be fine as long as you hold your breath for a couple of seconds once it starts spraying the product on you — don’t be clueless like Ross from that one episode of Friends where he gets that really awful tan.
Sunless Tans do not Protect you From the Sun
While they may make you appear as if you’ve spent a week on a sunny beach on a private island somewhere, fake tans offer no protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. In fact, some research suggests that they make your skin more susceptible to sun damage — scary! To avoid this, I have two words for you: wear sunscreen. We’ve been told for years how important it is to apply sunscreen daily, even in the winter, and I’m here to remind you again. Save your future self from fine lines, wrinkles and skin cancer by wearing a daily SPF of at least 15. My favorites are the EltaMD UV Clear face sunscreen and Sun Bum’s clear spray.
Image Courtesy: Parade
Image Courtesy: Sun Bum
While there is no perfect, 100% safe way to get a beautiful summer glow year-round, we know that sunless tanning is the best option with the least amount of skin damage, as long as you follow the tips I’ve provided.
Strike Out,
Rachel Lakso
Athens
