Sunless Tanning - An Overview

Introduction:

In western countries, tanned skin is considered beautiful skin. In earlier days, going out in the sun in tanning beds was an option to get tanned skin. But nowadays, it is not considered the best option for tanning as it has various health hazards like skin cancer, sunburn, skin damage, etc. The best option to get tanned skin is sunless tanning, in which skin is tanned without exposure to the sun. It is done by using cosmetic products which are applied to the skin to make the skin look darker in complexion.

What Is Sunless Tanning?

Sunless tanning is a procedure in which the complexion of the skin is darkened by the use of skin creams, lotions, sprays, etc. In this procedure, the skin is tanned without going out in the sun, so it is called sunless tanning. Limited exposure to the sun is healthy for the skin as it stimulates the synthesis of Vitamin D, but prolonged exposure may damage the skin and cause skin diseases like skin cancer and sunburn. So, for those people who want a darker skin tone but want to protect themselves from the harmful (ultraviolet) UV lights, it is considered a safe procedure as it eliminates the need for prolonged exposure to the sun which is unhealthy for the skin.

What Is the Active Ingredient in Sunless Tanning Products?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is considered a safe active ingredient to use in cosmetic products used for sunless tanning. DHA is a color additive that reacts with the amino acid present on the surface of the skin (dead cells of the skin) to make it appear darker. The results produced by DHA usually last for five to seven days as it works on the dead cells of the skin, which are shed continuously.

DHA is considered safe as it does not cause any toxicity. Moreover, It is not absorbed into the body through the skin. It was discovered in Germany when it gave brown color to the skin upon spilling. It has been approved by FDA and used as a sunless tanning agent since 1973.

According to FDA, sunless tanning products which contain DHA as the active ingredient should be used on external surfaces and should not be used on internal surfaces like:

• Lips.

• Eyes.

• Body parts that are covered with mucous membranes.

In addition, these sunless cosmetic products should be prevented from inhalation and ingestion. It can be done by two methods,

• Airbrush tanning.

• Sunless spray tanning.

What Is the Difference Between Sunless Spray Tanning and Airbrush Tanning?

The major difference between sunless spray tanning and airbrush tanning is the method of application of the tanning solution and the procedure. Both the methods are described as follows:

What Is Sunless Tanning Spray?

It is also called self-tanning, and in this procedure, a fine mist is sprayed on the surface of the body to make it look “tanned.” It is available in beauty salons and spas, where it is applied in a booth that has nozzles from which tanning solution (containing DHA) is sprayed all over the body. These fine nozzles are situated at the corners of the booth. Before starting the procedure, a shower cap, protective eyewear, lip balm, and nose filters are provided to protect the eyes and prevent the inhalation of tanning solution spray.

In the booth, when the person enters, instructions are given, and accordingly, the person has to move to different angles to get the solution applied all over the body through nozzles. After the session, the person is instructed not to take a bath for four to six hours.

What Is Airbrush Tanning?

In this procedure, the tanning solution is applied to the body with the help of an airbrush and compressor. The technician evaluates the suitable skin tone and accordingly applies the tanning solution containing DHA as an active ingredient using an airbrush all over the body. After this procedure, the skin gets tanned. The results of this procedure stay for up to five to ten days.

Both types of sunless tanning do not protect the skin from harmful UV lights as it does not contain sunscreen. So, it is necessary to apply sunscreen before going into the sun to protect the skin from the hazards of UV lights and keep the skin healthy.

What Are Bronzers for Sunless Tanning?

Bronzers are used in the form of gels, lotions, moisturizers, sprays, etc., for sunless tanning. But these are less effective than airbrush and spray tanning and are temporary. Their effect can be easily washed away with soap and water. The advantage of bronzers over spray tanning and airbrushing tanning is the reduced cost. They are cheaper than both procedures. In addition, this can be done easily at home without going out to a salon or hiring a professional. However, The results are better with spray tanning and airbrush tanning. So, for special occasions, professional sunless tanning procedures like spray tanning and airbrush tanning are better.

All these products usually do not protect the skin from harmful UV light, as most of these products do not contain sunscreen. So, it is necessary to apply sunscreen before going out in the sun for healthy skin after sunless tanning procedures.

What Are the Other Products for Sunless Tanning?

• Tyrosine: These act as tanning accelerators and are available in the form of pills and lotion. It has an amino acid called tyrosine which can increase melanogenesis and can tan the body. However, there is no such data supporting this method of tanning. So, it is not reliable.

• Canthaxanthin: These come in the form of pills called tanning pills. It is not FDA approved to use as a tanning agent as it is used as a food color agent. It works by depositing all over the body and giving an orange-brown color to the skin. These kinds of pills have several side effects, like hepatitis, retinopathy, and damage to the skin and digestive system. So, this is also not recommended for sunless tanning.

• Beta-carotene: These also come in the form of pills. These pills contain beta carotene, which is a food coloring agent and has not gotten approval as a sunless tanning agent. So, it is also harmful to use and poses a risk to health.

Conclusion:

Sunless tanning is the best way to get the skin tanned without taking a sunbath. Harmful UV lights tan the skin, but it damages the skin too. So, to get healthy tanned skin, sunless tanning procedures are preferred. The best sunless tanning products, including lotions, creams, and sprays, are those which contain DHA as the active ingredient as it is FDA approved and completely safe for the skin. Pills should be avoided for sunless tanning as these have harmful effects and are not safe to use.