Mayo Clinic News
Sunless tanning: A safe alternative to sunbathing
Sunless tanning is a practical alternative to sunbathing. Find out how
sunless tanning products work, including possible risks and how to get the best
results.
By Mayo Clinic
staff
Don't want to
expose your skin to the sun's damaging rays, but don't want to miss out on that
sun-kissed glow? Consider striking a compromise with sunless tanning products.
Start by understanding how sunless tanning products work — and the importance
of applying them correctly and carefully.
How do sunless tanning products work?
Sunless tanning
products, also called self-tanners, can give your skin a tanned look without
exposing it to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunless tanning products are
commonly sold as creams, gels, lotions and sprays you apply to your skin.
Professional spray-on tanning also is available at many salons, spas and
tanning businesses.
The active
ingredient in most sunless tanning products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When
applied to the skin, DHA reacts with dead cells in the outermost layer of skin
to temporarily darken the skin's appearance. The colouring doesn't wash off,
but it gradually fades as the dead skin cells slough off — typically within a
few days.
Most sunless
tanning products don't contain sunscreen. If you spend time outdoors, sunscreen
remains essential.
What about sunless tanning pills?
Sunless tanning
pills, which typically contain the colour additive canthaxanthin, are unsafe.
When taken in large amounts, canthaxanthin can turn your skin orange and cause
hives. Sunless tanning pills can also cause liver damage and lead to the
formation of crystals in the retina of the eye (canthaxanthin retinopathy).
Sunless tanning: A safe alternative to sunbathing
What can you expect from sunless tanning products?
Sunless tanning
products typically go on clear. It usually takes about an hour to see results.
Full color typically appears within eight to 24 hours. People who have medium
complexions without freckles often get the best results.
Is sunless tanning safe?
Topical sunless
tanning products are generally considered safe alternatives to sunbathing, as
long as they're used as directed.