If you have ever used self-tanner, you might be wondering how on earth this product works in the absence of the sun. There is a wealth of proof that the sun is hard on your skin and can lead to skin cancer, and there is also proof that spray tanning can be bad for your lungs. For those who want a sun-kissed look, there aren’t many safe options beyond self-tanner.
There is a key ingredient that leads to the effective nature of self-tanner, and it is DHA. While there is research being done to see if this chemical causes a threat to your health, the likelihood is that this is the only safe tanning product that is currently on the market today.
What is DHA?
DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is a chemical that interacts with the amino acids in your skin. This leads to a browning effect that looks like a suntan. This is not unlike the reaction that you get when you are in the sun for too long, but this reaction only impacts the first layer of the skin, which is the dead cell layer. This is why it is believed that self-tanner is safe where other tanning methods are not.
There are other ingredients that are included in self-tanners as well, such as items for fragrance and oils that make your skin feel soft and have a glow. The various formulations of these products will have their own added ingredients to create a product that is either a spray, a wipe, or a lotion. You should be sure that you are looking at the ingredients in every self-tanner product that you are interested in using to be sure that there is not a long list of chemicals besides the DHA. The fewer ingredients that are not natural, the better for your skin’s overall health and well-being.
Is it Safe to Use Self-Tanner?
While there needs to be more study into the effects of frequent use of self-tanner products, there is not a significant amount of evidence that the reaction these products cause is harmful. This is certainly a much better choice than actual tanning beds or tanning in the sun, and you will not be at risk of breathing in your tanning product when it is delivered in this manner.
Always make sure that you remember that tanning does not equate to health. You can look tan and be unhealthy, and there is no reason to risk your well-being with products that are not made to be safe for long-term use on the skin.
Self-Tanning Can be Your Safest Skin Tanning Choice
If you are looking for a tanning option that will not require exposure to UV rays and time spent in the sun, you will want to consider self-tanning your best bet. This is the ideal option for those who want to look browned by the sun, as it is the safest way to get that vacation tan you have been looking for. Always read the ingredient list for any product that you are planning to use to be sure that it is safe for repeated application to your skin.
This article was last updated on December 14, 2022 .