Did you ever wonder where the origins of wanting to be tan came from? The desire to have that bronzed glow goes back to Coco Chanel. She came back from a Mediterranean vacation with a tan and the reaction was rather positive from the media and her fashion icon colleagues. That incident set the trend for us thinking of tan skin as the aesthetic ideal and what we should yearn for. During the summer months, we all tend to want that bronzed glow. However, spending too much time in the sun or choosing to use a tanning bed is not the answer.
Simply stated–there is no such thing as a safe tan. Tanning from the sun or indoor tanning beds is sun damage. When you tan, your skin produces more pigment in order to help protect itself from further damage. Tanning from the sun or indoor tanning beds can also cause wrinkling, brown spots and skin cancer. In particular, indoor tanning has been associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. Just one tanning session before the age of 35 can increase your risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by a whopping 75%.
But the good news is that we have self-tanners that can provide that just back from vacation look without the risk. Self-tanners usually contain ingredients like dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the top layer of the skin to create the tan look we crave. Self-tanners can be lotions or creams or also be included in what we think of as a spray tan that we might do at home or at a tanning salon. It’s important to understand that the FDA has not approved the use of DHA for spray tans because of concerns that it may be accidentally inhaled or come in contact with your eyes or lips and potentially be ingested. When contained in a self-tanner lotion or cream, DHA stays on the skin and is not systemically absorbed.
Self-tanners have improved over time to get away from the orange stereotype they held for years. So no, you need not look like an Oompa Loompa anymore. You can also choose a self-tanner that is best for your skin needs. For example, if you are dry, use a moisturizing version. If you have sensitive skin, try a self-tanner that is fragrance free or preservative free and apply it to a test area to make sure you don’t react.
To successfully use self-tanner, you will want to follow a few simple tips.
- Pick a shade that complements your natural skin tone, hair color and eye color. If you have red hair and freckles, choosing an ultra-dark shade is probably not going to look very authentic.
- Test the self-tanner on an area like your thigh to see how it works with your own skin tone and to make sure you don’t react to any ingredients.
- Before applying all over, exfoliate your skin first. Some products combine self-tanner with an exfoliator to make this step easier.
- Make sure your skin is dry before applying a self-tanner.
- Apply a self-tanner in sections with a circular motion and take breaks in between sections if you need to wash your hands. You can also use an applicator like a glove or mit to avoid the orange hand look.
- Blend certain areas, like your face and neck, wrists and hands or ankles and feet for a more natural look.
- Allow the self-tanner to dry before putting on clothing. Do not shower, work out or sweat for about 8 hours after applying.
- Avoid self-tanner around the eyes, mouth and nose. Do not breathe in self-tanner if you are opting for a spray tan.
Finally, remember that self-tanners are not sunscreen and do not replace sun protection. Some self-tanners do have an SPF in them and if that’s the case, you will still need to follow with a sunscreen reapplication after about 2 hours.
Trotter’s Take: There is no such thing as safe tan but if you want that sun-kissed look, use self-tanners as a safe alternative to help you get that glow on.
Thinking about heading out into the sun, then you’ll need your sunscreen! Listen in as Dr. Amy Spizuoco talks more about sunscreen basics and what you need to know to prevent that burn.
