While self-tanners can be a safer alternative than the sun, it won't protect you from the sun's rays, and you should take extra care when using spray formulas. Schedule an appointment with one of our other primary care providers. Save time, book online.
According to Dr. Peter Katz, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, “there is no such thing as a healthy or safe tan. Tanned skin is a result of damage to the skin cells, your skin producing pigment in response to UV damage in an attempt to protect itself.
“Fake tanning is safer than using sun beds or sunbathing which has the risk of sunburns and premature photo ageing and risk of developing skin cancer in the future,” says Dr Zokaie.
So to sum it up, DHA (the active ingredient in self tanners) can trigger free radicals and accelerate sun damage. Erythrulose (the other active ingredient in self tanners) has also been shown to increase production of free radicals similar to the effect seen with DHA, as reported in this study.
Not only does fake tan not prevent you from getting a natural tan from the sun, it's worth knowing it doesn't protect you from the sun either. "Where most fake tans do not have an SPF in them, your real tan will naturally build up underneath," says Michaella Bolder, professional tanner at St Tropez.
Self Tanner
“Self-tanning lotions are a safe alternative to tanning beds and sun exposure, and they work by temporarily staining the outermost layer of the skin with a color additive called dihydroxyacetone (DHA),” notes Aimee Carr, an esthetician, makeup artist, and founder of Voodoo Makeup.
Wearing self-tanning products in the sun may even accelerate skin aging, some research suggests. The authors wrote that with UV exposure, DHA and skin proteins interact and create free radicals, promoting oxidative damage.
“When you expose your skin to the sun, your skin experiences damage, which leads to cellular changes that can turn malignant or cancerous,” explains family medicine physician Sarah Beer, M.D. “Sunless tanners are a safer option because they tint the top layer of the skin that sloughs off in two to three weeks.”
"DHA has been shown to cause an increase in free radicals in the skin," says Chere Lucas Anthony, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Fla. "This can contribute to skin aging as the free radicals break down collagen and elastin in the skin, which leads to wrinkling and skin aging."
The answer is YES. Sunless tanners are totally safe. They work through a simple sugar (DHA) that attaches to amino acids in the top layer of skin and causes darkening of the skin cells, resulting in a natural-looking tan.
After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.
If your tan is the exact shade you love and you want to keep the gorgeous glow, you typically only have to apply self-tanner about once a week.
A: Yes. Age spots can be either light (hypopigmentation) or dark (hyperpigmentation), says Wendy E. Roberts, MD, assistant clinical professor of medicine at Loma Linda University. A self-tanning cream can darken both kinds.
Ardell Body Drench Quick Tan Instant Self-Tanner
Kim Kardashian flashed her own bottle of Body Drench when showing off her travel makeup bag — and she definitely knows a good sunless tan! If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course.
The only way to tan safely is by using self-tanning sprays or lotions. Fortunately, self-tanners have come a long way since the days when they left skin streaky and the color of orange cheese-puffs. Self-tanning products are safe and generally don't cause irritation to the skin.
The choice between the two depends on personal preference, skin type, and occasion. Spray tans are a great option for those who want an even, streak-free tan quickly, while self tans are ideal for those on a budget who want to achieve a natural-looking tan at home.
What's the difference between self tanning lotion and mousse? 🤩 The tanning lotion is perfect for a hydrating, long lasting tan. The mousse is a quick drying formula that is perfect for a fast tanning application.
The biggest benefit of a spray tan is that it can give you that golden glow without any exposure to skin-damaging, cancer-causing UV or UVA radiation. Getting a spray tan is quick and easy.
As for when you can repeat this process, typically you can use self-tanner every day or every other day until you reach your desired level of color and then once or twice a week to help maintain the results.
It also can cause liver damage, impaired vision and hives. Talk to your health care provider if you're considering using a sunless tanning product. If you do use it at home, you should carefully follow the directions on the label and avoid getting it in your mouth, nose or eyes.
After exfoliating your body, continue the prepping process by applying a moisturizer. You shouldn't apply self-tanner without moisturizing first, because skipping out on this prep step could potentially leave you with patchy color — this goes for your face and the rest of your body.