Is it healthier to fake tan?

Author: Dena Zemlak III  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

“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.”

Are there any benefits to fake tanning?

Convenience: Fake tanning allows individuals to achieve a tanned look without needing to spend time in the sun or a tanning salon, making it a quick and easy option. Even Skin Tone: Fake tan can help to even out skin tone, covering imperfections like blemishes or discoloration.

What is the healthiest way to fake tan?

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.

Are fake tans unhealthy?

Human research on the safety of fake-tanning methods is limited, but preliminary lab research on melanoma cells found that DHA exposure from topical sunless tanning products and aerosol inhalation appeared to be harmful to the cells.

Do dermatologists recommend self-tanner?

“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.

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What are the pros and cons of self-tanner?

Although self-tanners are considered safe and effective for tanning without UV exposure, they pose some risks. Keratinocyte treatment with DHA has shown it penetrates cells underlying the stratum corneum in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This reaction could potentially cause DNA damage and apoptosis.

Do all self-tanners darken age spots?

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.

Does self-tan age you?

"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."

Is Jergens self-tanner bad for you?

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.

Is a spray tan better than self-tanner?

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 is the least damaging way to tan?

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.

What can I use instead of fake tan?

BODY OILS
  • Sol de Janeiro GlowMotions Glow Body Oil Copacabana Bronze 75ml. ...
  • NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Shimmering Multi-Purpose Dry Oil 50ml. ...
  • Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion 250ml. ...
  • Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk 375ml. ...
  • Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops 30ml.

Why do I look better with fake tan?

The glow provided by a tan can make a face look more vibrant and therefore youthful. A tan can also help make muscles look more toned and more well defined. Today, having a tan is associated with people that have an active, outdoor lifestyle. A tan therefore makes people look healthier and fit.

Why you should stop fake tanning?

Fake tan contains DHA which causes damage to the skin. It initiates the formation of free radicals which leads to the breaking down of collagen. This resultantly leads to premature aging skin, characterised by wrinkles, dark spots and sagging skin.

How fast does tanning age your skin?

Indoor tanning speeds up skin aging

Indoor tanning is known to cause wrinkles, brown spots and thick leathery skin. Indoor tanning ages your skin 3 times faster than sunlight: indoor tanning can emit up to 15 times more UV radiation than sunlight.

What are the pros and cons of tanning?

Excessive sun exposure is associated with several health risks including the acceleration of skin aging and the promotion of skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. However, several health benefits of UV exposure include vitamin D production and improved mood.

Are self-tanners bad for your liver?

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.

Is there a safe fake tan?

Bottom line: If you want a tan, you can avoid putting your health at risk by using an FDA-approved sunless tanning lotion, spray, or cream. Whichever product you decide to use, be sure to use it as directed. And you'll also need to continue wearing proper sun protection when spending time outside.

What are the side effects of Jergens?

Serious side effects of Jergens

Signs of skin infection like oozing, heat, swelling, redness, or pain. Bleeding that is not normal from the affected part. Fever.

How often is it okay to self-tan?

To maintain your current sunkissed glow, you should only need to apply the sunless tanner once a week. This will ensure your tan doesn't fade over time but also that it doesn't get darker than you would prefer. Sometimes, the tan on your face may fade quicker.

What self-tanner do dermatologists recommend?

Dermatologists' Favorite Self-Tanners and How to Apply Them at...
  • Revision Intellishade SPF 45.
  • Elta MD UV Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 40.
  • Eryfotona Ageless Actinica Mineral SPF 50+
  • St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse.
  • Tan Towel Body Tan Towlettes.
  • Jergens Natural Glow Three Days to Glow Moisturizer.

What is the science behind fake tan?

Fake tan contains a special compound called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) – this is the magic stuff that colours the top surface of the skin to create a gorgeously bronzed base. Derived from sugar cane, DHA reacts with the air and the amino acids on the skin and causes a browning process to occur.

What's the best fake tan for older skin?

What tanning formula is best suited to mature skin types?
  • Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion 250ml. 25% off Use Code: FLASH25. 4.38 stars out of a maximum of 5. ...
  • Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk 375ml. 25% off Use Code: FLASH25. ...
  • ESPA Gradual Tan Body Moisturiser 200ml. 3.67 stars out of a maximum of 5.

How to remove age spots naturally overnight?

Apply fresh lemon juice, baking soda paste, or aloe vera gel to the spots 2-3 times a day. The natural bleaching properties can help lighten spots quickly. Stay consistent, and for safety, do the patch test first.

What happens if you don't wash off your self-tanner?

what happens if i forget to shower off the tan? the longer you keep the tan on, the darker it will get. however, some skin types may experience discoloration (looking a bit orange or yellow) if left on too long past around 8 hours. you may also get a streaky tan as you're more likely to rub or wash off some sections.

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