Is self tanning bad for you?

Author: Hans Heller  |  Last update: Saturday, September 6, 2025

Are sunless tanning products safe? Bronzers, self-tanners and spray tanners have not been shown to pose a health risk and are considered safe to use – if they're applied correctly and carefully. They should only be applied externally to the skin and should not be used near your lips, mouth and nose or around your eyes.

Is self-tanner harmful?

She adds that sunless tanners are deemed safe if their main ingredient is DHA, or dihydroxyacetone. DHA is derived from plant sources and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for skin tanning.

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.

Does fake tan damage your skin?

Self-tanners, such as the lotions, sprays, and gels you use to achieve a sunless tan, are not harmful. They include dihydroxyacetone, a safe, colourless sugar that reacts with amino acids in dead skin cells on the surface of the skin to temporarily tan you.

Do dermatologists recommend self-tanners?

If you're a fan of fake tanning, we come bearing good news. The common consensus among dermatologists is that self-tanners are a safe way to achieve a golden glow. Particularly when compared with the very real risk of unprotected sun exposure.

Does FAKE TAN AGE SKIN? | Self tan safety | Dermatologist @DrDrayzday

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.

Is Jergens self-tanner safe?

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. No harmful UV rays or skin damage needed here!

Does self tan age your skin?

"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."

Can fake tan cause liver damage?

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.

Are there any benefits to fake tanning?

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.

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.

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 not to do while fake tanning?

Don't Wear Tight Clothing Immediately: Tight clothing can rub against freshly applied fake tan and cause streaking or smudging. Opt for loose, breathable clothing until your tan has fully dried and developed. Don't Forget SPF: Fake tan does not provide protection against harmful UV rays.

Can fake tan get into your bloodstream?

Regular fake tanning by any method (spray, cream or lotion) may allow a small amount of DHA to get through the skin barrier into your bloodstream. 'Regular “tanorexics” are more at risk than the occasional user where the risk is zero to minimal,' says Dr.

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.

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.

How toxic is self-tanner?

To date there's no data to show that DHA is harmful when applied topically but if you're pregnant you may want to avoid it as a precautionary measure. The most common risks of using tanning lotions and potions appear to be allergic reactions or irritation.

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.

Does fake tan make age spots worse?

"If you apply a layer of self-tanner all over, it will simply darken age spots as it darkens the rest of your skin," Evans explains.

Is self-tanner FDA approved?

The active ingredient most often used in all sunless tanners including tinted moisturizers, self-tanners, and spray tan solution is called Dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. DHA is a carbohydrate (monosaccharide sugar) compound approved by the FDA for use in externally applied sunless tanning solutions.

Does tan skin age faster?

While often associated with good health, the “glow” of a tan is the very opposite of healthy; it is evidence of DNA injury to your skin. Tanning damages your skin cells and speeds up visible signs of aging.

Is UV tanning bad for you?

There is also strong evidence suggesting that exposure to UV rays, both UVA and UVB, can cause skin cancer. UV radiation may promote skin cancer in two different ways: By damaging the DNA in skin cells, causing the skin to grow abnormally and develop benign or malignant growths.

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.

What are the cons of self-tanner?

Some of the health risks of DHA found spray tans and self-tanners include:
  • rashes.
  • coughing.
  • dizziness.
  • fainting.
  • increased risk of pulmonary diseases like asthma and COPD, from inhaling spray tanners.
  • contact dermatitis.
  • rosacea.
  • DNA damage and cell death to healthy, living cells.

Is it OK to put Jergens self-tanner on your face?

Yes, JERGENS® Natural Glow® Daily Moisturiser was designed for use on the body and is acceptable for use everywhere that you desire subtly darkened skin.

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