What is a safe alternative to tanning?

Author: Wilton Reichel  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Opt for sunless self-tanners or spray tans. These are available in many forms, including lotions, sprays, and creams. The Skin Cancer Foundation advocates that no tan is a safe tan, and that regardless of whether women decide to go with their own glow or use sunless tanning methods, they avoid UV tanning.

What can I use instead of tan?

Comments Section So many options out there. You have self tanners with DHA. Gradual tanners which are no brainers (such as the Jergins moisturizer). Foams, such as St Tropez (or St Moretz which is a direct knock off). And lotions (Banana Boat makes a decent one).

What is the healthiest form of tanning?

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.

How can I tan naturally without tanning?

Sunless tanning products can give your skin a tanned look without exposing you to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Most sunless tanning products contain Dihydroxyacetone which reacts with dead cells on the skin's surface to temporarily darken the skin and give the illusion of a tan.

Is there a healthy tanning bed?

Science tells us that there's no such thing as a safe tanning bed, tanning booth, or sun lamp. Indoor tanning can increase the risk of developing the two most common types of skin cancer — squamous cell carcinoma by 58% and basal cell carcinoma by 24%.

Are Tanning Beds Safe? | How to Tan Safely | with Dr. Sandra Lee

What is a safer alternative to a tanning bed?

Opt for sunless self-tanners or spray tans. These are available in many forms, including lotions, sprays, and creams. The Skin Cancer Foundation advocates that no tan is a safe tan, and that regardless of whether women decide to go with their own glow or use sunless tanning methods, they avoid UV tanning.

What is the safest 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.

Is it possible to tan without damaging your skin?

There is no such thing as a safe tan. The increase in skin pigment, called melanin, which causes the tan color change in your skin is a sign of damage. Why it happens: Once skin is exposed to UV radiation, it increases the production of melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from further damage.

Do tanning gummies work?

⭐️ Typically they contain Beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A that gives yellow, orange, and red fruits & veggies their pigment. ⭐️ While they promise to give you a “natural tan,” in reality they simply stain your skin orange. You could get the same effect by eating carrots or drinking carrot juice.

Is there no such thing as a healthy tan?

It's a fact: There is no such thing as a safe or healthy tan. Tanning increases your risk of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Your best defense is to avoid tanning altogether.

How to tan as a pale person?

Here's what you need to do:
  1. Exfoliation. This step is crucial if you want to avoid a tan that looks patchy. ...
  2. Hydrate. Dry skin doesn't tan well. ...
  3. Sunscreen is Your Friend, Not Your Enemy. Contrary to popular belief, sunscreen won't block you from tanning. ...
  4. Consider What You're Eating.

What vitamin makes you tan easier?

Fruit and veg that's high in beta carotene, which can help you tan, but without burning. Beta-carotene is widely recognised as being an excellent antioxidant that fights free radicals and reduces skin damage and oxidative stress on the skin, helping limit the harmful effects of UV light.

How to make your legs look tanned without fake tan?

To ensure a golden complexion, go with products that are packed full of pigments: a bronzing makeup base, a bronzing primer to hold the makeup better and a bronzing powder two tones darker than your skin colour.

What is the best self tan?

Top 8 Self-Tanners We Tested:
  • The Winner: Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse, $51.
  • Best Self-Tanner for Pale Skin: St. Tropez Self-Tan Supreme Violet, $48.
  • Best Gradual Self-Tanner: Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk, $21.
  • Best Self-Tanner for Dry Skin: +Lux Unfiltered N°36 Supernatural Tanning Mousse, $48.

Do melatonin gummies help you tan?

The study concluded that there was no significant change in skin color among patients receiving melatonin compared to controls, suggesting that melatonin does not affect human skin pigmentation3.

Why does tanning make me feel so good?

Exposure to sunlight has been linked to improve your energy and elevate your mood! Light actually boosts your serotonin levels, which is the happy hormone. When you've had a bad week, spending 10 to 15 minutes in a sunbed can help more than just your tan – it's the endorphins you get that make you feel better!

What tanning product does Jennifer Aniston use?

In an interview with Redbook, Jennifer Aniston revealed that her favourite self-tanning product is the L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Tanning Towelettes, she says: "I like the L'Oréal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes.

How can I tan healthy?

How to tan safely outside
  1. Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
  2. Regularly apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30. ...
  3. Avoid spending excessive time in the sun in one session. ...
  4. Wear a hat and sunglasses with 99–100% UVA and UVB protection to protect the scalp and eyes.

Can you darken skin without tanning?

Using makeup is the safest, but also most temporary, way to darken your skin. One great method is using bronzers and shimmer powders. You'll need a few simple products to create your new tan look, all of which can be found online or at any makeup department or convince store.

Is there no such thing as a safe tan?

Myth: It's possible to get a tan from the sun safely.

Fact: There is no safe way to get a tan from the sun. Skin tanning is caused by ultraviolet light: specifically, UVA and UVB rays. This ultraviolet light directly damages DNA and leads to the creation of reactive oxygen species in skin cells.

What is the most natural way to tan?

Therefore, to ensure a natural and long-lasting tan, it is recommended that you stay in the sun for a maximum of 2-3 hours in a day, or even less in the case of very fair-skinned people. Be sure to use sunscreen, and to sunbathe when UV radiation is not as strong, which is before 10 am and after 4 pm.

Does baby oil help tan?

Why Is Baby Oil Used For Tanning? Many people tan with baby oil because it can make your skin tan more quickly. The reason for this quicker tan is because baby oil helps attract and absorb UV rays, says Farber. The problem, and this is a big one, is that baby oil doesn't offer sun protection.

Previous article
What can I layer on top of tretinoin?
Next article
What does a stressed belly look like?