Central Facts Concerning Self Tanning

By Haywood Hunter


Self Tanning, also called sunless, involves applying specific chemicals to the skin in order to produce a result similar to a suntan. This practice has become more popular since the 1960s. This came after health officials were linking sun exposure and sunbeds to skin cancer.

Today, Carotenoid-based products are commonly used. Carotenoids are found in nature, particularly vegetables or fruits that have highly pigmented color. These products also contain beta-carotene, an ingredient that is both permanent and natural.

Pills are just one of the ways to obtain a sunless tan. Many of these pills include beta-carotene or canthaxanthin. Beta-carotene is not known to cause any harmful side effects. Though in large doses, it can cause the skin to turn yellow or orange in color.

Canthaxanthin is another ingredient that may be found in these pills, though it is not very common. This is because it has been linked to harmful side effects such as hepatitis, destruction to the digestive system and canthaxanthin retinopathy. Canthaxanthin is believed to work by depositing throughout the body, particularly in the fat layers below the skin, causing the skin to develop a brown or orange coloring. Typically Canthaxanthin is found in color additives used for food.

There are other products that may be used, most including ingredients such as Tyrosine, Afamelanotide, or DHA, dihydroxyacetone. Bronzers are another option for a temporary tan. They can be found in sprays, lotions, gels, mousses, powders and moisturizers.

It is important to note that most of these none of these products do not include ingredients for sun protection. They do not provide any protection against ultraviolet rays from the sun and so if sun protection is desired, persons should get sunscreen. Tanners can trigger allergies and stain clothes as well.

A popular alternative to outdoor tanning and sunbeds is called self tanning. This method can produce results that are similar to, if not the same or better than, results seen from using a sunbed or sunbathing. Plus, it does not include as harmful of effects. Most sunless techniques involve a topical formula or a special pill.




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