Are Self Tanners Ever Safe?
Hopefully you have a sunny trip on the horizon. Since you will be baring more skin than usual on your adventure, there is nothing better than sporting a faux glow! How can we enjoy some bronzed skin without a downside?
Are tanning beds ever safe?
Never. The UV radiation from tanning beds (and of course the sun too) leads to skin damage, aging and skin cancer. Tanning beds are NEVER safe or good for your skin. Getting that “base tan” is only adding to your cumulative sun damage. In fact, indoor tanning beds increase your chances of developing melanoma by 20 percent. Stay away from them all together.
How do self tanning products work?
Self tanners are actually not a stain or dye. The products have an active ingredient and darkening agent called dihydroxy acetone (DHA). It is considered safe by the FDA and is derived from beet or cane sugar which reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of skin. It is kind of like the browning of an avocado or a piece of fruit. The darkening effect takes place in about four hours, and wears off when your outer layer of skin has naturally shed.
Another active ingredient in self-tanners is erythrulose. It works similarly to DHA and is derived from raspberries and can be found in some more “natural” products and even Jergen’s tanning products (in combination with DHA).
Are Self-tanners harmful, really?! What can be bad?
Some products contain parabens. This is something that you should avoid in any topical product that goes on your skin. Parabens act as a preservative when added to products to create a longer shelf life. But they have been linked to breast cancer and avoiding any ingredients that end in “-paraben” (like methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben) is best.
I have known to avoid parabens for a while, but what I did not expect to find out is that there are also other potentially harmful chemicals to be aware of in tanning products. In the past, I have always been a fan of getting a spray tan before a warm vacation - or using a self-tanner occasionally to help get a little color without the sun. However, what I did not realize are the potentially harmful effects that these can have! I assumed that they were clean and safe and was told that the active ingredient came from sugar and beets. But DHA and erythrulose were both found in studies to have some unwanted side effects.
What are the harmful effects of DHA and erythrulose?
DHA is FDA approved for topical use - but the FDA advises avoiding inhaling it (like with spray tans) and using it near mucus membranes (like eyes, nose and mouth). Here you can read more from the FDA. Humm...let's find out why the advisory.
Here’s the breakdown from what was found in studies:
DHA can trigger free radicals.
Triggering free radicals is known as oxidative stress. This study reported that DHA created free radicals which attack your cells and degrade collagen and elastin. This means that DHA can actually CAUSE premature aging and sagging skin!
DHA can cause genetic alterations.
DHA was found to cause genetic alterations, resulting in DNA damage. This info was published in this study. Basically, the genetic alterations could put you at higher risk for skin cancer. No bueno.
DHA can accelerate sun damage.
To make matters worse, I discovered that the DHA can actually accelerate sun damage if you go out into the sun. This study found that DHA-treated skin generates more than 180% additional radicals during sun exposure.
Geez. So to sum it up, DHA (the active ingredient in self tanners) can trigger free radicals, cause genetic alterations and accelerate sun damage.
Erythrulose (the other active "natural" 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.
So, it seems that no self-tanning product it 100% safe and clean. Thou occasional use on areas that avoid your face and inhaling a spray, is probably less of a worry.
Is there any way to get that faux glow?!
Where there is a will, I'll sure try to find a way! Safer products to consider if you want that fabulous faux glow come in the form of wash-off tinted lotions and creams that don’t contain either DHA or erythrulose.
I searched high and low and found some products to consider that contain no parabens, no DHA and no erythrulose:
St. Tropez: One Night Only Wash Off Face and Body: Sephora $18-20
-it comes in a lotion or a bronzing mist and is water-resistant. No streaking or running when wet. The lotion is really more of a gel consistency. I loved the way it went on smoothly and actually looked natural. This one was my favorite.
Soap & Glory: The Righteous Butter: Target $10.99
-long-wearing and no streaking
Benefit: Hoola Zero Tanlines: Sephora $30
-tinted gel with a sponge applicator and transfer resistant. The sponge applicator is great because it keeps the tint off your hands and helps the gel spread smoothly.
RMS Beauty: Contour Bronze: Sephora $28
-good for faces, made with coconut oil and botanicals. It is much more of a real suntanned look than a bronzing powder, but is a little more tricky to apply. You will need a sponge or brush to get it on evenly.
Vita Liberata: Body Blur: Sephora $60
-does not transfer to clothes
