Central Facts About Self Tanning

By Haywood Hunter


Some time around the 1960s, studies by health officials related to skin cancer and sun exposure and sunbed impacted the way many people chose to tan. Following this study, the emergence of self tanning, or sunless, became more popular. These methods and products allowed individuals to tan their skin in a similar way, without the high risk of side effects.

Carotenoid-based products are the most effective for these purposes because they contain beta-carotene, which is both natural and permanent. Carotenoids are found naturally in fruits in vegetables, they are what give them strong colors.

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.

There are also pills that contain an ingredient called canthaxanthin. This is typically used in the production of color additives for specific foods. When this ingredient has been consumed, it deposits through the body, including the fat below the skin, turning it a orange or brown shade. However, these pills have been linked with several side effects such as damage to digestive system, canthaxanthin retinopathy and hepatitis.

Other products exist for this purpose. These products may include ingredients such as dihydroxyacetone, DHA, Tyrosine or Afamelanotide. There are also bronzers that are an option for temporary tans. These products come in many forms: moisturizers, mousses, lotions, gels, powders, and sprays.

None of these sunless formulas include ingredients designed to protect against sun exposure. Therefore, individuals seeking sun protection should look into sunblock products. Keep in mind that self tanners may cause allergies and are capable of staining fabrics.

Self tanning is an alternative to sunbeds and outdoor tanning. It offers the same or similar results as sunbathing or sunbed usage, but do not have such harmful risks. These sunless methods may come in topical or pill form.




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