Sunless Tanning Lotion Is A Safer Choice

By Haywood Hunter


Fair skies and sunshine draw people outdoors, but there is hidden peril in that natural beauty. The ozone layer providing protection from deadly ultraviolet radiation has been damaged, turning a relaxing pastime into a practice considered so dangerous it is commonly compared to smoking. Those who actively avoid sun exposure often turn to sunless tanning lotion to achieve similar effects without serious consequences.

Although recent reports indicate that a multi-country ban on specific aerosols is allowing the atmosphere to recover slowly, it will be many years before sunbathing becomes less problematic, especially in regions with the most depletion. Applying a lotion that causes lighter skin to darken evenly avoids painful burning, and the subsequent skin cell alterations triggered by exposure.

Sunbathing without protection damages the outer layers of skin in a remarkably short time, and is known to encourage changes in cellular DNA. During exposure, the body increases production of melanin, a substance that helps absorb solar radiation while offering greater protection to new cells. Melanin is usually a dark brown or reddish color, and is responsible for the golden tones of an ideal tan.

Although it looks attractive and healthy, that darkening masks invisible damage that can manifest itself in increased and premature skin wrinkles, a general weakening of the immune system, and even melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Sunless tanning formulas employ chemical ingredients able to produce the same effect without presenting similar dangers, even though they do not actually act as sunscreens.

Enthusiast adopters of bronzing agents often turned bright orange when those products were first introduced. Modern lotions rarely cause that problem, although they can still produce a slightly orange cast. Most are also available in cream or gel forms, and some manufacturers offer pills for internal ingestion. They contain food colors not approved for that use, and can have troubling side effects.

The safest products for topical application contain dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. This is not a coloring, but a type of sugar that interacts with outer layers of dead skin cells, and the resulting chemical reaction produces the color. It lasts around a week before noticeably fading, and needs consistent reapplication for maintenance. While it can irritate the eyes if used carelessly, it does not cause premature aging or increase cancer risks.

Sunless products should be used as directed. Incorrect application results in unsightly streaking or embarrassingly blotchy dark spots, and the creams should not be used in conjunction with tan accelerators, which only increase skin damage. Sunscreen is still necessary outdoors for optimal protection, no matter how dark the epidermis has become. Choose the same protection levels as used before the darkening agents were used.

Exfoliation is always recommended before use, and application to separate sections of skin brings better results. Wipe down the excess on knee and elbow joints to prevent lines, and allow a minimum of ten minutes drying time. Keep the lotion away from eyes, and never ingest tanning pills made with canthaxanthin. When compared to the dangers of radiation, sunless tanning is beneficial in the long run.




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