Sunless Tanning Lotion Is A Better Option

By Haywood Hunter


The sun is no longer a benign harbinger of fair skies. Damage to the protective ozone layer shielding the planet from harsh ultraviolet radiation has turned sunbathing into a dangerous practice, ranking with smoking as one of the primary causes of cancer. People avoiding this hazard often turn to sunless tanning lotion in an effort to recreate the healthy, vibrant look of a real tan without as many risks.

Even though reports indicate that world-wide efforts to heal this atmospheric wound are gradually working, it will be decades before sunbathing becomes standard vacation behavior again in many countries. Using a specially formulated cream that is able to safely darken light skin areas is one way to avoid serious burns, as well as dangerous cell changes that accompany them.

It does not take long for the epidermis to react to unfiltered sunlight, and without sunscreen any outdoor activity can encourage damage capable of altering DNA. In order to preserve and renew skin cells, the body manufactures a substance called melanin, designed to absorb radiation harmlessly. It is typically a dark red or brownish color, and is the agent that turns skin browner.

Although that look is considered healthy and youthful, unseen cellular destruction is occurring. The most prevalent side-effects include permanent and premature skin wrinkling, a weakened immune system, and a greater chance of developing melanoma, an often-deadly skin cancer. Sunless tanning products employ chemical agents that mimic the natural process without as many dangers, even though they provide no actual screening protection.

When the first bronzing creams appeared during the 1960s, enthusiastic users commonly turned bright orange. Today, the formulations have been greatly improved, although a slightly orange undertone is still sometimes noticeable. In an effort to entice consumers, manufacturers have also created pills containing food coloring agents, but they have not been approved by the FDA, and some side effects are troubling.

The safest lotions for topical use contain DHA, also known as dihydroxyacetone. Rather than a dye, it is a form of sugar that interacts with the skin cells that are constantly being replaced. It lasts for around a week, disappearing when the dead cells are shed, and requires consistent maintenance to achieve an uniform look. If used carelessly it can irritate eyes, but never causes skin aging or cancer.

Careless application may cause unattractive blotches or undesirable streaks. The products should not be combined with tan accelerators, which often only add to the ultraviolet damage. Outdoor activities will still require the use of sunscreens to prevent burning, no matter how dark the actual skin cells have become. Use the same levels of UV protection that proved effective prior to applying lotion.

Before using a cream or gel product exfoliate thoroughly, and then spread the substance evenly over small adjacent patches of skin. To prevent lines, wipe down elbows and knees, and allow at least ten minutes for drying. Avoid eye contact, and do not be tempted to try products in pill form containing canthaxanthin. When compared to the consequences of actual radiation, the use of lotions or creams is a far healthier alternative.




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