Getting the best tan is no longer limited to sun bathing. Instead of exposing yourself to the sun’s rays, numerous alternatives are available. Of course each has its own pros and cons. Evaluating the differences between your sunless tanning choices is a worthy of a little time, so read on.
When it comes to skin tanning, there are several factors to consider. The first is how do tanning beds compare to natural tanning? Secondly, what about the other tanning options, such as pills, sprays and lotions? Lastly, why do people choose to tan themselves with sunless tanning over lying in the sun?
Tanning Salons vs. Natural Sunlight
Ultraviolet radiation of the sun, UVA, UVB and UVC rays, is harmful to the skin. As a protection, the skin produces melanin which absorbs these harmful rays. Apart from protection, the melanin pigments give the skin its dark color. Meaning, the more melanin in the skin the tanner or darker one is. With sunless tanning, you don’t have to expose your skin to the sun’s rays just to prompt your body to produce melanin pigments. In theory this is a safer alternative. However, the processes and ingredients of the products used during sunless tanning should be considered before using them.
Some may argue that tanning beds are safer than traditional sunbathing because the time spent and the intensity of light can be controlled. In addition, some tanning salons utilize only UVA rays which could be less dangerous. However, research shows that though it has lower darkening ability, tanning beds expose individuals to higher risks of skin cancer. Furthermore, studies have shown that people who use tanning beds, tanning booths and sun lamps are 2.5 times more like to get squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to get basal cell carcinoma. Due to the risks, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has implemented a radiation safety performance standard ensuring that sunlamp products include a warning label and exposure schedule, have an accurate timer, an emergency stop control and provide protective goggles.
Safety of Tanning Pills, Sprays and Lotions
According to the American Cancer Society, the common ingredient in tanning pills, canthaxanthin, is a dangerous substance that can impair vision, cause skin problems or even damage the liver. The FDA currently does not approve any tanning pill products.
In June 2003, the FDA announced the need to regulate substances such as DHA (dihydroxyacetone) used in sunless spray tanning and lotions to darken the skin’s surface cells simulating a tan. Although this chemical has been allowed for use by the FDA, it’s with strict precautions to avoid inhaling, ingesting or exposure to the lips, nose or eye area. Since 40% of salons in the United States currently offer sunless tanning, regulations are imperative to keep consumers safe.
In addition, tanning accelerators that contain a derivative of tyrosine, an amino acid, are not only ineffective but may also be dangerous. However, the FDA has not officially determined the safety of these products.
During the annual American Academy of Dermatology in 2000, Dr. Stanley B. Levy acknowledges the significant improvements in alternative tanning products especially self tanning products saying, that there is "Significant improvements have been made in the formulas of self-tanners in recent years, making them easier to use with better results".
Why Is Tanning Popular?
Some would argue that sunless tanning is a smart choice and a safer alternative and that sunless tanning offers a temporary deterrent to UV rays. Of course as the study revealed, additional protection is still needed even after you’ve gotten the tan. Self tanning products can only give up to SPF 4 protection and thus using sunscreen is still advised.
Others feel that sunless tanning products are a real timesaver offering a more consistent tan than traditional sun bathing in a shorter timeframe. It could be a matter of time versus money. The cost of buying tanning services or products may outweigh the time it takes to let the sun’s rays do their thing.
Perhaps, tanning is just a personal preference. Some people, like Sandra Greene of Best Self Tanner, feel that, “white and pale is so yesterday, the coolest complexion today is gold – golden like ‘you-just-came-from-the-beach’ look. While others like Sarah Brown of Vogue believe, “a healthy glow does not mean a tan. A healthy glow means your natural skin tone, glowing.”
