There’s nothing like a little suntan to make a person look better and feel better. But, as we all know, tanning is risky. Skin cancer, premature aging, dark spots, and dry leathery skin can all be the result of overexpose to the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Sunless tanning is the alternative. There are several types of sunless tanning methods – some safer than others. Here is a summary of your choices.
Tanning Beds
A tanning bed is fast and provides a realistic looking tan when it is not overdone. But, tanning beds are not any safer than baking in the sun. The rays produced by a tanning bed are the same as the rays produced by the sun; Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultravoilet B (UVB). UVA rays are the ones that cause long term damage like sun spots and premature aging. UVB rays are the really dangerous rays that cause burning and skin cancer. UVA rays can also cause skin cancer but UVB rays are the cause of most types of skin cancer. The only factor that makes using a tanning bed safer than tanning in the sun is that the exposure is regulated.
Spray Tanning
In recent years, professional spray tanning has become very popular. Salons use professional spray apparatus that evenly sprays the product for great results. A spray tan only takes one session and will last for several weeks. Spray tan products are also available for use at home.
Spray tanning is also safe. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the chemical used in all sunless tanning products. DHA works by reacting with the amino acids in the skin to cause a darkening to the top layer of skin cells. Few negative reactions to DHA have been reported.
Sunless Tanning Lotions
Another option to get a tan without harming your skin and health is to use a sunless tanning lotion or cream. Sunless tanning lotions also use DHA to produce a darkening of the top layer of skin cells. These products are safe to use and will give you a tan that last approximately 5 days.
