Most of us already know that sunlight and sunlamps are bad for our skin. These things not only cause the skin to age rapidly, but also cause the skin to sag and wrinkle. What about sunless tanning? Is this skin darkening method safer than any other method?

What about your skin?
There are numerous ways to get a fake tan these days. From sunless spray tanning to various tanning creams and lotions, it’s not hard to fake that bronzed glow. The only problem is that the skin tends to absorb almost everything that is put on it. Therefore, any type of sunless tanner used will be absorbed by the skin… or will it?

To answer this question, it’s important to understand how sunless tanners actually work. Believe it or not, these skin darkening methods are not as bad for you as you think. In fact, they may even be the best possible way to prevent skin conditions while still getting that healthy glow.

How do sunless tanners work?
Most sunless tanners have a common ingredient: dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This product reacts with the external part of the skin once applied. As soon as this happens, the top layer of the skin begins to darken.

Since the outer part of your skin is covered in dead skin cells, a sunless tanner doesn’t last very long. As dead skin cells are shed, the sunless tanner goes with it. Most sunless tanners last five to seven days.

Is sunless tanning safe?
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration has approved DHA for use on the skin. The FDA also believes that sunless tanning is a much safer alternative to any other type of tan. However, this does not mean that there are no risks associated with sunless tanners.

While there are no known current side effects associated with DHA, the FDA warns that this product may have a negative effect on the eyes, nose, and ears. So if you plan to tan without the sun, it’s a good idea to wear protective eye, nose, and ear gear. Also, keep in mind that the FDA may change its thinking about sunless tanners as time goes on.

Considerations
While it’s true that the FDA currently doesn’t believe sunless tanners are bad for your skin, this doesn’t mean new developments won’t follow. If you want to keep your skin healthy, consider the fact that skin absorbs almost anything that is placed on it.

In the end, the best possible products for your skin are those that are one hundred percent organic. Make sure you treat your body well with top of the line products. If you must have that healthy glow, take the time to read all about sunless tanners before you walk into that salon. You only have one skin, make sure you take care of it.