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- Introduction
- Spray Tans{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Self Tanners{1 mention}{2 mentions}{1 mention}{2 mentions}{2 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Natural Sunless Tanners{2 mentions}{1 mention}{2 mentions}
- Useful Links
- Our Sources
See Also
Sunless tanning safety
ConsumerReports.org discusses the safety of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient and dyeing agent in today's sunless tanners. Editors say DHA is safe for external use and point out that it has been used for more than 40 years with "no major ill effects reported."
Editors at Prevention magazine discuss the safety of tanning pills and tanning accelerators. Editors are concerned about canthaxanthin, an active ingredient in these products which has been linked to hepatitis, hives and yellow spots in the eyes.
Self magazine editors discuss melatonin injections for tanning purposes. These injections increase the amount of melanin (pigmentation) in the skin, enhancing an individual's chance of tanning when he or she is are exposed to the sun. Editors discuss these product's potential dangers and uncomfortable side effects, which may include nausea, depression and high blood pressure.
TheBeautyBrains.com, a beauty blog created by a group of cosmetic chemists, discusses a recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. The study found that one-third of all self tanner users mistakenly believe that sunless tanners provide adequate sun protection.
A study published in the September 2010 issue of the Archives of Dermatology journal examines the popularity of sunless tanning among adolescents and the prevalent opinion that bronzed skin is more attractive. The study finds that people who use sunless tanners are less likely to wear sunscreen and more susceptible to sunburns than their peers. Although the article doesn't indicate which methods of tanning were employed, it appears that researchers are referring to tanning beds as at least one method of sunless tanning.
According to MSNBC.com, scientists have come up with a new surgical use for dihydroxyacetone, the active ingredient in sunless tanners. When combined with polyethylene glycol to form a gel, the substance can seal internal holes left behind during surgery. The gel compound is biodegradable and water soluble, meaning that it dissolves over time.
The New York Times explains that the technology behind sunless tanners hasn't changed much for years and that most of the hype surrounding new products is merely a marketing ploy.
Self tanner application tips:
Lifescript.com, a women's health website, offers tips for choosing and applying sunless tanners. Another article also offers tips for applying and selecting professional and self use spray tanners.
An article in The Wall Street Journal, discusses "sculpting," a popular trend in which makeup artists add visual effects such as six-pack abs while applying a self-tanning product.
Two videos on YouTube demonstrate how to apply a sunless tanner to your face and legs.
Paula Begoun, skin care expert and author of "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," explains how to use sunless tanners for the best results.
Editors at About.com offer tips for getting the best sunless tan. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Good Housekeeping editors offer tips for applying sunless tanners as well as fixing mistakes in these videos.
Shape magazine editors list easy-to-follow application tips.
Good Housekeeping editors explain how to apply sunless tanner to appear more sculpted.
Sunless tanning brands
