As the summer fades away and winter settles in, it’s time to trade our swimsuits for cozy sweaters. However, our fading tans may not be as appealing as the festive season. To keep up with a sun-kissed look, many of us turn to faux tans. But before you do, it’s important to know the ins and outs of spray tans and over-the-counter self-tanners, including their benefits and drawbacks. This article will provide you with all the information you need.
How do spray tans work?
The active ingredient in self-tanners that gives you a golden brown look is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), an FDA-approved compound, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, DHA is not a paint or stain-like substance, but a colorless sugar compound, says Dr. Patricia Malerich, a dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Ohio State University. The tan is the result of a chemical reaction between DHA and the proteins in the upper layer of your skin. This reaction forms a rust-colored protein that tightly binds to the surface of your skin, making it difficult to wash off spray tans. Self-tanners and spray tans may also contain a temporary dye to help with application, which can sometimes cause discoloration on clothing or sheets. A fake tan lasts about a week because the top layer of skin sheds every 7 to 10 days, taking the brown-colored proteins with it.
Real tans vs fake tans
Dr. Malerich confirms that fake tans are a healthier option than real tans since they don’t expose the skin to UV rays as the sun does. While some people may be concerned about how much of the product is absorbed into the body, Malerich explains that absorption happens very quickly on the top layers of the skin, and the ingredients have not been found to be absorbed into the body. The FDA conducted studies on DHA concentration in blood and urine after topical application and found that it was not detected in either. Therefore, if a tan is desired, the faux route is recommended. However, Buchbinder suggests that we should all embrace and love our natural skin color instead of striving for a specific tan shade.
Pros of fake tan
Not only do spray tans and self-tanners give you a year-round sun-kissed look, but they also have other advantages beyond their effortless glow. Opting for a fake tan instead of exposing your skin to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds can benefit your skin’s health and appearance in the long run, according to Beth Buchbinder, MD, a senior physician at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
UV rays from the sun, tanning beds, and even nail-drying lamps are the biggest known contributors to the development of melanomas and other skin cancers, Dr. Buchbinder notes. Repeated sun damage weakens the skin’s resilience over time, she says, as there are two types of UV rays: UVA rays, which speed up skin aging (resulting in fine lines and wrinkles), and UVB rays, which cause sunburns. UVA and UVB rays can modify a cell’s DNA, and eventually, the cell becomes extremely abnormal and cancerous, Dr. Buchbinder explains.
While wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 can protect your skin against the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays, limiting sun exposure is also essential for protecting your skin. One benefit of spray tans and self-tanners is that they provide an alternative for pregnant women who are more photosensitive during pregnancy, putting them at higher risk of burns, rashes, and irregular pigmentation, says John Smulian, MD, chair and professor at the University of Florida’s department of obstetrics and gynecology in Gainesville.
Moreover, natural tanning can cause overheating and dehydration, and overheating the body during the first trimester has been linked to certain birth defects such as spina bifida, Dr. Smulian says. During pregnancy, Dr. Smulian advises limiting UV exposure and recommends checking with your ob-gyn about whether faux tans are right for you. While DHA, which is used in many cosmetic products, is presumed to be safe during pregnancy because it primarily interacts at the level of the skin, caution is still advised when using products containing chemicals that cover large surface areas of the skin during pregnancy, he says.
Cons of fake tan
Before deciding to get a spray tan, it’s important to consider some potential drawbacks, despite the many advantages of faux tans. While the topical application of DHA in spray tans is FDA-approved and considered safe, inhaling the aerosols from the spray tan booth can potentially harm lung health. FDA regulations also advise against exposing areas covered by mucous membranes, such as the lips, nose, and eye areas. Additionally, people with lung conditions like asthma may be further affected by the aerosols.
Pregnant women should also be cautious with spray tans and consider using self-tanners instead, as there is a greater risk of absorption from inhalation. However, research on the safety of fake-tanning methods in humans is limited, and more rigorous research is needed to confirm the preliminary lab results that suggest DHA exposure from fake-tanning products could be harmful to melanoma cells.
Another concern is the added fragrances in fake-tanning products, which can irritate the skin, especially for people with eczema. Different brands may also include additives that increase proteins on the skin to create a darker complexion, which could cause irritation and reactions for people with thickened eczema or psoriasis patches.
Tips for Faux Tanning: What to Do and What to Avoid
To ensure you get the best results from your spray tan or self-tanner, here are some recommendations to keep in mind:
Before Applying Your Faux Tan:
- Exfoliate and shave before the application.
- Remove any topical creams or products such as deodorant or lotion from the skin.
After Applying Your Faux Tan
- Keep your body hydrated.
- Use proper aftercare products, which some spray tan salons offer. Some of these products contain DHA to extend the life of your tan.
- If you plan on swimming in a pool or ocean, rinse off immediately to prevent chlorine or salt water from eroding the tan.
