ADS

About

Sunless Tanning Alternatives Offer Beautiful Bronzing Without The Skin Damage

By Haywood Hunter


Traditional sunbathing may produce a "real" tan, but along with it comes the risk of premature aging signs like wrinkles and age spots and an increased incidence of skin cancer. Excessive UV exposure is also believed to be damaging to the eyes and to impair normal immune function. Sunless tanning options provide those who long for a bronzed complexion the tan they desire without all the health risks.

The spray tan is one of the most popular types of sun-free bronzing. Customers visit a tanning salon where they will remove their clothing and step into a private booth which is controlled by a push button which activates the spray system responsible for applying an even coating of a chemical called dihydroxyacetone or DHA. This substance reacts with the uppermost layer of skin cells to create a darker pigmentation that resembles a golden tan, that lasts for several days.

Airbrush tans are basically the same as spray tans, only they offer a higher level of precision. The client's eyes and lips are covered and they wear minimal clothing such as a bathing suit, a technician then uses a spray compressor to evenly apply the DHA to the entire body. Although more costly, it provides a safer application technique with less chance of inhalation. It also lasts for several days.

Self-tanners are lotions, gels, and sprays are less expensive and can be purchased at most pharmacies and cosmetic counters. Once again DHA is the active ingredient in these products, the only difference is that people must apply these tanners manually the same way they would any other body lotion. With all DHA-based tanners, it is best to first exfoliate the skin before applying them.

A bronzer is a cosmetic product which also provides some extra color, but it is normally only used on the face. These are sold in the form powders or liquid make-up, and once they are applied they make the face appear less pale, but they are not helpful for whole-body tanning. As with all cosmetics they simply wash off with cleanser and water.

Tanning pills are available in some places, but are deemed to be unsafe so they must be avoided. They have not gained the FDA's approval and contain a color additive known as canthaxanthin, which causes darkening of the skin but unfortunately has dangerous side effects including eye disorders, liver damage, and severe itching.

Although DHA is for the most part considered to be safe, there are some speculations that inhalation of it may be potentially harmful, and other studies have revealed evidence of long-term damage to skin cell DNA over time, so it should be used with caution. Inhalation and contact with the lips and eyes must be avoided, otherwise it can be used without too much concern.

In moderation, exposure to the sun can be healthy and is important for proper synthesis of Vitamin D which is needed by the body to keep the bones strong and for immune purposes and cell growth. It is also important to remember that proper protection from excessive UV exposure in the form of a sunblock should always be used when outdoors for extended periods.




About the Author:



About