Self Tanning

Don’t want to expose your skin to the sun’s damaging rays, but still want that sun-kissed glow? Consider sunless tanning products. Understand how these products work — and the importance of applying them carefully and correctly.

How do sunless tanning products work?

Sunless tanning products, also called self-tanners, can give your skin a tanned look without exposing it to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunless tanning products are commonly sold as lotions, creams and sprays you apply to your skin. Professional spray-on tanning also is available.

The active ingredient in most sunless tanning products is the color additive dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When applied, dihydroxyacetone reacts with dead cells in the skin’s surface layer to temporarily darken the skin and simulate a tan. The  coloring typically wears off after a few days.

Will sunless tanning products protect you from a sunburn?

Most sunless tanning products don’t contain sunscreen. If a product contains sunscreen, the sunscreen will be effective only for a couple of hours. If you spend time outdoors, sunscreen remains essential.

What about sunless tanning pills?

Sunless tanning pills, which typically contain the color additive canthaxanthin, aren’t safe. When taken in large amounts, canthaxanthin can turn your skin orange or brown and cause hives, liver damage and impaired vision.

Is sunless tanning safe?

Topical sunless tanning products are generally considered safe alternatives to  sunbathing, as long as they’re used as directed.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved DHA for external  application to the skin. However, the FDA states that DHA  shouldn’t be inhaled or applied to areas covered by mucous membranes, including the lips, nose or areas around the eyes because the risks of doing so are unknown.

If you’re using a sunless tanning product at home, follow the directions on the label and don’t get the product in your eyes, nose or mouth. If you’re going to a sunless tanning booth, ask how your eyes, mouth, nose and ears will be protected and how you will be protected from inhaling the tanning spray.

At Fotopharmacy, we provide to you solutions for sunless tanning through our variety of products and brands and make you bronze-colored without sun  exposure!!