Are Self-Tanning Sprays and Lotions Safe?

QUESTION: I'd like to keep the tanned lookI got during my vacation. Are self-tanning lotions and sprays a goodidea? Are they safe to use?

ANSWER: When you sunbathe, the sun'sultraviolet (UV) rays cause the skin to increase its production of aprotective pigment called melanin, which manifests itself as a tan.Despite its association with good health and good looks, a tan isactually a sign of skin-cell damage, which can increase the risk forskin cancer and accelerate skin aging. The American Academy ofDermatology recommends using self-tanning lotions and sprays as analternative to tanning in UV light from the sun or an indoor tanningbed.

You can buy self-tanning products over the counter and applythem yourself or go to a salon that offers spray-on or airbrush tans.The active ingredient in all of these products is dihydroxyacetone(DHA), a color additive approved by the FDA for tanning purposes. DHAbinds to proteins in the top layer of skin, causing it to darken orstain. Thicker, protein-rich areas of your skin will stain more. That'swhy exfoliation of the elbows, knees and ankles is recommendedbeforehand for even results. Because the coloring process takes placeonly in the surface layers of the skin, your "tan" lasts only as longas those layers stay on your body -- about five to seven days. Afterthat, you'll need a reapplication.

Although self-tanning isgenerally consideredsafe, few safety studies have been published. Allergic reactions arerare, but the long-term effects remain largely unknown. For now, theFDA has approved DHA for external use only, excluding the lips, eyes,ears, nose and mucous membranes. A study found that DHA added to skincells damaged proteins in the cells' DNA, suggesting more research isneeded before DHA can be declared safe for long-term use.

One very real concern is that many people who use self-tannersdon't practice proper sun protection afterward. Unlike a natural tan,self-tanning doesn't confer any significant UV protection. Thus, anyonesporting a faux glow still needs to use sunscreen or sunblock when outin the sun.

If you opt for self-tanning at a salon, spa, or gym, be awarethat the self-tanning industry is largely unregulated and few statesexercise any oversight. During a spray-on tanning session, be sure youreyes, lips, ears, nose and other mucous membranes are covered and thatyou hold your breath to avoid inhaling the product while it's beingapplied.

© 2006. Presidentand Fellows of Harvard College. Distributed by Yellowbrix.