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.
