Sunless Tanning Lotion Is A Better Option

The sun is no longer a benign harbinger of fair skies. Damage to the protective ozone layer shielding the planet from harsh ultraviolet radiation has turned sunbathing into a dangerous practice, ranking with smoking as one of the primary causes of cancer. People avoiding this hazard often turn to sunless tanning lotion in an effort to recreate the healthy, vibrant look of a real tan without as many risks.

Even though reports indicate that world-wide efforts to heal this atmospheric wound are gradually working, it will be decades before sunbathing becomes standard vacation behavior again in many countries. Using a specially formulated cream that is able to safely darken light skin areas is one way to avoid serious burns, as well as dangerous cell changes that accompany them.

Sunbathing without protection damages the outer layers of skin in a remarkably short time, and is known to encourage changes in cellular DNA. During exposure, the body increases production of melanin, a substance that helps absorb solar radiation while offering greater protection to new cells. Melanin is usually a dark brown or reddish color, and is responsible for the golden tones of an ideal tan.

Although it looks attractive and healthy, that darkening masks invisible damage that can manifest itself in increased and premature skin wrinkles, a general weakening of the immune system, and even melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Sunless tanning formulas employ chemical ingredients able to produce the same effect without presenting similar dangers, even though they do not actually act as sunscreens.

Enthusiast adopters of bronzing agents often turned bright orange when those products were first introduced. Modern lotions rarely cause that problem, although they can still produce a slightly orange cast. Most are also available in cream or gel forms, and some manufacturers offer pills for internal ingestion. They contain food colors not approved for that use, and can have troubling side effects.

The safest lotions for topical use contain DHA, also known as dihydroxyacetone. Rather than a dye, it is a form of sugar that interacts with the skin cells that are constantly being replaced. It lasts for around a week, disappearing when the dead cells are shed, and requires consistent maintenance to achieve an uniform look. If used carelessly it can irritate eyes, but never causes skin aging or cancer.

If not used according to directions, careless application causes unattractive dark blotches or strangely prominent streaks. The creams should not accompany tan accelerating products, which speed color development while increasing epidermal damage. In order to prevent burning, it is still important to apply sunscreen outdoors no matter how dark skin may already look.

Before using a cream or gel product exfoliate thoroughly, and then spread the substance evenly over small adjacent patches of skin. To prevent lines, wipe down elbows and knees, and allow at least ten minutes for drying. Avoid eye contact, and do not be tempted to try products in pill form containing canthaxanthin. When compared to the consequences of actual radiation, the use of lotions or creams is a far healthier alternative.