How to Tan Safely : Be Aware of the Different Tanning Products

For years, society has been telling us that being tan makes us more attractive, sexy, and 'healthy' looking. When in reality, a tan is a sign of skin damage. Nonetheless, since society dictates how 'healthy' we look in a tan, the lure of a good tan will not fade away any too quickly.

Many cosmetic companies are now coming to the rescue of the "tan-aholics" in providing the public with ways to get a safe tan and maintain it. However, what most consumers need to remember first and foremost is that tanning lotions contain no protection from the sun, so you can still get skin damage from over exposure to the sun. Listed below are five types of tanning products and their effects on the body.

* Bronzers usually come in gel form. They turn the skin a darker shade by the use of water-soluble dyes. The skin will darken immediately with use, but the color will fade as the skin is first washed.

* Tan accelerators contain a natural enzyme that will stimulate the body's natural tanning enzyme called melanin when exposed to sunlight. However, tan accelerators have not been proven to be effective. In addition, the FDA (food and drug administration) is cracking down on tan accelerators because of their ineffectiveness.

* Tanning promoters contain 5-methoxypsoralen, not available in the United States. Tanning promoters have been reported to cause cancer in mice, while humans report having sunburn reactions.

* Tanning pills contain the drug cantharanthrin. The pills work by forcing the deposition of the chemical called carotenoid in the skin. The carotenoid is a chemical much like vitamin A in carrots. Studies have shown that tanning pills can have life threatening side effects on humans, including blindness, and are therefore banned in the United States.

* Self-tanning, or sunless lotions, have been proven to be quite effect and safe to use. The active ingredient in self-tanning lotions is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is approved by the FDA. The use of self-tanning lotions is simple. Apply like any other lotion, and within three to five hours your skin should look a little darker. A good thing to remember is to choose a lotion with a DHA concentration of three to five percent. Your tan may come about more slowly, but your skin will not turn a shade of orange. Application for the first day should be two to four applications several hours apart. After that, apply once every few days. By buffing or rubbing your skin lightly with a towel before showering, you can improve your tan. In addition, make sure you wash your hand after applying the lotion. Also remember that freckled or scarred skin will look uneven. Side effects, if any, are very rare. You may experience an allergic reaction.

You can now purchase self-tanning sunscreen lotions. Apply the self-tanning sunscreens as you would any other sunscreen. Enjoy your new and safe tan.