Why Sunless Tanning Pills Are Dangerous

With skin cancer on the rise -- a majority of these cases credited to excessive sun bathing -- more and more people are turning to sunless tanning creams, sprays, and even towelettes for a healthy, skin-kissed glow. But some people are opting for another sunless alternative--sunless tanning pills. But buyer beware: sunless tanning pills are dangerous for long term use.

What Are Sunless Tanning Pills?

Not sure what sunless tanning pills are? Here's what sunless tanning pill distributors claim: by taking their supplement everyday, you can increase your body's ability to produce melanin, which speeds up the tanning process. Getting plenty of UV exposure also helps increase melanin production, significantly decreasing how long it takes to develop a tan. Some companies even claim it can give you a dark, deep tan within weeks of use.

Unfortunately, evidence supporting the use of sunless tanning pills is slim. There currently isn't any clinical evidence showing it can increase melanin production, but they do share one thing in common: a formula riddled with potentially dangerous side effects.

Why Sunless Tanning Pills are Dangerous

Though tanning pill distributors claim "pill tanning" is completely safe, numerous health and medical agencies say sunless tanning pills are dangerous, even for short-term use. According to the Mayo Clinic, most tanning pills contains a food additive called canthaxanthin which is densely concentrated into its formula, far exceeding the level found in processed food. Over time canthaxanthin turns your skin dark orange--not the healthy, dark tan commonly advertised--with the added risk of developing urticaria, which can cause red, itchy bumps to develop all over your skin.

But these aren't the only dangers: liver damage and canthaxanthin retinopathy, an eye condition that causes crystals to form in the eye's retina, are also common with long term use.

Sunless Tanning Pills and the FDA

Sunless tanning pills aren't only dangerous--they're also not approved.

"Although canthaxanthin is approved by FDA for use as a color additive in foods, where it is used in small amounts, its use in so-called tanning pills is not approved," says the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "Imported tanning pills containing canthaxanthin are subject to automatic detention as products containing unsafe color additives."

As far as availability goes, the FDA is correct--these pills are commonly sold online through offshore companies, where they can avoid prosecution by the FDA. The pills, if intercepted, are usually held and never delivered to their intended customers.

As for its dangers, the FDA highlights a 1993 report discussing the eye-related side effects suffered from one former customer. In the report, the customer explained the loss of vision she experienced, which took nearly two years to reverse. There were also complaints of nausea, cramping, diarrhea and severe itching following use of the pill.

Are Sunless Tanning Pills Dangerous Even for Short Term Use?

While the verdict is still out on its short term safety (side effects from short term use are limited), health agencies still warn consumers to avoid it completely. High concentrations of canthaxanthin have never been shown to be beneficial, and they don't recommend risking your health even for its short term benefits.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic staff, "Sunless tanning: A safe alternative to sunbathing" (MayoClinic.com; acessed July 9, 2010)

FDA staff, "Tanning pills" (FDA.gov; accessed July 8, 2010)