Sun is the biggest blessing in disguise. Even though we hate it for some reason, we can’t afford to live without it.
However, when it comes to skin, we used to have a love-hate relationship with the sun. While it helps to absorb Vitamin D and tan the skin, excessive exposure can cause skin damage.
If you like getting tanned but worry about skin damage and sunburn, a self-tanner is the best option to get the sun-kissed glow. Self-tanners are considered the best alternative to suntan but are they really safe?
This article will help you learn whether ‘is self-tanner bad for you and, if it is, how it may harm the skin and what are the ways to prevent it.
Article Contains:
- How Does Self-tanner Work?
- How Safe Is Self-tanner For Skin?
- 1. Free Radicals Generate
- 2. Induces Skin Aging And Damages DNA
- 3. Reduces Vitamin D production
- 4. Causes Skin Irritation
- DHA-free Self-tanner
- Final Words
How Does Self-tanner Work?
To know if a self-tanner is a good alternative, it is essential to learn how it works. So, let’s talk about the mechanism behind self-tanners and how they help to darken the skin.
The active ingredient in self-tanners is DHA- dihydroxyacetone, a simple carbohydrate. As you apply a self-tanner or spray tanner on the skin, it spreads on the uppermost layer of the dermis and reacts with the amino acids.
The reaction of DHA with amino acids generates melanoidins. As melanoidins increase, the skin starts darkening, leading to the development of golden bronze skin tone. It looks similar to the tan developed by the skin as a response to increased melanin content, thus imitating suntan.
This process is called the Maillard reaction and usually starts after 2-4 hours of self-tanner application. The process may continue for up to 72 hours; therefore, you need to be really patient to get the desired skin tone.
Most self-tanners claim to keep your skin tanned for ten days; however, the result varies depending upon various factors like how well you have prepared your skin before applying self-tanner and how well you follow the aftercare instructions.
As you apply self-tanner, you may come across a distinctive odor, a telltale sign indicating the chemical reactions happening in the skin. Many brands put artificial fragrances to mask this distinctive odor.
How Safe Is Self-tanner For Skin?
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