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Sunless tanning: A safe alternative to sunbathing
Sunless tanning is a practical alternative to sunbathing. Find out how sunless tanning products work, their risks and the way to get a natural-looking tan.
By Mayo Clinic staffYou might think you have to choose: Expose your skin to the sun's damaging rays to get a coveted tan, or avoid the sun and miss out on that sun-kissed glow. But you have another option — sunless tanning products.
Sunless tanning products, also called self-tanners or tanning extenders, can give your skin a tanned look without exposing it to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Though generally recognized as safe, sunless tanning products do carry some risks, depending on how they're used and applied.
How do sunless tanning products work?
Sunless tanning products are commonly sold as creams, gels, lotions and sprays you apply to your skin. The active ingredient in most sunless tanning products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA).
When applied to your skin, DHA reacts with dead cells in the outermost layer of skin to temporarily darken the skin's appearance. The coloring doesn't wash off, but it gradually fades as the dead skin cells slough off. In most cases, the color is completely gone after five to seven days.
What can you expect from sunless tanning products?
Sunless tanning products typically go on clear, and you might see results after about an hour. Full color appears within eight to 24 hours. Some products contain a tint, which darkens your skin right away.
Besides home products, spray-on tanning is available at salons, spas and tanning businesses. These professional applications can provide an even, full-body tan.
Is sunless tanning safe?
Sunless tanning products are generally regarded as safe alternatives to sunbathing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers DHA safe when applied to your skin.
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