There are several products that claim to give a person a tan without exposing them to UV radiation. Some may be safe and effective, but others may not work, and some may even be harmful.
Tanning tablets and tanning accelerators
The tanning tabletsthey contain color additives similar to beta-carotene, the substance that gives carrots their orange color. Once swallowed, the additives are deposited throughout the body, especially on the skin, turning it an orange-like color. Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved some of these food color additives, they have not been approved for use as tanning agents. These additives can be harmful at the high levels that are used in tanning tablets. The main ingredient in most sunless tanning tablets, canthaxanthin, can manifest itself by making your eyes appear glassy and yellowish, which can cause injury and impaired vision.
Tanning accelerators , such as lotions or lozenges that contain amino acid tyrosine or its derivatives, are not effective and can be dangerous. Marketers claim that these products stimulate the body’s own tanning process, although most evidence suggests that they are not effective. The FDA considers them unapproved new drugs that have not been shown to be safe or effective.
No tanning pills have been approved by the FDA.
Sunless tanners and tanners
Two other non-sun tanning products, sunless bronzers and sunless tanners, are considered cosmetics for use on the skin. They are not considered to cause harm when used properly.
Bronzers, made from color additives approved by the FDA for cosmetic use, are applied to the skin to tint its color for a short time. Some examples are certain moisturizers and brush-on powders that are colored. Like other types of makeup, they can be washed off, returning the skin to its normal color.
On the other hand, non-sun tanners (also known as self- tanners or extenders ) are applied to the skin as lotions or creams that interact with proteins on the skin’s surface to cause a darker color. Just like a tan, and after a few days the color of the tan will begin to fade. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is an FDA-approved color additive commonly used for non-light tanners.
Applying these products by hand can sometimes cause uneven skin color. Therefore, some tanning salons have started offering full body sprays in tanning booths. One concern that has been raised is that DHA is approved for external use only. Therefore, it should not be inhaled or used in the mouth, eyes, or nose. People who choose to spray DHA on their bodies for tanning should be sure to protect these areas.
These products can give your skin a darker color (although some people may notice a slightly orange color), but unless they don’t contain sunscreen ingredients, they don’t offer much protection from the damaging effects of UV radiation. Even if they contain sunscreen, they would only be effective for several hours. Read the label carefully to find out whether or not a product includes sun protection. In most cases, it is safest to continue to use sunscreen and sun-protective clothing when spending time outdoors.
