Just how safe is your fake tan look?
Just how safe is your fake tan look? Most of us enjoy that bronzed all year round look but this shouldn’t come at the expense of your health or by causing long term damage to your skin.
We take a quick look at what is behind the fake tan you apply to your body and also tips on how to correctly apply it to your skin giving you that great sun tan look.
What causes your skin to darken
Most fake tan products contain the colour additive known as dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which is their active ingredient. It’s this that temporarily darkens your skin.
It is DHA that reacts with the top layers of your dead skin cells. This is why fake tans only have a life span of between 7-10 days before naturally shedding.
How safe is fake suntan
DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is approved for use in fake tans here in Ireland with most dermatologists regarding the use of self-tanning products as a much safer way to achieve that all over bronzed look opposed to direct sun bathing.
There have been questions raised about the concerns of the high toxicity levels in some fake tan products that use DHA. However, most self-tanning creams, lotions and sprays only contain between 3 to 5% levels of dihydroxyacetone which is considered to be non-carcinogenic or toxic.
Specialists do have some concerns about DHA which relates to the inhalation and ingestion of fake tan products that include dihydroxyacetone. This is why you are strongly advised to protect your nose, eyes and mouth when applying fake tan products, especially when they come in spray form.
Tips on how to apply Fake suntan products
- Always remember to exfoliate first. This will remove the build-up of dead skin cells on your body and pay special attention to your knees, elbows and ankles.
- Apply the product section by section. Make sure to massage it deep into the skin in circular motions. To avoid a build-up of colour on your palms, please wash your hands after you apply to each section.
- Ensure to wipe each joint areas such as knees and elbows with a damp towel after application as these areas that tend to absorb the most product.
- Finally, allow time for your skin to dry. Wait at least twenty minutes before dressing and ensure only to wear loose clothing.
A word of warning
The regular use of over-applying false tan to you skin can have devastating consequences for the development and overall health of your skin.
Some top skin experts recommend that young girls and men should only apply false tan, once a month in order to allow adequate time for their skin to breathe and develop properly.
Only buy fake sun products from official and recommended suppliers. In recent years we have seen an influx of cheap imitation / counterfeit products that that have not be properly checked or approved If the product is cheap then it’s probably not the real deal!
If you use fake sun applications and it causes your skin to come out in a rash or it causes discomfort, please seek medical advice from your doctor.
Help yourself stay beautiful looking, all year round.
