The sun is no longer a benign harbinger of fair skies. Damage to the protective ozone layer shielding the planet from harsh ultraviolet radiation has turned sunbathing into a dangerous practice, ranking with smoking as one of the primary causes of cancer. People avoiding this hazard often turn to sunless tanning lotion in an effort to recreate the healthy, vibrant look of a real tan without as many risks.
Although efforts to ban the use of specific aerosols have been surprisingly effective in reversing ozone deterioration, unprotected sun bathing will still pose a problem for many decades, if not centuries. The use of lotions to create dark color within lighter skin cells eliminates the need for outdoor exposure, and reduces the amount of skin cell alteration caused by ultraviolet radiation.
Sunbathing without protection damages the outer layers of skin in a remarkably short time, and is known to encourage changes in cellular DNA. During exposure, the body increases production of melanin, a substance that helps absorb solar radiation while offering greater protection to new cells. Melanin is usually a dark brown or reddish color, and is responsible for the golden tones of an ideal tan.
While it may look healthy, there is unseen damage occurring along with visible darkening. The most common long-term effects are skin wrinkling, an impaired immune system, and increased risk of melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. Sunless tanning uses chemical agents to mimic the same physical process without as many immediate dangers, but do not create any long-term protection from future exposure.
Early adapters of bronzing agents introduced sixty years ago sometimes turned bright orange, to their chagrin. Products available today mostly avoid that consequence, although some can still create a florid appearance if not used carefully. In order to attract more customers, some manufacturers have turned to pills infused with food colors unapproved for this type of use or level of consumption, and which can produce alarming side effects.
Products proven safe for use contain DHA, or dihydroxyacetone. It is not an actual coloring agent, but a type of interactive sugar that encourages a chemical reaction with dead skin cells, resulting in darker tones. The effect lasts around one week before starting to fade, and must be consistently maintained. Some cases of eye irritation have been reported, but there is no danger of skin cancer or wrinkling.
Sunless products should be used as directed. Incorrect application results in unsightly streaking or embarrassingly blotchy dark spots, and the creams should not be used in conjunction with tan accelerators, which only increase skin damage. Sunscreen is still necessary outdoors for optimal protection, no matter how dark the epidermis has become. Choose the same protection levels as used before the darkening agents were used.
Before using a cream or gel product exfoliate thoroughly, and then spread the substance evenly over small adjacent patches of skin. To prevent lines, wipe down elbows and knees, and allow at least ten minutes for drying. Avoid eye contact, and do not be tempted to try products in pill form containing canthaxanthin. When compared to the consequences of actual radiation, the use of lotions or creams is a far healthier alternative.
Although efforts to ban the use of specific aerosols have been surprisingly effective in reversing ozone deterioration, unprotected sun bathing will still pose a problem for many decades, if not centuries. The use of lotions to create dark color within lighter skin cells eliminates the need for outdoor exposure, and reduces the amount of skin cell alteration caused by ultraviolet radiation.
Sunbathing without protection damages the outer layers of skin in a remarkably short time, and is known to encourage changes in cellular DNA. During exposure, the body increases production of melanin, a substance that helps absorb solar radiation while offering greater protection to new cells. Melanin is usually a dark brown or reddish color, and is responsible for the golden tones of an ideal tan.
While it may look healthy, there is unseen damage occurring along with visible darkening. The most common long-term effects are skin wrinkling, an impaired immune system, and increased risk of melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. Sunless tanning uses chemical agents to mimic the same physical process without as many immediate dangers, but do not create any long-term protection from future exposure.
Early adapters of bronzing agents introduced sixty years ago sometimes turned bright orange, to their chagrin. Products available today mostly avoid that consequence, although some can still create a florid appearance if not used carefully. In order to attract more customers, some manufacturers have turned to pills infused with food colors unapproved for this type of use or level of consumption, and which can produce alarming side effects.
Products proven safe for use contain DHA, or dihydroxyacetone. It is not an actual coloring agent, but a type of interactive sugar that encourages a chemical reaction with dead skin cells, resulting in darker tones. The effect lasts around one week before starting to fade, and must be consistently maintained. Some cases of eye irritation have been reported, but there is no danger of skin cancer or wrinkling.
Sunless products should be used as directed. Incorrect application results in unsightly streaking or embarrassingly blotchy dark spots, and the creams should not be used in conjunction with tan accelerators, which only increase skin damage. Sunscreen is still necessary outdoors for optimal protection, no matter how dark the epidermis has become. Choose the same protection levels as used before the darkening agents were used.
Before using a cream or gel product exfoliate thoroughly, and then spread the substance evenly over small adjacent patches of skin. To prevent lines, wipe down elbows and knees, and allow at least ten minutes for drying. Avoid eye contact, and do not be tempted to try products in pill form containing canthaxanthin. When compared to the consequences of actual radiation, the use of lotions or creams is a far healthier alternative.
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