Sunless Tanner 101
Despite all my harping about protecting your skin from the sun, I do understand that most Americans prefer the appearance of tanned skin. So, what is a pale-skinned, freckled, skin cancer surviving dermatologist to do? After spending many a childhood summer trying desperately to get a tan and failing miserably, I have resorted to a safer solution. Applying sunless tanner!
Sunless tanners come in a variety of vehicles: cream, personal spray, mousse, gel, towelettes, and many more. In all cases, the active ingredient is dihydroxyacetone. According to Wikipedia, “It is often derived from plant sources such as sugar beets and sugar cane, and by the fermentation of glycerin.” So, it is very safe for everyone. I even used them when pregnant and nursing. Erythrulose is the other most common active ingredient. Both interact with the proteins in the outer layer of the skin and cause discoloration. A few studies have suggested that the skin is a little more sensitive to UV damage within 24 hours of application. However, I have never experienced nor have heard of anyone being extra sensitive. To be safe, apply >24 hours prior to expected significant sun exposure. The intensity of coloration is directly related to the concentration of the active ingredient in the product.
Here’s a personal opinion: Why waste your time with the “gradual tan” formulas? What a marketing triumph! They are selling a highly diluted product that needs to be used 5-6 times more to get the same result. I have no time or patience for a gradual tan. Bring it on overnight!
TIPS FOR A BETTER LOOKING SUNLESS TAN….
1 – Exfoliate – We have some products containing glycolic and alpha hydroxy acids to help exfoliate prior to using sunless tanner in the Spring Boutique including ZO Medical GLYCOGENT™ Exfoliation Accelerator and ZO Exfoliating Polish. A more affordable option is Eucerin Roughness Relief lotion – which comes in three formulas. The body lotion and body cream contain 10% urea, and the spot treatment contains 30% urea. Urea is a safe chemical. It naturally circulates in our bloodstream. When applied topically it both moisturizes and breaks down dead skin. I recommend the milder 10% for exfoliation and 30% for calluses or thicker areas such as elbows and knees. Apply an exfoliating cream for a few days before applying sunless tanner or as a regular moisturizer during the summer months..
2- Find one that matches your skin –Go ahead and buy a few. Try a few of them in a test spot on your arm. Make a mental note of which one is where. Wait 24 hours and then pick one that matches best. Return the rest. (Did I just say that?). Or throw the rest away and waste your money. You pick. My favorite… L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Body Towelettes in Medium.
3- Apply sunless tanner after showering. Don’t get dressed for a few minutes, and let it dry.
4-Plan to repeat. The next morning, look it over really well and plan to repeat to even it out.
Here are a few helpful links! American Academy of Dermatology tips on how to apply self-tanner.
To close, I harken back to the beginning days of sunless tanner and spray tans. Girls in my high school would come to school with orange hands and even more orange bodies. For those of you who are around my age, you will remember the Friends’ episode where Ross had a major spray tan mishap. For those who are too young or too old to remember the episode… check it out below. I promise it will make you laugh. Happy Tanning Everyone!
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