Tan Fat Looks Better Than White Fat - Appalachian Spring Dermatology

“Tan fat looks better than white fat.” When listening to a recent teaching by a very wise respected biblical teacher, she uttered this non-biblical, yet awesome truth. For those of you who have heard Beth Moore speak, the phrase was preceded by a HILARIOUS story and followed by a roar of laughter and nodding women. In fact, when I googled this phrase just now, I got 11.2 million hits. Seriously, what is a pale skinned, freckled, skin cancer surviving dermatologist to do? Apply sunless tanner, because… who doesn’t want to look skinnier?

[shareable cite=”Dr Rosenberger”]“Tan fat looks better than white fat” Seriously, what’s a dermatologist to do? Apply sunless tanner. Who doesn’t want to look skinnier? [/shareable]Tweet

And so, 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 here. I promise, it will make you laugh.

So, how can we look a little less white and a little skinnier? Here are some tips and facts on sunless tanning.

Sunless tanners come in a variety of vehicles… cream, personal spray, mousse, gel, towelettes and many more. In almost all cases the active ingredient is dihydroxyacetone. According to Wikipedia..” It is often derived from plant sources such as 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. So, to be safe, apply >24 hours prior to expected significant sun exposure. 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. Give it to me straight up.

TIPS FOR A BETTER LOOKING AT HOME SUNLESS TAN….

1 – Exfoliate – We have some products available in the office containing glycolic and alpha hydroxy acids to help exfoliate prior to using sunless tanner. ZO Skin Health Oraser® Body Emulsion Plus and ZO Medical GLYCOGENT™ Exfoliation Accelerator.

2- Find one that matches your skin –Go ahead and just 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 after showering and shaving. Don’t get dressed for a few minutes, and let it dry.

4- Examine thoroughly and repeat. Look it over really well and plan to repeat to even it out.

I have only had a few spray tans. While I am a little more coordinated than Ross, I personally would rather do it at home. For me, the at home version applies more evenly, wears off more evenly and lasts longer. I find the spray discolors my clothes more, costs a lot more and is a sticky mess. Save some money and do it yourself.

What is your favorite method and product for sunless tanner? Have you had a sunless tanning mishap? You can comment on the blog or on our facebook page. I love to laugh and learn!

Inlcuded below is a video from the AAD on applying self-tanner as well.