Tanning beds are out, and while the sun is necessary for vitamin D, spending hours tanning and burning isn't ideal either.
If you really knew what was in your average bottle of tanning lotion, would you still use it?
If you share my philosophy that you should only put on your skin what you would be willing to eat, then the ingredient list on most tanning lotions equates to a bad idea.
HOW DO SELF-TANNING PRODUCTS WORK?
While health authorities say tanning lotions are safer than baking your skin in the sun, they don’t tell you about some of the potentially harmful ingredients found in many of them.
These products contain color additives that interact with the skin's chemistry, making it look darker. The only approved chemical is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When combined with amino acids in your skin, DHA causes a browning reaction, similar to when you make toast or grill meat. This may sound scary, but the browning only occurs in your skin's "stratum corneum," the topmost layer composed of dead cells.
However, using DHA comes with a list of protective measures, such as avoiding contact with eyes, nose, and mucous membranes. A few years ago, a report from ABC News in the US raised concerns about spray-tanning salons and the risks of inhaling DHA and other self-tanning ingredients.
Subsequent research supported the idea that inhaling spray-on tanning chemicals could potentially increase your risk of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cancer. The ABC News report cited Food and Drug Administration data suggesting that small amounts of DHA might seep through your skin and into your bloodstream, but follow-up studies have failed to find evidence that DHA penetrates your skin’s protective barriers. To date, there are no data to show that DHA is harmful when applied topically, but if you’re pregnant, you may want to avoid it as a precautionary measure.
SELF-TANNING INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
Here are some of the more common ingredients that are best to avoid in tanning lotions:
1. Mineral oil: A derivative of petroleum, it can be carcinogenic and is comedogenic (blocks your pores). It's used because it's a cheap carrier, creates slip, and assists with spreadability.
2. Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate: This masquerades as a ‘natural preservative’ and in high concentrations is a skin and eye irritant. It’s also been found to contain formaldehyde (added during processing) and may break down into formaldehyde once it has permeated the skin.
3. Amyl acetate: An ingredient used in the dry cleaning business. No, thanks.
4. Octyl stearate: An irritant and also comedogenic (blocks pores).
5. Isopropyl myristate: Also comedogenic and may bind to nitrates in the body... nitrates are carcinogenic.
6. Artificial fragrances and colors: Many fragrances used in tanning products are created from petrochemicals, and many chemicals used to create scents are known carcinogens (e.g., methylene chloride).
Remember that sunless tanners are not a substitute for sunscreen, so if you use them and go outside, you will need to use sunscreen as well.
If you are looking for a safe and natural tanning alternative, The Magic Bronzer is your best option. Our bronzer is formulated with natural ingredients like macadamia oil, hibiscus, coffee, coconut, aloe vera, and vitamins E and C, without any of the harmful ingredients mentioned above.
Discover the magic of healthy and conscious tanning with The Magic Bronzer. Protect your skin and respect the planet.
