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Sunless Tanning Lotion Is A Safer Choice

By Haywood Hunter


Sunny days create dangers that were unimaginable a few decades ago. Because the ozone layer that shields surface dwellers from solar radiation has been degraded, sunbathing has literally become hazardous, and now ranks with smoking as a known, preventable carcinogen. Those who actively avoid outdoor exposure increasingly turn to sunless tanning lotion as an alternative way to achieve a natural-looking tan without the 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.

It does not take long for the epidermis to react to unfiltered sunlight, and without sunscreen any outdoor activity can encourage damage capable of altering DNA. In order to preserve and renew skin cells, the body manufactures a substance called melanin, designed to absorb radiation harmlessly. It is typically a dark red or brownish color, and is the agent that turns skin browner.

Although that look is considered healthy and youthful, unseen cellular destruction is occurring. The most prevalent side-effects include permanent and premature skin wrinkling, a weakened immune system, and a greater chance of developing melanoma, an often-deadly skin cancer. Sunless tanning products employ chemical agents that mimic the natural process without as many dangers, even though they provide no actual screening protection.

Enthusiast adopters of bronzing agents often turned bright orange when those products were first introduced. Modern lotions rarely cause that problem, although they can still produce a slightly orange cast. Most are also available in cream or gel forms, and some manufacturers offer pills for internal ingestion. They contain food colors not approved for that use, and can have troubling side effects.

The safest products for topical application contain dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. This is not a coloring, but a type of sugar that interacts with outer layers of dead skin cells, and the resulting chemical reaction produces the color. It lasts around a week before noticeably fading, and needs consistent reapplication for maintenance. While it can irritate the eyes if used carelessly, it does not cause premature aging or increase cancer risks.

Careless application may cause unattractive blotches or undesirable streaks. The products should not be combined with tan accelerators, which often only add to the ultraviolet damage. Outdoor activities will still require the use of sunscreens to prevent burning, no matter how dark the actual skin cells have become. Use the same levels of UV protection that proved effective prior to applying lotion.

Exfoliation is always recommended before use, and application to separate sections of skin brings better results. Wipe down the excess on knee and elbow joints to prevent lines, and allow a minimum of ten minutes drying time. Keep the lotion away from eyes, and never ingest tanning pills made with canthaxanthin. When compared to the dangers of radiation, sunless tanning is beneficial in the long run.




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