Sunless tanning: Difference between revisions
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'''Sunless tanning''' (also known as '''self tanning''', '''fake tanning''', or '''UV-free tanning''') refers to applying chemicals on the [[skin]] to produce an effect similar in appearance to a more traditional [[sun tanning|suntan]]. Sunless tanning arose in response to links between sun exposure and [[skin cancer]] discovered in the 1960s, along with other alternatives to natural [[sun tanning]] such as the use of a sunbed or [[tanning bed]]. |
'''Sunless tanning''' (also known as '''self tanning''', '''fake tanning''', or '''UV-free tanning''') refers to applying chemicals on the [[skin]] to produce an effect similar in appearance to a more traditional [[sun tanning|suntan]]. Sunless tanning arose in response to links between sun exposure and [[skin cancer]] discovered in the 1960s, along with other alternatives to natural [[sun tanning]] such as the use of a sunbed or [[tanning bed]]. |
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==DHA-based products== |
==DHA-based products== RICHARD THE WASTE MAN ON FURNITURE.... |
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The most effective products available are sunless tanning or self tanning lotions that contain [[dihydroxyacetone]] (DHA) as the active ingredient. The tan is not a dye, stain or paint, but a chemical reaction between the DHA and the [[amino acids]] in the dead layer on the skin surface.{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}} This is similar to a reaction well known to food chemists called the [[Maillard reaction]]. This refers to the browning process during food manufacturing and storage. It does not involve skin [[pigmentation]] nor does it need [[UV]] exposure to initiate the color change. |
The most effective products available are sunless tanning or self tanning lotions that contain [[dihydroxyacetone]] (DHA) as the active ingredient. The tan is not a dye, stain or paint, but a chemical reaction between the DHA and the [[amino acids]] in the dead layer on the skin surface.{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}} This is similar to a reaction well known to food chemists called the [[Maillard reaction]]. This refers to the browning process during food manufacturing and storage. It does not involve skin [[pigmentation]] nor does it need [[UV]] exposure to initiate the color change. |
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The tan is temporary and will fade gradually over 3 to 10 days. |
The tan is temporary and will fade gradually over 3 to 10 days. |
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Revision as of 13:21, 3 August 2009
Sunless tanning (also known as self tanning, fake tanning, or UV-free tanning) refers to applying chemicals on the skin to produce an effect similar in appearance to a more traditional suntan. Sunless tanning arose in response to links between sun exposure and skin cancer discovered in the 1960s, along with other alternatives to natural sun tanning such as the use of a sunbed or tanning bed.
==DHA-based products== RICHARD THE WASTE MAN ON FURNITURE.... The most effective products available are sunless tanning or self tanning lotions that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient. The tan is not a dye, stain or paint, but a chemical reaction between the DHA and the amino acids in the dead layer on the skin surface.[citation needed] This is similar to a reaction well known to food chemists called the Maillard reaction. This refers to the browning process during food manufacturing and storage. It does not involve skin pigmentation nor does it need UV exposure to initiate the color change. The tan is temporary and will fade gradually over 3 to 10 days. Some products use Erythrulose combined with the DHA. Erythrulose works identically to DHA on the skin surface, but develops more slowly. The two chemicals used together may produce a longer lasting sunless tan.[citation needed]
Dihydroxyacetone or Erythrulose may cause contact dermatitis. First time users of sunless tanning products should apply them to a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours before a full body application.
These products can be applied at home, in the form of gels, lotions, mousses, sprays and wipes. Best results are obtained when applied to clean, dry skin. Bathing and swimming should be avoided until product is fully absorbed, which varies from one to six hours. More DHA is absorbed by the thicker skin on the hands and feet, so those areas should be skipped or cleaned immediately after application.
Professional application options are available from spas, salons and gymnasiums in the form of sunless or UV-Free spray booths.[1] The enclosed booth, which resembles an enclosed shower stall, sprays the sunless tanning solution over the entire body.
Airbrush spray tans are applied by professional technicians using specialized equipment designed for applying self tanning sprays, such as an airbrush, LVLP spraygun, and HVLP spraygun equipment types. The technician hand sprays the client from head to toe with a gentle solution misting. The portability of the equipment allows spray tanning services in a large variety of places, from beach kiosks and malls to in home application.
DHA has been approved for cosmetic use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)[2], Health Canada and most of the EU member nations.[citation needed] It is considered nontoxic and noncarcinogenic. Because DHA does not use the skin's melanocytes to make the skin a tan color it is recommended as a cosmetic disguising cover for vitiligo patients. DHA based Sunless tanning has been recommended by the Skin Cancer Organization, American Academy of Dermatology, Canadian Dermatology Association[3], The American Cancer Society and the American Medical Association.
Sunless operator training and certification is offered by the American Tanning Institute.
Tyrosine-based products
Although gels, lotions or sprays that contain DHA are said to be the most reliable and useful, there are other types of products on the market. Tanning accelerators—lotions or pills[4] that usually contain the amino acid tyrosine -- claim that they stimulate and increase melanin formation, thereby accelerating the tanning process. These are used in conjunction with UV exposure. At this time, there is no scientific data available to support these claims.
Canthaxanthin-based products
Another sunless-tanning product is a tanning pill that contains canthaxanthin, which is most commonly used as a color additive in certain foods. Although the FDA has approved the use of canthaxanthin in food, it does not approve its use as a tanning agent. When used as a color additive, only very small amounts of canthaxanthin are necessary. As a tanning agent, however, much larger quantities are used. After canthaxanthin is consumed, it is deposited throughout the body, including in the layer of fat below the skin, which turns an orange-brown color. These types of tanning pills have been linked to various side effects, including hepatitis and canthaxanthin retinopathy, a condition in which yellow deposits form in the retina of the eye. Side effects including damage to the digestive system and skin surface have also been noted. The FDA withdrew approval for use of canthaxanthin as a tanning agent, and has issued warnings concerning its use. [4]
Melanotan hormone
Afamelanotide, a synthetic melanocyte-stimulating hormone analog, which induces melanogenesis through activation of the melanocortin 1 receptor, is another alternative on the horizon. A 1991 clinical Investigational new drug trial conducted at the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center with afamelanotide (then known by its amino acid formula [Nle4, D-Phe7] (NDP)-alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) with 28, "healthy white men" who used a, "high-potency sunscreen during the trial" and concluded, "Human skin darkens as a response to a synthetic melanotropin given by subcutaneous injection. Skin tanning appears possible without potentially harmful exposure to ultraviolet radiation." [5]
Afamelanotide in a subcutaneous implant form is currently undergoing clinical trials and being developed by a company in Australia.
Temporary bronzers
Bronzers are a temporary sunless tanning or bronzing option. These come in powders, sprays, mousse, gels, lotions and moisturizers. Once applied, they create a tan that can easily be removed with soap and water. Like make-up, these products tint or stain your skin only until they are washed off.
They are often used for a "one-day" only tan, or to complement a DHA based sunless tan. Many formulations are available, and some have limited sweat or light water resistance. Most will create some light but visible rub-off onto snug clothing. Therefore they should not be applied under clothing, or where fabric and skin edges meet. Dark clothing will prevent the rub-off from being noticeable. While, these products are much more safe than tanning beds, the color produced can sometimes look orangey and splotchy if applied incorrectly.
A recent trend is that of lotions or moisturizers containing a gradual tanning agent. A slight increase in color is usually observable after the first use, but color will continue to darken the more the product is used.
Air Brush tanning is a spray on tan done by a professonal. It can last five to ten days fading with every shower. you have to wait 8 to 12 hours after your spray tan to shower to let time to develop. It is used for special occasions or to get a quick dark tan. At-home airbrush tanning kits and aerosol mists are also now available.
See also
External links
- Make sure your sunless tanner has The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation
- How Stuff Works
- FDA listing of approved colorants
- American Academy of Dermatology on Self Tanners
- The American Cancer Society on Sunless Tanners
- How To Apply Spray Tan Solution
References
- ^ http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/ProductInformation/ucm134064.htm FDA Comments on Sunless Tanners and Bronzers
- ^ http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=73.1150 Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Volume 1, §73.1150 Listing of color additives exempt from certification
- ^ Welcome to CDA
- ^ a b US FDA/CFSAN - Tanning Pills
- ^ "Induction of skin tanning by subcutaneous administration of a potent synthetic melanotropin". Vol. 266 No. 19, November 20, 1991. Journal of the American Medical Association. 1991. Retrieved 2008-10-13.