Beauty treatments

Beauty treatments blog

By Haywood Hunter


Self Tanning, also known as sunless tanning, utilizes special chemicals to produce the effect of a suntan without sun exposure. These sunless methods have become more popular within the last half a century, following health concerns. Health officials began linking sunbeds and sun exposure to the occurrence of skin cancer. Sunless products are a way to get the results of sun exposure without using products with high risks.

Today, Carotenoid-based products are commonly used. Carotenoids are found in nature, particularly vegetables or fruits that have highly pigmented color. These products also contain beta-carotene, an ingredient that is both permanent and natural.

Pills are just one of the ways to obtain a sunless tan. Many of these pills include beta-carotene or canthaxanthin. Beta-carotene is not known to cause any harmful side effects. Though in large doses, it can cause the skin to turn yellow or orange in color.

On the other hand, Canthaxanthin has been linked to side effects such as hepatitis, retinopathy and problems with the digestive system. This ingredient, when consumed, deposits within the body, even to the fat layers under the skin. The skin then turns an orange or brown hue. Typically canthaxanthin is used exclusively in color additives found in food.

There are other products that can offer a sunless tan. Bronzers are a common option for a temporary tan. These products may be in gels, sprays, powders, lotions, moisturizers, or mousses. Other active ingredients found in sunless products include Tyrosine, dihydroxyacetone, or Afamelanotide.

It is important to note that most of these none of these products do not include ingredients for sun protection. They do not provide any protection against ultraviolet rays from the sun and so if sun protection is desired, persons should get sunscreen. Tanners can trigger allergies and stain clothes as well.

A popular alternative method to sunbeds and outdoor tanning is self tanning. This process can result in a tan that is similar to, if not better than, that obtained through other means. Some examples of common sunless practices: topical creams and pills.




About the Author: