Sunless tanning has become increasingly popular in recent years as people seek out a safer alternative to traditional tanning methods that expose them to harmful UV rays.

While sunless tanning does offer a way to achieve a sun-kissed glow without damaging your skin, it is not without health risks. Here are some of the potential health risks of sunless tanning you should be aware of.

1. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) inhalation

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the active ingredient in most sunless tanning products. When you apply these products to your skin, the DHA reacts with the amino acids in your skin’s surface to produce a brownish pigment that gives you a tan.

However, if you inhale the spray or mist from these products (commonly used in spray tans), it can be harmful to your health. Inhaling DHA can cause lung irritation and breathing difficulties, especially for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

To avoid this risk, it’s important to wear appropriate protective gear, such as a nose plug or mask, when getting a spray tan.

2. Allergic reactions

Some people may develop an allergic reaction to the ingredients in sunless tanning products. This can cause a range of symptoms, including redness, itching, and swelling of the skin.

In severe cases, it can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires emergency medical attention. To minimize your risk of having an allergic reaction, it’s recommended to do a patch test before applying the tanner all over your body.

This involves applying a small amount of the product to a small area of your skin and waiting 24 hours to see if any adverse reactions occur.

3. Chemical sensitivity

Some people may be sensitive to the chemicals used in sunless tanning products, even if they don’t have an allergic reaction. This can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

If you experience these symptoms after using a sunless tanning product, it may be a sign that you are sensitive to the chemicals in the product. In this case, it’s best to discontinue use or try a different product that uses natural ingredients instead.

4. Skin irritation

Sunless tanning products can cause skin irritation if not used properly. This can range from mild irritation, such as redness and itching, to more severe reactions like blistering and peeling.

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To minimize your risk of skin irritation, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and apply the product evenly to your skin. Avoid applying too much product to one area, and be sure to exfoliate your skin beforehand to prevent any unevenness.

5. Sun sensitivity

While sunless tanning does not involve exposure to UV rays, it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. This is because the tan produced by sunless tanning products does not offer any protection against UV rays.

If you are going to be spending time outdoors after using a sunless tanning product, it’s important to wear sunscreen and protective clothing to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

6. Misuse of tanning beds

While not directly related to sunless tanning, some people may use sunless tanning products as a way to achieve a “base tan” before using a tanning bed. This is not recommended and can actually increase your risk of skin damage and cancer.

Tanning beds expose your skin to high levels of UV rays, which can cause skin damage and increase your risk of skin cancer. It’s best to avoid tanning beds altogether and opt for a safer alternative like sunless tanning if you want to achieve a tan.

7. Unknown long-term effects

While sunless tanning products have been around for several decades, there is still limited research on the long-term effects of using these products.

It’s unclear whether prolonged use of sunless tanning products could have any adverse effects on your health. It’s possible that long-term use of these products could increase your risk of skin damage or cancer, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Conclusion

Sunless tanning offers a safer alternative to traditional tanning methods, but it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with these products.

From DHA inhalation to skin irritation, there are several risks you should factor in before deciding to use a sunless tanning product. To minimize these risks, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully, wear appropriate protective gear, and do a patch test before using the product all over your body.

With the right precautions, you can enjoy a sun-kissed glow without compromising your health.