Natural tan: What you need to know

Natural tan without the use of direct sunlight has been popularized since 1960 by the recommendation to apply natural tanning products. Since health authorities have previously confirmed an association between UV exposure (sunlight or sunbathing) and skin cancer incidence, tanning methods for tanning are not recommended. is recommended to apply.

For a natural tan without exposure to harmful sun rays, a natural tan can be considered. Sunless tanning is the product of choice for creating a tan. These products come in two types, bronzer products (used as a permanent makeup base and washable) and tan products (used to make skin look like it's been treated with tanned skin). sunbathing and it may fade as skin cells slough off).
Today, dermatologists always recommend these products to their patients if they want more color on their skin. Because that would be safer for the skin than having to be directly exposed to UV light which can cause skin risks like skin cancer.

Sunless tanning products aka self-tanning, can give you a tan without exposing it to harmful UV rays. These products are commonly used in the form of creams, lotions, and sprays.
The most active ingredient in tanning products is the color additive dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When this product is used, the ingredient dihydroxyacetone chemically reacts with amino acids on the skin's surface - a free radical-neutral Maillard reaction, temporarily darkening the skin while simulating a tan. The color effect is temporary and fades after 3 to 10 days. Then this layer of color will disappear after a few days.

Most skin coloring products do not contain sunscreen. If a tanning product contains sunscreen, it will only be effective for a few hours after application. Therefore, using this product still requires using sunscreen to protect the skin against harmful rays from the sun.

Canthaxanthin is most commonly used as a color additive in a number of foods. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of canthaxanthin in foods, it is not approved for use as a tanning agent.
When used as a color additive, only a very small amount of canthaxanthin is required. After consuming canthaxanthin it is deposited throughout the body, including the subcutaneous fat layer. Dye containing this ingredient is often associated with side effects such as retinitis or canthaxanthin-induced retinopathy, a yellow coloration in the retina of the eye. Other side effects include damage to the digestive system and skin surface. As a result, the FDA withdrew its approval for the use of canthaxanthin as a tanning agent and issued a warning about its use.

Tanning products are generally considered safe alternatives to tanning, as long as they are used as directed.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the color additive dihydroxyacetone (DHA) for topical application. However, the FDA also states that it should not be inhaled or applied in areas covered with mucous membranes including the lips, nose, or areas around the eyes.

For best results when using a tanning agent you should follow the manufacturer's instructions, including:
Exfoliate the skin. Use a washcloth or scrub to remove excess dead skin cells. This step is done more carefully in areas such as knees, elbows and ankles. Apply the dye directly to the skin of the upper body parts. Massage the product in a circular motion. Apply the dye to each part of the body, starting with the arms, then the legs and the whole body. After each performance, wash your hands with soap to avoid discoloring the palms. Wipe the joint areas. Knees, elbows, and eyes with feet tend to absorb tanning products more. To dilute the tanning effect in these areas, gently rub with a damp washcloth or dab some lotion on top of the dyed skin. Allow more than 10 minutes for the skin to dry before you can put your clothes back on. Clothes used after tanning should be loose and try to avoid sweating. For medical examination and treatment at Vinmec, please go directly to Vinmec medical system nationwide or register online HERE.
References: mayoclinic.org; webmd.com