Since, as a dermatologist, I and all my colleagues have been warning our patients, family members and friends about too much sun exposure, it is only fair to try to offer them an alternative to that “healthy, attractive, Southern California tan.” The popularity of tanning parlors makes it clear that many people are going to continue to try to get their tan anyways.
Many years ago self-tanning products were introduced and I remember the streaking and sometimes unnatural coloration they often produced. However, today there are hundreds of companies making self-tanning products and devices used in spas to give a very convincing artificial tan. When applied correctly, it is very difficult to tell the difference between a sun induced tan and the chemically induced one.
My patients have voiced concerns about the safety of such tanning methods. These lotions contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which was originally developed by Proctor & Gamble in the 1920’s as a possible artificial sweetener. Due to the browning effect when the chemical touched the skin it was abandoned as a sugar substitute. The chemical has no toxicity when ingested and is a simple, small sugar compound.
These tanning products can be formulated as creams, lotions or sprays. Lower concentrations of the DHA produce a lighter tan so you can produce whatever shade of tan you desire. It will stain hair and nails but not the lips and starts to be obvious at one hour after application. Maximum darkening takes eight to 24 hours. Treatments need to be repeated every other week.
In summary, artificial tanning products are a semi-permanent alternative to sun induced tanning. The main ingredient in these preparations, DHA, has been proven safe but gives very minimal sun protection. I therefore recommend using a sunscreen product in addition to the artificial tan when sun exposure is not possible to avoid.
Kay Dermatology is located at 23861 McBean Parkway, Suite D6 in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-310-1510.