Are Tanning Lotions Harmful?

Tanning lotions may not be safe for some users. Cosmetic packing and marketing techniques make tanning lotions and other cosmetic products attractive, but the temporary and long-term effects could pose a health risk. On the other side of the spectrum, tanning lotions promote skin vitality and could benefit your overall health. You can be the judge of what tanning lotion, if any, is best for you.

Function

Unlike sunscreens, tanning lotions promote deep, dark suntans. Tanning lotions bought in the drugstore usually contain fewer ingredients than those bought in a professional tanning salon, which keeps the prices low and allows most users a tolerable tanning experience. Those bought in a professional tanning salon have ingredients that enhance your tanning experience by nourishing the skin with vitamins, preventing dehydration and premature aging, and offering a variety of sensations for the skin and senses.

Time Frame

Many of the ingredients in suntan lotion have a short shelf life. Bronzers in tanning lotion and self-tanners have a shelf life of approximately 6 months before the coloring effect expires. Without preservatives, natural ingredients also spoil after a short time, but many users can find that preservatives cause toxicity and other side effects. Tanners who frequent a tanning salon often store their tanning lotions in the car for convenience. The heat and direct sunlight can accelerate spoilage, while increasing the risk of the bottle rupturing or detonating. Other dangers and delays include toxicity from the lotion's ingredients, which may cause an interruption of or interference with fertility and child development.

Effects

Unlike tanning lotions bought in the drugstore, professional tanning salons rarely offer products with sun protection, as the goal of the tanning salon is to create a tan, rather than to subdue one. Without sun protection, you increase your chances of getting sun damage, but most tanning beds provide the safer UVB rays, unlike the UVA rays emitted from the sun. Tanning lotions that offer tingle sensation contain ingredients that increase blood flow to the skin. This is uncomfortable for many users, and some experience a skin rash from these effects. Aromatherapy is another feature in tanning lotions that can calm or invigorate the senses, but those with allergies may have a reaction to the feature. Other natural and synthesized ingredients offer a variety of benefits for the skin, but not everyone can tolerate the wide array of ingredients from each fortified bottle.

Considerations

Any cosmetic can bring on a skin reaction or other side effect, even though it may contain natural ingredients. Natural does not mean safe. Synthetic materials and ingredients usually mimic the benefit of natural products, but offer more stability, safety and tolerance for most users. Ask the salon representative for a sample or trial-sized portion before buying the bigger bottle, so you can save money and see how you react to the suntan lotion.

Misconceptions

Suntan lotion without sun protection is not dangerous to your skin, especially if you are tanning in a salon, and it may even benefit your health. Some types of vitamin D you cannot get from your diet, and dietary supplements do not give you the boost that fights certain types of cancer. Studies show that while too much sun exposure may cause skin cancer, a lack of sunshine may increase your risk of other types of cancers. Skin cancer is rarely fatal, so moderate sun tanning, using a suntan lotion appropriate for your skin type and sensitivities could do your body some good.

Warning

As with any cosmetic, use suntan lotion at your own risk. While some users may experience a reaction to suntan lotion, it is rare. If you have a concern about a skin condition or other medical problem from the use of a tanning lotion, see your doctor. If you have a seizure disorder or lung condition, talk to your health-care specialist to find out if any of the ingredients in your suntan lotion could pose a risk to your health.

Resources

• Tan safe