What Are the Dangers of Fake Tanning Lotions?
Fake tanning lotions are much better than they used to be. Gone are the days when a person would spread tanning lotion on her body, only to turn orange hours later. Tanning lotions have become safer and easier to utilize, but there are still some risks associated with tanning lotions.
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Sun Exposure
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According to the Mayo Clinic, using sunless tanning lotion is safer than lying in the sun or in a tanning bed. But herein lies the danger. People using fake tanning lotions may think that the lotion can be used as protection against the sun. As a rule, fake tanning lotions contain no sunscreen, so exposure to the sun can cause long-term damage to your skin, including skin cancer.
Pregnant Women
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Pregnant women should be careful when using tanning lotion. According to the Baby Center, using a self-tanning lotion may not be a good idea for pregnant women, because hormonal changes may cause a mother-to-be to have more sensitive skin. If you are pregnant, you may be more likely to get a rash or to become allergic to the tanning lotion.
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Allergic Reactions
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Every potential user of fake tanning lotion should do a skin patch test. According to the Baby Center and Mayo Clinic, test the product before spreading it on your entire body. Look for hives or another sign of an allergic rash. Wait 24 hours to use the tanning lotion on your body.
Blotchy Skin
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Fake tanning lotions, also called self-tanners, contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA, when applied to the skin cells, causes the outermost layer of skin to become darker. The Food and Drug Administration, according to the Mayo Clinic, considers the chemical DHA to be safe for use as a tanning lotion on the skin. The only danger is cosmetic, if your skin is not properly cleaned and exfoliated before applying the fake tanning lotion. By not ridding the skin of dry skin cells, the tan may be blotchy and not look like a natural tan. The blotchiness will disappear as the tan disappears.
Ingesting Chemicals
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When using a fake tanning lotion, according to the Mayo Clinic, there is always the possibility of getting it into your eyes, nose and mouth. If the chemicals are ingested, they could over time prove harmful. After applying the tanning lotion, thoroughly wash your hands. Acquiring a tan with the spray-on version of a fake tanner can cause health problems, if you breathe in the chemicals or get them in your eyes.
Permanent Stains
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Because fake tanning lotions are made to stain your skin, they also will stain fabrics. While spreading fake tanning lotion on your body, avoid getting the lotion on your clothing, bedding or furniture. The chemicals can stain and likely will not come out in the wash cycle.
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