Modern Organic Blog

Ultra Violet (UV) Rays are reportedly the leading cause of skin cancer and the biggest source of annoyance for the tan lovers. For people who want that glamorous tan through cosmetic or medical purposes involving prolonged exposure to the UV rays, indoor tanning solutions are the best options. The good news is that these indoor UV free tanning agents, available as creams, sprays, or lotions, produce very similar results as sun tanning, without subjecting your skin to the harmful UV rays of the sun. In addition, these agents achieve the results in much lesser time than the traditional means. Following are the main types of UV free tanning products:

Products with DHA

Dihydroxyacetone or DHA is an active tanning agent, which is used in a broad range of products these days. It is considered a safe ingredient, as it functions by chemically reacting with the amino acids of the 'dead' cells in the epidermal layer of the skin. This also explains why such kind of tanning diminishes with time. The 'tanned' dead cells of the Epidermis are shed off and are replaced by new cells over a period.

Canthaxanthin products

Canthaxanthin finds key use as a synthetic food color, although, now a days it is being used as an oral tanning agent as well. FDA has not approved its latter use, since for tanning purposes, much larger quantity of Canthaxanthin is required than that in its use as a coloring additive in edibles. Moreover, this substance deposits itself below the epidermal layer and is linked to serious medical conditions, such as hepatitis, adverse effect on digestive system, and skin damage.

Melanotan products

A synthetic form of Melanotan hormone has also been found effective in creating a tanned look without exposure to UV rays. The hormone is taken as an injection. The use of Melanotan hormone is still in the stage of clinical trials and is not available commercially.

Bronzers

These are considered the safest tanning option, as they produce an effect, which is totally superficial and washable. However, they suffer from similar disadvantages as cosmetic makeup. Bronzers should be applied very carefully and in an optimum quality, as they carry a risk of being smudged onto the clothing. It is always advisable to test for possible staining before putting on your clothes.

UV free tanning can be done in a spa, tanning booth, or at home. If you are trying the products at home, you need to follow these steps for effective tanning:

Take a bath.

Exfoliate your skin.

Shave for a smoother tan.

Dry your skin completely.

Choose a place, which is cool so that you do not sweat during your tanning session.

Use a convenient form like lotion or spray.

Take someone else help if needed, especially for the hard to reach areas.

Do not take a bath or shower immediately after tanning. Depending upon the type of product, you may have to wait anywhere between 2 hours and 8 hours.