Sunless Tanning: Is It Safe?

Sun-kissed skin is a hallmark of summer. But skin cancer is a serious side effect to soaking up the sun. Thankfully, any number of sunless tanning products can give you that golden glow. Yet, while these lotions, creams and sprays are safer than sunbathing, they aren’t 100% risk free.

How Self-Tanning Products Work

Sunless tanning products, also called self-tanners, give your skin a bronzed look without harmful ultraviolet rays. Most sunless tanning products have the chemical color additive dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. By mingling with the dead cells on your skin’s surface, DHA darkens your skin and gives you a temporary tan.

Is DHA Safe?

DHA is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in cosmetics intended for external use only, meaning they shouldn’t be inhaled or used near your eyes, nose, mouth or any other area of the body that has mucous membranes. Sunless tanning products in lotion and cream forms are considered cosmetics. It’s easy to avoid inhaling them or applying them incorrectly.

Spray tanning is a little trickier. DHA is not FDA-approved for use in spray tanning because it’s difficult to avoid exposing your eyes and mucous membranes to the chemical. Your chances of inhaling the chemical increase in a spray tan booth. It’s not clear from current research if inhaling DHA during a spray tanning session increases your risk for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cancer.

The Tan Line

With a lotion, if you follow the directions and don’t apply it anywhere you have an open wound, you don’t need to worry about DHA entering your bloodstream. If you’re allergic to DHA or any other ingredients listed on the product label, be aware of a possible skin reaction. Of course, you can always love the skin you’re in and skip sunless tanning altogether. But don’t skimp on the sunscreen.