From the Guidelines
There is no such thing as "safe" tanning from UV exposure, but safer alternatives to achieve a tanned appearance include self-tanners containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which temporarily stain the outermost layer of skin without causing DNA damage. These products come in various forms including lotions, mousses, sprays, and gradual tanning moisturizers. For application, I recommend exfoliating beforehand, applying evenly with a mitt, and washing hands immediately after use 1. Bronzers and tinted body makeup offer temporary options that wash off with soap and water. Spray tans at professional salons provide even coverage lasting 5-7 days.
Key Considerations
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has information to help guide patients and clinicians on the use and effectiveness of broad-spectrum sunscreens, which can protect against both UV-A and UV-B radiation and reduce the risk for skin cancer and early skin aging 1.
- The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends education and policy interventions for the prevention of skin cancer, including community-based communications and policy and regulation to increase preventive behaviors such as covering up, using shade, or avoiding the sun during peak UV hours 1.
- Daily sunscreen with SPF 30+ is essential, along with protective clothing, seeking shade, and vitamin D supplementation if needed, for those seeking skin health benefits beyond appearance.
Safer Alternatives
- Self-tanners containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
- Bronzers and tinted body makeup
- Spray tans at professional salons
- Daily sunscreen with SPF 30+
- Protective clothing
- Seeking shade
- Vitamin D supplementation if needed These alternatives allow you to achieve a golden glow without risking premature aging, hyperpigmentation, or skin cancer that comes with UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Body Self-tanning. Apply an appropriate amount evenly on the skin and massage until absorbed.Avoiding sensitive areas.Better results in four hours or more. The safe alternative to ultraviolet (UV) tanning is self-tanning using products like dihydroxyacetone (DHA) [ 2 ] [ 2 ].
- Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a topical product that can be applied to the skin to achieve a tanning effect without exposure to UV radiation.
From the Research
Safe Alternatives to Ultraviolet (UV) Tanning
- Sunless tanning products (STPs) are often considered a "healthy alternative" to sunbathing and indoor tanning 3
- Self-tanning creams utilize dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as an active agent to produce a temporary staining of the skin, simulating a tan for persons of all skin types 4
- DHA is well tolerated, but self-tanning creams only offer a sun protection factor (SPF) of 3 to 4, with limited ultraviolet A protection 4
- Sunless tanning products do not decrease rates of sunburning or use of tanning beds, and their use may entail indirect risks such as overestimating an individual's natural skin type 3, 5
Properties and Safety of Topical Dihydroxyacetone
- DHA possesses only minimal to no observable photoprotective properties, and its safety profile indicates a need for additional studies on its toxicity in humans 6
- Instances of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis triggered by DHA exposures have been reported, and low millimolar concentrations can alter the function of keratinocytes and other cell types 6
- DHA-containing sunless or self-tanning products represent a safe alternative to UV-induced tanning, but individuals need to be informed that these products do not offer significant protection against UV-B 7
Recommendations for Dermatologists
- Dermatologists can recommend sunless tanning products as a safe alternative to UV tanning, but should also inform patients about the limited sun protection offered by these products 4, 7
- Patients should be cautioned about the potential risks of sunless tanning products, such as overestimating their natural skin type and altering their behavior to increase UV exposure 3, 5
- Dermatologists should emphasize the importance of using standard sunscreens in combination with sunless tanning products to provide adequate UV protection 4, 7