From the Guidelines
Tanning drops do not protect from visible light. Tanning drops, also known as self-tanners, contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which reacts with amino acids in the skin's surface to create a temporary darkening effect that mimics a tan. While they can give your skin a tanned appearance, they provide no sun protection whatsoever - not against UV rays or visible light. For protection against visible light (particularly blue light), you would need specific products containing iron oxides, which create a physical barrier that can block visible light wavelengths. These are typically found in tinted sunscreens or makeup products with SPF. If you're concerned about visible light protection, look for broad-spectrum sunscreens with iron oxides or other visible light filters, and apply them daily as part of your skincare routine. Remember that visible light protection is different from UV protection, and most conventional sunscreens focus primarily on UV rays rather than the full light spectrum. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has information to help guide patients and clinicians on the use and effectiveness of broad-spectrum sunscreens 1. Some key points to consider:
- The USPSTF found convincing evidence linking UV radiation exposure during childhood and youth to a moderately increased risk for skin cancer later in life 1.
- The USPSTF recommends education and policy interventions for the prevention of skin cancer, including the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun-protection factor of 15 or greater 1.
- Community-based interventions to promote and support sun safety may offer additional sizeable benefits 1.
- Various education materials using different media were found to be effective in counseling children, adolescents, and young adults 1.
From the Research
Tanning Drops and Visible Light Protection
- Tanning drops are not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies as a means of protection against visible light.
- However, studies 2, 3 discuss the importance of protecting against visible light, which can cause erythema and pigmentation in individuals.
- Tinted sunscreens, which contain iron oxides and pigmentary titanium dioxide, are mentioned in study 2 as a means of protecting against visible light.
- It is unclear if tanning drops contain similar ingredients that would provide protection against visible light.
Sunscreen Ingredients and Visible Light Protection
- Studies 4, 5 discuss the use of inorganic UV filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreens.
- However, these ingredients are not effective in protecting against visible light, as stated in study 3.
- Organic UV filters, such as avobenzone, are also discussed in study 5, but their effectiveness in protecting against visible light is not mentioned.
Alternative Means of Protection
- Study 3 mentions that avoiding the sun, seeking shade, and using photoprotective clothing are alternative means of protecting against visible light.
- The study also mentions that novel methods, such as topical, oral, and subcutaneous agents, are being explored to provide visible light protection.
- However, there are no established guidelines regarding visible light photoprotection, as stated in study 3.