Is self-tanning harmful?

On hot summer days, being the owner of an aristocratic pallor “a la the Addams Family” is simply somehow indecent. However, not everyone manages to get out to the sea, some have no time to go to the solarium, and for some, tanning is generally prohibited for medical reasons. A rational way out of this situation is to use self-tanning, a cosmetic product that gives the skin a temporary tanning effect.

Such products appeared on the domestic market a long time ago, but they are still not widely popular among our ladies. A solarium is something understandable: the same ultraviolet rays as the sun. Self-tanning is something overseas, unknown. Is it dangerous to health?

Let’s not wait until the conclusions at the end of the article, but let’s say right away that when used correctly, self-tanning is harmless to health. Moreover, when comparing self-tanning with a solarium, the latter clearly loses, as it has a destructive effect on our skin. Self-tanning only colors the surface layer of the skin without penetrating into the blood. Therefore, even pregnant women can use self-tanners (the second name for self-tanning). But nursing mothers are not recommended to use self-tanning - the baby may just eat it from the surface of your skin.

And yet, any cosmetics, even the so-called natural ones (berry masks, etc.) and the most harmless ones, must be used wisely.

Firstly, you should not use a cheap self-tanner of dubious origin. Use auto bronzers from well-known brands. In addition, be sure to look at the expiration date on the packaging: a self-tanner that has expired may lose its uniform consistency, leave streaks on the skin, and simply cause allergies.

Secondly, for the face it is better to use a separate product intended exclusively for this area. Self-tanning for the face has a more delicate composition than self-tanning for the body.

Thirdly, auto bronzing agents contain alcohol, which dries out the skin. Therefore, if you regularly use self-tanner, you should equally regularly use moisturizer for your face and body. Well, drink more water to prevent dehydration.

Fourthly, it is not recommended to constantly use self-tanning. After all, this is a synthetic product, and the skin needs to be given rest.

And fifthly, self-tanning, like any other cosmetic product, can cause allergies. Therefore, before using it, apply a small amount to your wrist and leave for twelve hours. If redness or rash appears, you should not use the product from this jar. Which, by the way, doesn’t stop you from trying some other brand of self-tanner. It is worth remembering that an allergy test must be carried out before opening a new package every time, even if you have not previously had an allergy to the product from this manufacturer.

Some tips on how to apply self-tanner correctly:

1. Be sure to take a shower before the procedure. You can use an exfoliating body scrub.

2. Be sure to carry out the hair removal procedure. Otherwise, self-tanning will accumulate around the hair pores, and the surface of the skin will become dark speckled.

3. Apply the product as evenly as possible to all areas of the body.

4. After the procedure, wash your hands thoroughly, otherwise your palms will become dark and your nails will look dirty.

5. Try not to put on your clothes or sit down for 20 minutes.

6. Use self-tanning no more than 3-4 times a week. But no less often if you want to maintain a uniform, thick skin tone.

Important!

It is not recommended to use tanning tablets. They contain a pigment that can accumulate in the tissues of the body, thereby “staining” them. The pigment is deposited in all tissues, not just the skin. For example, it is deposited in the retina of the eye, which can irreversibly affect vision. In many countries, these drugs are prohibited for use.

Tanning accelerators - products that enhance the effect of ultraviolet radiation - are also not a safe tanning product. Such means include