A tanning bronzer is a lotion or cream that chemically reacts with the surface of the skin to create a bronzed, or tan, color. The only self-tanning chemical that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is present in most over-the-counter bronzing lotions, creams and sprays.
History
Self-tanners became popular in the 1960s, when doctors first started warning that excessive sun exposure can cause skin cancer.
How DHA works
DHA undergoes a chemical reaction with the amino acids in the top layer of skin. This reaction stains the skin a bronze color without requiring UV exposure. The tan typically lasts three to five days.
Safety
Self-tanners that contain DHA are considered safe. However, some products that are marketed as self-tanning lotions or tanning bronzers may contain other active ingredients that have not been approved by the U.S. FDA. Check the label to be sure that DHA is the main ingredient.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the tan color that self-tanners produce on the skin only provides an SPF of 4. People who use self-tanners should, therefore, also use sunscreens with an SPF of at least 15 if they spend time in the sun.
Using bronzers
Spray or spread tanning lotions onto the outer layer of the skin. Do not apply the lotions to the lips or the inside of the nose or mouth.
Tanning pills
Tanning pills containing chemicals like canthaxanthin--a chemical found in mushrooms, algae, bacteria and fish--are not approved for sale in the United States and are considered to be "adulterated cosmetics." However, some companies still market such pills.
