Tanning Techniques: Tanning Pills and Tanning Showers - Are they Safe?

Warning: Tanning Pills are not approved by FDA

Tanning (a darkening of the skin) is the human skin's natural reaction to UV radiation — and when skin is exposed to the rays, the melanocytes produce more melanin which is what darkens the epidermis.  The darkening of the epidermis is the body’s natural defense mechanism against further damage that would otherwise result from UV radiation exposure.

The UV rays of the sun causes damage to the DNA of the skin’s epidermis, the top layer, which triggers a release of enzymes that try to repair the damage. As a result of having damage to the skin's DNA cells, a mutation occurs which leads to an increased risk of skin cancer. Repeated unprotected exposure to UV rays can also, over time, cause sun spots, saggy skin and premature wrinkling.

In the endeavor to get the perfect tan, there are some people that may be considering taking tanning pills. There are no tanning pills approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for this purpose. However, there are many manufacturers who continue to put out products that make the claim that these so-called tanning pills are absolutely safe to use, as well as allowing consumers to achieve a "perfect tan". Any person considering taking a tanning pill should seriously think about the risk factors associated with these pills and question the efficacy of such a product.

Tanning pills are promoted for tinting the skin by consuming large amounts of artificial color additives such as canthaxanthin.  When ingested in large amounts, the active substance gets deposited into various parts of the human body, including the skin which accounts for the appearance of a “tan.” The color achieved (from orange to a sallow yellow color) will vary from person to person and the coloration is not because of an increase in melanin, but rather from dying of the skin.  The sale of tanning pills from foreign sources is strictly prohibited in the United States because of instability of ingredients and possible harmful side effects to humans.

Tanning Showers containing dihydroxacetone (DHA)

According to statistics released by the American Academy of Dermatology, the most effective tanning shower or tannin spray products contain dihydroxacetone (DHA). DHA is a colorless glycerin-based chemical which interacts with amino acids and produces a brown color change in dead skin cells. Since the skin cells affected by the dye are already dead, the color obtained from a tanning shower or self-tanning product will only last for approximately 5 to 7 days. (Despite that, it is a good idea to test self-tanning sprays out on hidden areas of your skin first, as not all produce the desired effect in every person, and some can look very orange.)

The DHA is not absorbed directly into the skin and has no known toxicity.  It was first discovered that DHA caused skin discoloration by German scientists, and the substance has been listed with the Food and Drug Administration as approved for use in cosmetic applications for more than thirty years.  When used in a commercial tanning shower, DHA is spray on the external portions of the body only and has not been shown to cause any type of health concerns.

According to the Food and Drug Administration when DHA is used in tanning showers, care should be taken to avoid the mist coming into contact with the eyes or other mucous membranes.  People should also be aware of the fact that because the effects of a spray tan will only last for a period of several days, repeated visits are required to maintain the effects of DHA.

People who have scarring, stretch marks or other skin conditions such as acne or freckles, may experience an uneven spray tan, as will those who have exfoliated before use.  It should also be noted that because the effects of a spray tan or tanning shower are not truly a sun tan, the procedure offers no additional protection against skin damage that can be caused by outdoor sun bathing or UV exposure. 

Overview

The World Health Organization has outlined protocols for sun exposure to avoid damage to the skin from UV radiation.  Following sun safety and using sun block regularly will help a person reduce the risks of skin cancer, premature aging and other issues which can cause irreversible damage to the skin.  It is possible to achieve a golden hue to the skin by using sunless tanning products or visiting a tanning shower, but tanning pills are still considered to be unsafe and are not tested or recommended by the Food and Drug Administration.

With the many different alternatives to baking the skin in the harmful rays of the sun, it is recommended a person studies up and finds the option that works best for them.  There are various products available on the market which are safe and can provide a person with a healthy, golden glow which people have for years associated with good health and attractiveness.