Did you know that using indoor tanning beds can increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer? According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Researchers estimate that indoor tanning may cause upwards of 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year, with the use of tanning beds before age 35 increasing your chances of developing melanoma by 59%. This year, leaving tanning beds in the past! Instead, keep your glowing, golden skin by using a self-tanning lotion or spray.
Self-Tanning Products
If you’re looking to maintain a sun-kissed look year-round, self-tanning lotions or mousses can be a safe at-home alternative to UV-tanning. Self tanning products range in application type, often coming in a spray, lotion, or mousse as well as the level of color so you can easily find one that suits your lifestyle and desired results. We carry a selection of products by COOLA suncare in our office and they offer a variety of sunless tanning alternatives.
Spray Tanning
Another option for safe tanning, are spray tans. During a spray tanning session, a colored mist containing a chemical called dihydroxyacetone, commonly known as DHA is sprayed onto your body by a technician or within a spray booth. The DHA is absorbed into your top layer of skin cells and causes a chemical reaction that makes them darken over a period of hours following your session. This result will last one to two weeks depending on your preparation and lifestyle. DHA is the only sunless tanning product approved by the FDA.
Both of the sunless tanning options above save your skin from the harmful UV ray exposure and increased risk of skin cancer normally brought on by tanning beds or other forms of natural tanning. Consider giving them a try to maintain your glow this year! It is important to note that there is an inherent risk of adverse reaction with the introduction of any new skincare product to your routine. If at any point, you find that incorporating a sunless tanning product into your routine causes irritation, stop use and talk to your dermatologist if problems persist.
Savannah River Dermatology is located at 575 Furys Ferry Rd in Augusta, Ga. Our office can be reached at 706-691-7079.
