How does tanning work

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One safe way to go bronze is with sunless self-tanners. These "tans in a bottle" contain dihydroxyacetone DHA , which gradually stains the dead cells in your skin's outer layer. The "tan" lasts until these skin cells slough off, so exfoliating or vigorously washing will make the color fade faster.

Typically, self-tanners last from several days to a week. You may have to try a few brands of self-tanner to find one that looks best with your skin tone. For a subtle, goof-proof glow, try moisturizers that contain a modest amount of fake tanner, letting you gradually build up a little color without blotches and staining — or the smell that some people dislike.

Ask a friend to help you apply self-tanner to spots you can't reach, like your back. And be sure to wash your hands as soon as you finish applying the tanner. Areas of your body that don't normally tan like the palms of your hands or soles of the feet just look dirty if you leave tanner on them. With self-tanners, you get better results if you exfoliate your skin with a scrub brush or loofah before the tanner is applied. This evens your skin tone and removes dead skin cells.

If you use a sunless tanner, you'll need to wear plenty of sunscreen when you go outdoors to protect you from the sun's rays. Self-tanners don't generate melanin production, so they won't protect you against sunburn and some scientists believe they might even make skin more susceptible to sun damage. If you're thinking about using a sunless tanner, it's a good idea to avoid airbrush or spray-on tans.

Spray tans may have unknown health risks because people can breathe in the spray, or the tanner may end up on their lips or eye area. Consumer updates. Indoor tanning: the risks of ultraviolet rays.

Updated December 18, Sunscreen: how to help protect your skin from the sun. Updated August 29, Environmental Working Group. EWG's guide to suncreens.

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Table of Contents. Ultraviolet Rays. What About Tanning Beds? Damaging Effects of UV Rays. Sunscreen and UV Rays. Tanning does not protect against sunburn; it simply exposes you to more harmful UV rays. The best way to prevent sunburn is to seek the shade, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses, and apply sunscreen every day.

Make healthy skin a way of life. The Facts. The Risks. How They Affect You. Your best defense is to avoid tanning altogether. What causes tanning? What is at stake? This damage is cumulative, starting from the very first tan. Your Health One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of