Alternative Tanning Options: Are They Healthy for You?

Are you looking for a healthier way to tan other than spending time outside under the sun or inside in a tanning booth? If so, you might want to consider some alternative tanning options. You may be surprised to learn that there are several different alternative tanning options that you can explore. But, before you put any of these alternative tanning options to work for you, it is important for you to make certain they are healthy choices for you. Here's a look at a few of your tanning options and the things you should keep in mind before you put them to use.

Tanning Pills

There are several different tanning pills available on the market, but it is important to note that none of them have been approved by the FDA. These pills help make your skin appear tan because they contain large quantities of color additives that create the appearance of color in the skin. Some also contain ingredients that are supposed to stimulate the formation of melanin, which is supposed to expedite the tanning process. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of these pills has yet to be proven and some negative side effects have been linked to tanning pills, most notably the formation of crystal deposits inn the eyes.

Self-Tanning Lotion

Just as the name implies, self-tanning lotion is a lotion that you rub over your body in order to create that sun-kissed look you are trying to achieve. No negative side effects have been discovered with self-tanning lotion, but it is important to follow the directions carefully and to purchase a quality product in order to achieve a natural-looking tan.

The Tanning Towel

With a tanning towel, you wrap your body tightly for about 20 minutes and the areas that were wrapped become darker. To create an even look, however, you have to wrap each area of the body for the same amount of time and with the same amount of pressure. Tanning towels are easy to use and are considered to be safe, but they are far more time-consuming to use than self-tanning lotion.

Airbrush Tanning

Airbrush tanning involves spraying you down with DHA with the help of an airbrush. In order to obtain an airbrush tan, you will have to visit a salon and have someone else apply the DHA. Although an airbrush tan can be completed in as little as 10 minutes and the DHA is safe to inhale, it is important for you to follow the proper safety precautions after getting an airbrush tan or after using any of the other alternative tanning options. Although you look tan, your skin has not actually built up resistance to the sun's potentially harmful rays. Therefore, you need to continue wearing sunscreen in order to keep your skin healthy and safe.