14 DAY TRIAL // Fake tan is hailed as the best alternative for a bronzed skin with minimal health risks because it only colors the superficial layer of the skin and is gradually washed away. Nevertheless, this is not to say that it can be applied just like that, without taking some necessary measures of precaution – at least, not if we want to avoid a tanning catastrophe where our skin is patched and in uneven tones, says the Daily Mail.
One of the most frequently asked questions about spray-on tans is of whether they truly are as safe as they claim to be. According to experts, yes they are, as long as we follow the instructions of use: exfoliate and moisturize before applying, and avoid sun exposure and applying other cosmetic products 24 hours after application. Apparently, the active ingredient in fake tans, Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), can create a chemical reaction with bacteria and the dead skin cells, which might lead to dry skin.
In order to prevent this, after exfoliation, we should moisturize properly and only afterwards get on with applying the tanning lotion. However, even if we feel that our skin might be drier than usual, we should refrain from applying any other product for the next 24 hours, as well as exposure to the sun, experts say, citing studies dating from back in 2007, when a connection between fake tan and increased skin sensitivity was established for the first time.
“DHA works by reacting with only the very top layers of the skin, causing the skin to turn brown using a staining reaction (like an apple turning brown). The cells in the top layer of the skin are naturally shed from the surface every day and replaced with new skin cells and hence the color harmlessly wears off over a few days.” Clare O’Connor, Boots technical expert, explains of the way the DHA works, as cited by the Mail.
However, even with these precautions in mind, we still have no reason to worry about the safety of fake tans, O’Connor further explains. “DHA has been used safely for more than 20 years in the cosmetics industry and as its mode of action is purely to stain the top ‘dead’ layers of skin cells, there should be little cause for concern using this ingredient to give a temporary color.” the expert adds.