Sunbathing is bad for your skin. People want a beautiful summer tan and wrongly do not use sunscreen. There is a product on the market that makes it possible to tan without the influence of harmful radiation, which, among other things, increases the risk of skin cancer and accelerates the process of skin aging. Self-tanner: how does it work, how do you use it and what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Skin aging, wrinkles and skin cancer

It is generally known that UV radiation, a radiation found in sunlight, is bad for your skin and body. UV radiation is divided into three types of radiation: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C radiation. UV-C radiation does not reach the earth’s surface. UV-B radiation causes pigment formation, the production of vitamin D and UV-B radiation causes the skin to burn. UV-A radiation causes skin aging. This radiation is not even stopped by glass. 95% of skin aging is caused by UV-A radiation and that means that you can prevent skin aging.

Why self-tanners?

Most people see summer-toned skin as beautiful. The problem is that there is not always enough sun to provide your skin with a beautiful tan for a long time and sunbathing is not healthy. A solution to the shortage of sunlight is the tanning bed. However, the tanning bed also works with UV radiation and this does not yet solve the health problem. The self-tanner provides a tan without the need for harmful radiation.

How does self-tanner work?

The active substance in self-tanner is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This molecule reacts with proteins in the stratum corneum of the skin. The stratum corneum is the top layer of the skin that consists of dead skin cells. The proteins turn brown. DHA is not harmful to the skin.

Self-tanner in combination with sunscreen

To be optimally protected against sunlight, use sunscreen every day (even on office days!). This may sound exaggerated, but UV protection is very underestimated in the Netherlands. UV-A radiation also penetrates your skin on office days. On days when you are on the water, have wet skin or are working in the snow, you should definitely apply sunscreen, because the water or snow increases the light intensity.

Usage

Spray, stick or cream

There are sprays, sticks and creams on the market. It is important that self-tanner is spread as evenly as possible. With a spray it is easy to get everywhere, sticks are usually less convenient because spots are forgotten more quickly. Creams spread smoothly, nourish the skin and are easy to dose.

Dosage

Apply the self-tanner in thin layers and repeat the treatment more often. The effect becomes more even with thin layers.

Skin types

Be careful around the eyes, sensitive skin and areas of the skin where the stratum corneum is thicker. Dry skin, pimples, and calluses will turn darker. Wash your hands and cuticles very well after use, otherwise you will end up with dark spots and unnaturally brown cuticles.

Time

Preferably use self-tanner before sleeping. Self-tanner takes about six hours to work off. Avoid excessive sweating, swimming and showering within the time that self-tanner works. Self-tanner can spread odors for a number of hours when applied, this varies per brand. After applying, let the self-tanner soak in for fifteen minutes before putting on clothes.

To repeat

Repeat the treatment approximately every four days as desired. If your skin becomes very dark, you can wait a little longer.

How long is the effect visible?

If you stop using self-tanner, the color will completely disappear after a month.

Brands of self-tanner

Many brands focused on health products sell self-tanner. Nivea, Kruidvat private label and Dove have very good reviews.

Sun protection

The brown color caused by self-tanner does not protect against sun rays. This is because no melanocytes (pigment granules) are formed. A tan obtained without self-tanner does protect against the sun. Therefore, when using self-tanner, be aware of the fact that your skin burns quickly. Never walk in direct sunlight for more than fifteen minutes without using sunscreen.

Note: vitamin D!

A large part of the population has a vitamin D deficiency. If you go outside less often by using self-tanner, and/or use self-tanner in combination with regular use of sunscreen, less or no vitamin D is formed. In that case, it is certainly advisable to take vitamin D supplements.