Summer is right around the corner and it’s coming fast. It’s almost time for the warm weather, the family vacations, and for some people, the warm sun comes to bronze the skin. Some choose to tan in the rays of the sun. Others may not be as fortunate, and will do so in other ways. But is this fake tanning bad? Depending on what you use to fake tan your skin determines the consequences down the road.

Tanning Lotion/Moose 

Tanning lotion and moose is one of the safest ways to tan. There are no harsh rays burning your skin to cause skin cancer. The chemicals in these products work to darken the skin by taking the Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in the body and having a chemical reaction with the amino acids in the dead skin cells. Dihydroxyacetone is an ingredient in sunless tanning products; this is what darkens the skin and produces that bronze color. Dermatologists have not uncovered any unsafe effects from these products and have considered them a lot safer than sun tanning.

Tanning beds

UV rays in tanning beds, really aren’t good for the skin. They can create deadly skin cancers by burning the skin. This happens because the UV rays cause mutations in the amino acids and give off deadly diseases. If one uses tanning beds for a long period of time, they are more prone to getting skin cancer. With skin cancer, doctors must take the chunk of skin cancer out and you are left with a scar. It is better to avoid these tanning beds, and not risk your life just to be tan.

Fake Tanning vs Natural Tanning 

Because natural tanning involves the rays of the sun, it too can be dangerous. Although fake tanning is safer, the spray tan mist should not be inhaled. Some research shows that if you inhale the spray tan it can cause asthma, or cause more dangerous things to happen to the body. People also may experience the orange skin or very streaky tans, where as tanning from the sun gives a natural look. Many people weren’t given the ability to tan naturally and that is why they prefer to fake tan. Being tan is actually a form of cell damage, and makes the skin age faster, coming from the UV light. One bad burn can double your chances of getting skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, you can develop a skin cancer called “melanoma” which is one of the most deadly cancers from sun tanning. They explained that “melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes (the cells that give the skin its tan or brown color) start to grow out of control.”

Sunless Tanning Pills

Sunless tanning pills contain the same product that carrots have to give them their orange pigment. According to the American Cancer Society, there is a substance in the pills called “canthaxanthin” and can damage the eyes. Along with this, the pill can also damage the liver and is not very safe.

Tanning Injections

Tanning injections should not be used as they can cause all different kinds of problems. According to Dr. Ross Perry, skin cancer expert and Medical Director of Cosmedics, these injections of Melanotan are a synthetic hormone that is injected into the skin through a needle. It prompts the pigment cells in the body to have more melanin. With more melanin comes the ability to have a darker tan. This, however, doesn’t protect the skin from the sun. This is also an illegal drug that is unlicensed that in the end, isn’t safe.

Remember, all skin colors are beautiful and in the end, no one really needs to change it. However, if you are looking for a little spark of color without the damage, tanning lotion and moose is the safest way to go. It is also very cheap and doesn’t last forever. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to always wear sun protection. It is so important, and will keep you looking young for as long as possible!