Most sunless tanning aids are harmless, but none will prevent the skin
damage caused by the sun and UV radiation. Additional precautions will
need to be taken to prevent sun damage. Furthermore, methods such as
tanning beds and tanning pills are controversial and thought to be
unsafe. The FDA, in fact, has not approved most tanning pills. Another
facet of sunless tanning products is how long they last. Spray tans
will last five to seven days, while tans from creams or powders will
wash off quickly.
There are three types of ultraviolet or UV radiation put out by the
sun and by tanning beds and lamps: UVC, at 100 to 290 nm, UVB, at 290
to 320 nm, and UVA, at 320 to 400 nm. It is the UVA and UVB rays that
are the most harmful to our skin. UVB is easier to protect against
than UVA, but both cause very real damage. Going sunless does not
guarantee against skin damage from UV radiation.
Another determining factor for which sunless tanning products will
work for an individual is skin type. Not only will bronzers and cream
and sprays give differing results for fair or darker skin, but fair-
skinned people are more susceptible to burning when using sunless
tanning means such as tanning beds or tanning lamps. The melanin
produced by people with fairer skin, particularly redheads, does not
absorb radiation as well as that produced by less fair skinned people,
leaving these individuals more susceptible to sun damage.
Perhaps you want a suntanned look for just one occasion such as an
evening out. Maybe you want something with more even coverage and a
longer life. Or, maybe you've looked at all options available in
sunless tanning products and decided to get your tan the old-
fashioned
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