HEALTH
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A NOT-SO-NATURAL GLOW
by Marion Hixon
KIT LEFFLEF
A look at the spotty benefits of sunless tanners
It's 29 degrees in Lawrence and while students are beginning to feel the stress of classes, they are also extremely aware of the impending spring break. So it's not uncommon to work on a tan in the dead of winter.
Gone are the Victorian days when a pale complexion signified societal prominence and dark skin tone signified common folk who got their hands dirty. These days, we darken our hands with sprays, foams and lotions that promise to make us "three shades darker in seven days."
It's obvious from self-tanner commercials and magazine covers bearing curiously dark celebrities that these products are moving from a trendy and temporary position to a more permanent role in society. They're gaining popularity because you could stay inside for a week and still emerge as if you've been basking under the sun.
The active chemical in sunless tan lotions, or self-tanners, is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is one of few ingredients in tan-enhancing products that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, reports Brown University's sun protection studies and BUPA, a British health care agency, DHA darkens the skin by turning to a sugar upon application and combining with
amino acids in the skin to form melanin, which gives a brown tint to skin.
"Self tanners are basically vegetable dyes that get absorbed by the skin cells that change them to a brown tan," says Dr. Matthew Buxton, of Lawrence Dermatology, 346 Maine. Over time, manufacturers have perfected the coloring from an orange to a more natural brown tone, he says.
"Research your product and look at the ingredients in it. Be a knowledgeable consumer," advises Beth Ryszewski, general manager at Sunkissed Tan, 2540 Iowa St. If you're purchasing lotion at a tanning salon, it's important to drill the person behind the counter for information on the product, she says.
While sunless tanning is a safe alternative to sunbathing,you should be aware of the chemicals included in any lotion.
Because of more even-spread results, Ryszewski prefers using a tanning booth instead of sunless tanners. "It's not the product that's the problem, just that it's difficult to apply," she says.
Still, it's tempting to use self-tanner because it means you don't have to leave the house.
"I've used the spray tanner and I like it because I don't have the time to constantly go to tanning booths," says Rachel Vaughan,
Naperville, Ill. sophomore. Vaughan, a redhead, has fair skin and burns easily." I also use it because I don't want to end up looking like a wrinkled old hag," she says.
The main drawback to sunless tanners cited by students is the fact that, when applied incorrectly, it often leaves irregular streaks and an unnatural orange tint on the skin.
Cara Grin and Jennifer Watkins, Overland Park sophomores, have experimented with bronzes and lotions since high school. They say it's safer to visit a tanning salon for a more even and consistent outcome.
Despite spots and streaks, sunless tanners are far healthier for your body than exposure to UV rays. Overexposure to the sun's UV rays can accelerate the appearance of wrinkles on the skin and cause melanoma (skin cancer). Dr. Buxton, dermatologist, often treats college students with melanoma, many of them frequent tanners.
Buxton recommends self-tanners because whether UV rays are natural or artificial, they're all harmful for your skin.
"Tanning booths are just as bad for your skin as the sun and probably worse because there's some perpetuation of a myth that they're safe," he says.
testing tanners
The UV rays of a tanning bed may scare you off and membership to a salon might blow your pre-spring break budget. Consider visiting your local drugstore for some self-tanner. Foams, lotions and sprays range from $4.99 to $11.99.
In an attempt to break my tanning bed addiction, I set out on a mission to test the top brands and types of self-tanner. In the end, I looked like a sun-kissed rainbow of browns. Not necessarily a good thing in the middle of February, but my trial-and-error process still delivered answers.
Coppertone Sunless Tanning Bronzing Foam, $11.99
Results:Took only 30 minutes and was the darkest and most drastic change. I was almost two shades darker, but it faded radically by the second day. There wasn't much streaking, but the edges of my tan were a bit rough and the color was somewhat unrealistic. If you use the foam, make sure to rub it everywhere or it will look highly irregular.
Side Effects: After application, my "tan" was fairly sticky for the rest of the day.
L'OREAL Sublime Bronze Any
Angle Self-Tanning Spray. $9.90
Results: This was the fastest result I got in terms of a believable-looking tan. I applied the spray before bed and woke up the next morning with a visible difference. However, roommate assistance may be required, as it's supposed to be "sprayed from an arm's length."
Side Effects: "They always tell you not to breathe it in, but I always do," Vaughan warns of the spray's toxic odor. The scent isn't overwhelming at first, but after you've covered your whole body in it, you may need a breath of fresh air.
Results: Definitely the most cost efficient and reliable of the three products — I can understand why it sold out nationwide when it came on the market. After about four days, my skin was a slightly darker tone and looked healthy.
Side Effects: Using the lotion regularly may build up in skin crevices near the knuckles, knees and elbows. I could see a different shade on my feet where I had forgotten to apply the lotion.
Jergen's Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer. $6.00
*find all products at www.drugstore.com or local drug stores and pharmacies.
03.02.2006 JAYPLAY ↵
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