They say the only healthy tan is a fake one, but how safe are self-tanning lotions?
The active ingredient in self-tanners is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a compound derived from plant sources like beets and sugar cane, which is currently the only active ingredient approved by the FDA for artificial tanning.
How it works: DHA reacts with the proteins on the outer layer of your skin (read: dead skin cells) to produce a color darker than your natural tone.
Concerns: Though some research has suggested that DHA may be absorbed by the skin, most studies over the last 30 years have found it to be completely harmless and non-toxic for superficial use (the FDA warns not to use it near eyes and lips). In some cases it can cause the allergic reaction dermatitis, so first-timers should test small patches before going head-to-toe.
The best options: Brands like Alba Botanica and Lavera now make organic self-tanners that give a natural-looking color. If you’re still concerned about DHA, opt for bronzer, but skip tanning pills, which are not FDA-approved.
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