Is There Such Thing as a Safe Tan?
Craving a tan but fearing skin cancer? You’re right to be worried. The answer to the riddle of a safe tan is found in a lotion bottle.
It’s best to choose self-tanners with a dye called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). These lotions offer the safest and most effective way to get a tan. DHA reacts with proteins to brown the skin’s surface. As skin sheds, the color fades. Products containing DHA work best on people with naturally golden-toned skin. Follow the instructions on the bottle carefully.
These tanners are generally safe, but some people may be allergic to them. Just remember: They won’t prevent burning. Some self-tanners contain sunscreen, but protection only lasts a few hours. Use a regular sunscreen before heading out into the sun.
For your free sunscreen mini-packet, provided by the Loma Linda University Cancer Institute, please call
Get a Free Beach Ball!
Call
June/July 2006 A Healthy Tomorrow
