Are Self Tanners Safe?

Self tanners have long been recommended as the "safest way" to get a suntan, but how safe really are they?

Are Self Tanners Really Safe?

According to Dr. Shereene Idriss, a NYC Board Certified Dermatologist, self tanners aren't as safe as they've been made out to be. 

Self tanners actually produce free radicals that AGE YOUR SKIN! (*see source below)

Is your mind blown? Mine is.

Can You Still Use Self Tanners Safely?

Knowing that self tanners do have their risks, only you can decide what you're comfortable with. If you do choose to use self tanners on occasion, (which Dr. Idriss admits to doing, herself), she recommends to do the following, to give your skin a bit more protection.

Her recommendation:   

Apply an antioxidant based body cream BEFORE applying your self tanner, to help reduce the amount of free radical production.

Her product recommendations: 

• Gold Bond resorting body lotion with green tea and vitamin C 
• The Inky List Q10 antioxidant serum 

*Source: Self Tanning: YouTube Video: How To Protect Your Skin! | Dr. Shereene Idriss. 

And of course, always use SPF of at least 30 or higher, at least 20 minutes before going out.

Are Self Tanners Safe for Sensitive Skin?

Self tanning risks apply to all skin types, but with sensitive skin, you do have one more thing to be cautions about. Unless your self-tanner is made specifically for sensitive skin (and sometimes even if it is), ingredients in self-tanners have a tendency to cause irritation to sensitive skin.

I, personally, have sensitive, fair skin and my experience with self-tanners has been less than positive. Not only do they leave my skin smelling strange, and a very unnatural orange color, I often develop an itchy rash after applying it.

Before researching this post I bought a bottle of self tanner to take the "shock" off my pale legs, but the real shock came finding out that self-tanners age your skin. After learning the truth about the safety of self tanners, it will most likely be going back on the shelf.

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This post is brought to you by Shannon Sorensen, Founder and CEO of Fairface Washcloths - soft flannel washcloths for gentle cleansing that promote a healthy skin barrier.

This post is purely information and is not intended to be a substitute for professional, medical advice.

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I'd love to hear about your experience with self-tanners. Are you as shocked as I was that it causes pre-mature aging? Leave your comment below!

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