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Is Tanning Oil Bad For You? How it Affects Your Skin

Is Tanning Oil Bad For You? How it Affects Your Skin

As you soak up the sun's warmth, reaching for tanning oil might seem like the quickest route to a golden bronze—a look that 90 percent of women perceive as more attractive than non-tan skin.1 But before you use it, it's crucial to ask: what exactly does tanning oil do exactly, and is it the safest option for your skin? While these oils can boost the sun's effects to hasten your tan, they also increase your exposure to potentially harmful UV rays.

In this pursuit of a deeper tan, a safer and equally effective alternative awaits: the sunless tan. This method not only protects you from UV risks but also delivers that sought-after glow with minimal impact on skin health. With that in mind, let's explore the world of tanning oils and why a sun-free approach might just be the better choice for your skin.

What Does Tanning Oil Do?

Tanning oil is designed to enhance the sun's effects on your skin, essentially acting as a magnifying glass that intensifies UV rays. This acceleration is achieved through ingredients like Coconut Oil and Cocoa Butter, which help attract and focus sunlight onto the skin, thus potentially speeding up the tanning process. However, it's essential to understand what tan oil does, and specifically, how these oils and your skin's health interact.

Common Ingredients in Tanning Oil

Tanning oils often have hydrating components like Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, and Vitamin E, alongside natural tanning enhancers such as Melanin and Cocoa Butter. These ingredients aim to deepen your tan and moisturize the skin. That being said, the presence of ultra-moisturizing oils doesn't negate the need for sun protection, a critical factor often overlooked.

The Benefits of Using Tanning Oil

Tanning oils can be an enticing option, but many don’t contain SPF, leaving your skin at risk. But, if you use a tanning oil with SPF 30 or higher, you’ll find there are some benefits of using an oil as your sunscreen. 

Moisturizing Effects

The blend of natural oils in many tanning oil products offers moisturizing benefits for your skin. Ingredients like Coconut Oil and Cocoa Butter envelop the skin in moisture, providing essential hydration that counters the drying effects of the sun. This dual action makes tanning oils a favorite for those looking to nourish their skin while enjoying the sun. 

Potential Risks of Tanning Oil

While tanning oils offer a quick path to achieving a bronzed look, they come with significant risks that cannot be overlooked. 

Skin Health Concerns

Although the immediate glow from tanning oils may be appealing, their use can contribute to long-term skin damage. Without proper sun protection, the intensified UV exposure facilitated by these oils can accelerate skin aging and significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer. This highlights an important reminder: ditch the tanning bed and opt for safer alternatives to protect your skin's health.

UV Radiation and Skin Damage

The increased UV absorption that tanning oils promote raises the danger of harmful UV rays penetrating the skin. This speeds up the tanning process while enhancing the negative effects of UV exposure, such as sunburn and skin damage, putting your skin's health at considerable risk.2

Safety Tips for Using Tanning Oil

When considering how to tan safely, prioritizing your skin's protection is essential. Here are some best practices to ensure your skin remains shielded and healthy: 

  1. Choose Tanning Oils with SPF: Always opt for tanning oils that include SPF protection of 30 or higher to guard against harmful UV rays. 
  2. Patch Test New Products: Before using a new tanning oil extensively, apply a small amount to a patch of skin to check for any adverse reactions, ensuring the product is safe for your skin type.
  3. Apply Sunscreen Regularly: Even if your tanning oil contains SPF, it's crucial to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating to maintain effective protection.
  4. Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. If you must be outdoors during these hours, seek shade periodically to reduce UV exposure.3
  5. Wear Protective Clothing: Use hats, sunglasses, and cover-ups to provide additional barriers against UV radiation.
  6. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and skin hydrated. Hydration helps maintain skin health and can prevent dehydration caused by heat and sun exposure.
  7. Monitor Your Skin: Pay close attention to how your skin reacts to sun exposure with tanning oil. Discontinue use if you notice any signs of irritation or adverse effects.

Following these safety tips not only ensures a healthier tanning process but also brings us to address some frequently asked questions about tanning.

What is the Safest Form of Tanning?

Opting for a sunless tan is the safest way to achieve a bronzed look without risking UV damage, as these skincare products can provide a similar aesthetic without the harmful effects of sun exposure.4 For the best results, learning how to use self tanner effectively can ensure an even, natural-looking tan that enhances your skin's appearance safely.

Is it Better to Tan Without Oil?

Using a tanning oil without SPF increases excessive UV absorption.  If you do use tanning oil, ensure it contains SPF 30 or higher to safeguard against UV radiation.

Is Tanning Oil Better Than Lotion?

While tanning oils intensify UV effects, lotions often come with built-in SPF and moisturizers that protect and nourish the skin during sun exposure.

Tan Worry-Free with COOLA

Discover a healthier way to tan with COOLA's collection of suncare and sunless tanning products. Our tanning oils, lotions, and sunscreens, formulated with organic ingredients, prioritize skin health and environmental sustainability. With COOLA, you benefit from a blend of sun protection and nourishing elements that help you achieve a radiant sunless tan while caring for your skin and nature.


Sources:

  1. Sahn RE, Mcllwain MJ, Magee KH, et al. “A cross-sectional study examining the correlation between sunless tanning product use and beliefs and behaviors.” Arch Dermatol. 2012;148(4):448–454. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/1150960
  2. Garone, Michael et al. “A review of common tanning methods.” The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology vol. 8,2 (2015): 43-7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4345932/ 
  3.  "Sun Strongest." Cancer Code Europe, International Agency for Research on Cancer, www.cancer-code-europe.iarc.fr/index.php/en/ecac-12-ways/sun-uv-exposure-recommendation/77-sun-strongest. 
  4. Turner, Josh et al. “In search of the perfect tan: Chemical activity, biological effects, business considerations, and consumer implications of dihydroxyacetone sunless tanning products.” Journal of cosmetic dermatology vol. 22,1 (2023): 79-88. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10083914/ 

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