Sunless tanning products such as creams, lotion and sprays are just one way to achieve a natural-looking tan, but popping a pill to achieve the same effects may be another option.
Are sunless tanning pills as safe and effective as their makers claim? A closer look reveals the truth behind sunless tanning pills:

How Sunless Tanning Pills Work

Sunless tanning pills typically contain a number of vitamins along with pigment-enhancing ingredients such as tyrosine and caretonoid. Tyrosine is an amino acid commonly found in foods such as avocados, fish, chicken, whole grains and pumpkin seeds. Most people get enough tyrosine from their diets, but some people have reported that their skin turns orange with tyrosine supplementation. Results can be further enhanced by exposing the skin to UV rays, and many people take sunless tanning pills before hitting the tanning bed in hopes of boosting that tan.

Caretonoid may also enhance the amount of visible pigmentation on the skin, and colors the layer of fat under the skin’s surface. These tanning pills contain the active ingredient ‘canthaxanthin’ which binds itself to the layer of fat underneath the skin during the darkening process. However, researchers are still trying to determine what the dosage of this supplement is appropriate for human consumption. Dermanetwork.org reports that the amount of caretonoid required to achieve this high level of pigmentation may be dangerous.

Hidden Dangers of Sunless Tanning Pills

Both tyrosine and caretonoid are ingredients that simply ‘color’ your skin various shades of orange, and some formulas may be powerful enough to turn the skin a very dark and unattractive color. Sunless tanning pills are an unregulated dietary supplement, and are not backed by enough scientific studies to be deemed safe; in fact, the Food and Drug Administration has not given these sunless tanning pills its stamp of approval.
The Cleveland Clinic Center for Consumer Health explains highlights some important risk factors involved with sunless tanning pills. Common side effects of these pills include:

* Diarrhea
* Nausea
* Liver damage
* Anemia

An Overview Of the Types of Tanning Pills

Canthaxanthin

One of the best-known tanning pills contains a harmless, non-toxic food coloring, Canthaxanthin, a natural organic nutritional supplement. Oficially, canthaxanthin is approved by the FDA, as a vitamin supplement.
USA Food and Drug Administration Department recommends it only for use in small amounts in food coloring. Except food coloring, where the dosage is strictly established and controlled, there is a problem of using canthaxantin in other formulas.
The human body (body fat, more exactly) can’t decipher it from pills so it turns into orange instead of a bronze color. Body fat can absorb a certain dosage, until saturation is achieved. Besides, self tannng pills are under suspicion since liver damage, jaundice cases and hepatitis have been detected as side effects. That is why this supplement is not approved as an oral tanner.

Elusun

Another self tanning pill is Elusun, containing betacarotene as an active ingredient. It was produced in France and it was famous a few years ago. This was also a tanning pill passing as a nutritional supplement; those experiencing Elusun were extremely confused about the dosage and about the orange tint they got.

Melanotan-1

Meanwhile, something also working as a self tanning pill, but containing a synthetic derivative, has been created in the labs. Melanotan-1 is a drug and can induce tanning. The drug derives from the natural hormone which controls skin pigmentation. The tablets should be taken only after the meals throughout the day for optimum absorbtion. The dosage has to do with body weight, too. It is said that the pigmentation appears no sooner than in two weeks.
The studies regarding melanotan-1 are inconclusive so far. In fact, none of the self tanning pills have been officially introduced and established.

Bottom line, if you do decide to go with sunless tanning pills make sure that you follow the strict guidelines on the bottle. Always check with your docter or pharmacist if you are taking any other perscription medication. Not for everyone,using these tanning pills can be an effective way of producing a color that may satisfy you. Trial and error is the best way to decide if these tanning pills are for you or if you would rather hit the beach or tanning bed.

Update: I was just informed that Melanotan-1 is not made in pill form. Sorry about that I was mis informed. Thank you-http://melanotan.org/ – afamelanotide

Tanning beds really started gaining popularity in the United States in the 1980’s. They were discovered by a scientist from Germany, named Friedrich Wolff. That is where the famous Wolff tanning beds originated.

There are basically two ways to tan, in a tanning salon or in the convenience of your own home. Home tanning beds can easily be purchased. You can purchase a tanning bed from an online retailer, direct from the manufacturer or some local stores will carry tanning beds. It is important that when purchasing a tanning bed for home use, that you get one that is specifically designed to be used in a home, verses one that is designed to be used in a salon.

There are many different tanning beds available. The most popular is the lay down tanning bed. There are also the stand up tanning booths. There is always some sort of protective cover usually made of Plexiglas, over the actual tanning bulbs.

Tanning beds are made to be quite comfortable. Some come with a variety of features, including cooling fan, radio, misting fan and some even have air conditioning or aroma therapy to make your tanning experience as enjoyable as possible.
The type and number of tanning bulbs used in a tanning bed vary from bed to bed. Some beds have 48-60 UV bulbs that are each 100 watts. Other beds are designed to hold 24-46 UV bulbs that are between 100-160 watts each. The number and type of bulbs each bed uses, depends on the size and style of the tanning bed.

In the shower on the morning you wish to go tanning, specifically indoor tanning, you must use an exfoliant. Exfoliation is extremely important to the overall effectiveness of tanning in a tanning bed. By exfoliating the skin we are able to wash away dry, dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface. Shaving is also an excellent way to “exfoliate” because the razor gets rid of excess dry skin cells as well. Exfoliation is important because it rids dry skin, which can interfere with the tanning process, and also prevents flaking of the skin.

If you have an exercise routine it is a good idea to work out before going tanning. Something with the blood flow and increased circulation, it helps your skin with producing the melanin.

After your shower and exfoliation it is important to moisturize. At this stage, most any moisturizer will work. Moisturizers are most effective on moist, still wet skin, which is why you should immediately apply lotion after stepping out of the shower. This way, it will absorb better into the skin and your skin will retain moisture for longer. This is an important step before tanning because moist skin gets the most effective tanning results. I would like to recommend something with dead sea salts in it, that is my preference.

When you first start tanning you have to start out with a mild tanning lotion such as a bronzer, I like Black Night, Cafe Bronzer and Paint it Black but there are many more out there. Check out my others articles about choosing different types of tanning lotion.

After you develop a base tan you can start my special technique of using a good bronzer of your choice and just applying a little bit of a tingle lotion on your arms and legs and other trouble spots that don’t get as tan as the rest of your body.

Finally the last step is to use, not a sunless tanner but more specifically Jergens Natural Glow. It works wonders in trouble areas that don’t tan as well, such as under the neck and shoulders and under your arms and arm pits. It also tops off your perfect tan with a beautiful brown glow but don’t worry it isn’t even that noticeable just as long as you don’t go overboard with it.

Good Luck with everything and please feel free to leave me a comment about your experiences or about my blog.

You can develop a tanning bed rash which is similar to heat rash when you are in a tanning bed because your body gets very warm and irritated. A tanning bed rash can develop when using a tanning bed because of the intense heat generated from the strong tanning bed bulbs, often times within a small tanning room.

Treatment:

The most important thing to do is avoid getting a tanning bed rash to begin with, but since this is not always possible, you will want to be aware of the options that you have in terms of treatment for the tanning bed rash.

There are medicated creams on the market that you can use, and which will help to moisturize the skin and relieve the irritation of the tanning bed rash. If the rash is particularly bad, your doctor may suggest that you use prescription medication for a certain amount of time or that you go to a dermatologist for more severe treatment.

Keep in mind that your tanning bed rash actually may be caused from you taking a medication, so you will want to speak to your doctor and as well to the tanning salon owner to make sure that your medication is not going to cause any problems. Reactions that may occur include blistering or a painful skin rash and so if this does happen you should stop using tanning beds immediately until you have spoken to a doctor or at least until you are done taking your medicine. If it is a medicine that you are permanently taking you will have to find another option.but it is important that you do not continue to go tanning because you will only be making the tanning bed rash worse and this can end up causing you serious problems. Make sure that if you are going to go tanning you take all the necessary precautions and be aware of the dangers and risks associated with it.

Drug-induced photosensitivity manifests itself mostly in the form of prominently visible sunburn. Important point is that not always are we aware that our body has developed this photosensitivity until later when it’s too late and we’re sun burnt.

The main reason for this condition is the intentional or unintentional application or consumption of skin-affecting products and medication. The visible signs of such a reaction emerge when the skin comes in contact with ultraviolet radiation in the form of an indoor tanning bed. The severity of sunburns is another sign of our skin becoming photosensitive. At this stage, people develop rashes in areas that were exposed to the sun.

Care should be taken if you plan to go in an indoor tanning bed. In that case you should definetly tell the tanning salon administrator about your skin’s photosensitivity. A suitable solution would then be found out for you.

If you are those who like the color of your skin tanned but find yourself at a stage where you need to take medication or topical products, then it is better to consult your physician about the photosensitive reaction of these medications and indoor tanning beds. He/she is the best person to tell you more about both prescription and non-prescription drugs, cosmetics, shampoos, herbal and other similar products. Sometimes your prescription can be changed or altered. Unfortunately in some cases you might have to stop or limit your indoor tanning.

Drug-induced photosensitivity can occur in anyone. However, some have a higher risk, those are people who have a fair complexion, have light brown, red, or blonde hair, have green or blue eyes, and who do not tan because of quick sunburns. If one has a history of severe sunburn(s), then too the risk of developing photosensitivity is increased.

The medications that you need to watch out for, include drug types like antihistamines, contraceptives (oral & estrogens), coal tar and derivatives, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, psoralens, phenothiazines, sulfonylureas, sulfonamides, thiazide diuretics, tetracyclines, and tricyclic antidepressants.

Don’t get alarmed if your taking a medication that I just mentioned. Just talk to your docter or pharmacist about it. Remember everyones body is different and reacts to things differently. If you are using an indoor tanning bed and are on a medication use precaution. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Light is composed of energy waves that travel from the sun to the Earth. Light can be broken into three general categories: infrared, visible and invisible. Ultraviolet light is in the invisible light spectrum.

There are three kinds of ultraviolet light: UVA, UVB and UVC. Two of those categories, UVA and UVB, are used in indoor tanning equipment.

Indoor tanning equipment is designed to replicate UVA and UVB produced by the sun, but tanning lamps emit the light in carefully controlled and government-regulated combination’s. As a result, the user has control over their exposure. That’s why people face greater risk of overexposure tanning outdoors than they do by using indoor tanning equipment.

Tanning itself takes place in the skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis. There are three major types of skin cells in your epidermis: basal cells, keratinocytes and melanocytes. All play different roles in the tanning process.

Everyone has roughly the same number of melanocytes in their bodies—about 5 million. Your heredity determines how much pigment your melanocytes can produce. Melanocytes release extra melanosomes whenever ultraviolet light waves touch them. This produces a tan in your skin.

The tanning process is your skin’s natural way of protecting itself from sunburn and overexposure. Calling a tan “damage to the skin” isn’t telling the whole story. Your skin is designed to tan to protect itself.

Now that I am older and a little wiser, I always wear eye protection in the tanning bed. They even have super skinny tanning goggles, to cover the least amount of your eye, while still protecting your eyes from the harmful UV light. Also, some tanning salons offer stickers, I believe these are called “Wink-ease”, that are specially made for your eyes. They kind of fold into a cone type shape and stick to your eyes, they work absolutely wonderful for showing no signs of white,”raccoon eyes”, they are sometimes called. If all fails and you still feel like you have white circles around your eyes, use some sort of bronzer or make up, even a face moisturizer with a touch of sunless tanner in it.

Over exposure to UV light can cause great damage to your eyes if not protected,and believe it or not, just closing your eyes is not enough.

Here are eight facts about using eye protection in a tanning bed, that you must read.

1. Your eyes can get sun burnt! Tanning with no eye protection can cause red, itchy or watery eyes. These symptoms are all indications of short-term eye damage.
2. You can damage your eyes in just one tanning session! Even just one tanning session, without protecting your eyes, can be enough exposure to cause you short-term eye damage.
3. Two common forms of sunburned eyes
- Photokeratitis (a temporary corneal burn which causes tearing, pain
and blurring for several days).
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (delicate eye tissue becomes damaged causing swelling and redness in and around the eye)
4. Closing your eyes is not protecting them! Your eyelids naturally block less than 25% of harmful UV rays from your eyes, and this will not protect you well enough.
5. You may also be at risk from eye disease. Sharing eye protection is one of the main ways that eye infections such as conjunctivitis are spread. Eye protection that isn’t disposable is less hygienic and runs the risk of becoming contaminated.
6. Repeated exposure to UV light without eye protection can also cause long-term and even permanent eye problems.
7. Some damage caused to your eyes is irreversible! Long-term damage caused to your eyes include Diminished Color Perception (your sight will be dulled) and Reduced Night Vision. There is no cure for these.
8. Long-term exposure to UV light without eye protection seriously increases your probability of developing a cataract. This causes severe pain and even blindness. Surgery is the only cure for cataracts.

Wearing eye protection when you tan is one of the most important indoor tanning tips that there are. I hope this article convinces some of you to cover up those eyes. I know that when we’re young we don’t feel like we need to worry about things like this, but believe me, in a few short years you’ll be wishing you had done a few things differently, don’t make “wearing eye protection while tanning” one of them.

My favorite, I have to say is probably a brand called “Hempz”. Oh, do I love that stuff. I’m starting to think I’m getting addicted to it. I use it before tanning, after tanning, and everywhere in between.

Even for people who don’t go tanning, I suggest you try some of this stuff. I don’t think that there is a woman that I know who doesn’t use some kind of lotion or moisturizer. This is the ultimate moisturizer. We all know that the key to a great tan is keeping your skin extra moisturized. If your skin is dry and flaky it is impossible to get a nice, deep tan.

So, my point is that these after tan moisturizers are called that for a reason. They are extra moisturizing to help with all of the stress a tanning bed or UV light can put on our skin. If you don’t tan they will still help to make your skin soft.

I like these lotions for a few different, but very particular reasons, that I feel are important enough to share with who ever reads this. Here they go~

#1 They smell so freaken good. I’m serious, every single tan extending lotion I have ever used has always smelled awesome. It’s like no other.

#2 You can get them with just a touch of sunless tanner or shimmer, if you will. Don’t be mistaken though, this is not how it extends your tan. No, no, no this is just an extra added bonus if you choose an after tan moisturizer with this in it but you don’t have to.

#3.A lot of after tan moisturizers have natural products in them, such as hemp, aloe and green tea extracts just to name a few. Also, they are made to help fight the aging process and help firm the skin.

#4 To maximize, and make your tan last longer. I also love the soothing feeling it has on your skin after you come out of the tanning bed.

#5 I also hear that these are great for spray tans as well. They help your spray tan go on more evenly and help it last longer!

Like I said, you have to moisturize your skin anyway and let me tell you, I don’t think I will ever use a regular creme or lotion ever again.