The danger of skin cancer has heightened tanning awareness and the interest in sunless tanning products. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests, “as sun safety grows, so do the benefits of sunless tanning”. More and more people are turning to the safety and convenience of sunless tanning products to achieve a plentiful sun-kissed appearance and avoid the harmful affects of sun exposure.

Maintaining healthy skin is very important in continuing good health and skin cancer prevention. The American Cancer Society reported over 59,000* new cases of skin cancer, also known as melanoma, in the United States in 2004. With increased awareness and education, many people have started to heed the warnings and dangers associated with sun exposure and related complications. Today, many regularly use sunscreen and protective clothing when conducting outdoor activities such as gardening, sporting events and even traveling in a car in an effort to safely protect their skin.

Even though we are aware of the statistics and messages, most of us want to achieve a glowing tan every year, particularly during the warmer months. Some prefer the more harmful route of sunbathing or tanning beds, which result in a darker skin appearance when melanin is produced following sun exposure. The melanin alters the skin pigment, causing the skin to look darker. This process, which actually damages DNA, is an effort to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Tanning beds are considered as harmful, if not slightly more so as direct sun exposure since tanning beds use ultraviolet radiation as the tanning method.

Since there is no such thing as a healthy tan, the development of sunless tanning lotions and sprays make achieving a healthy looking tan possible. Most sunless tanning products contain dihydroxyacetone, a chemical compound responsible for essentially staining the skin. The dihydroxyacetone in the sunless tanning product attaches to the top layer of skin to alter the pigment appearance. As dead skin flakes away, the color will ultimately fade, requiring additional applications or treatments.

Ideal sunless tanning products, and commonly the most popular, now include salon-quality home airbrush tanning systems, like the Salon Bronze Tanning System. An applicator airbrush is used to prevent unsightly streaking and ensure an even application of the bronzer to the skin. Each Salon Bronze Tanning System application lasts for 7 to 10 days and is ideal for any skin shade or type.

Tan Perfect provides unique ingredients and rich botanicals to nourish the skin while creating an even, lasting tan. The five-piece product includes a body scrub formula, instant tanning formula, body scrubber and a pair of application gloves to ensure satisfying results while preventing streaks and stained plams.

The most distinctive differences between sun exposure and sunless tanning products are the long-term effects to the skin. Sun exposure reaches far beyond the epidermis and actually harms cells deep below the surface potentially causing melanoma, a malignant tumor originating in the melanocytes. (Melanocytes are the cells responsible for producing the melanin pigment.) Sunless tanning products offer no known harmful affects or damage although some may experience mild allergic reactions.

While the use of sunscreens and protective clothing may provide some safety, the only certain way to avoid sun exposure and sun damage is to stay indoors. Whenever venturing to the outdoors, regardless of shade or perceived protection, be sure to use a sunscreen with at least a 15 SPF (sun protection factor). (Use a suntan lotion applicator for hard-to-reach areas.) Try to avoid sun exposure during 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM when ultraviolet radiation is most harmful. Wear UV-protective sunglasses such as BluBlocker, long pants and long-sleeved shirts. (Even when wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts during prolonged sun exposure, it is best to apply sunscreen before dressing.) Wide-brimmed hats covering the face, neck and ears also should be worn.

* Excluding basal and squamous