With the revelation that tanning booths carry serious risks came the creation of several new tanning products including bronzers, extenders, tanning pills, and tanning accelerators designed provide tanned skin without ultraviolet exposure.
Bronzers are topical lotions that contain color addlitives that temporarily stain the skin. They are similar to makeup
can be washed away with soap and water at the end of the Extenders, also topical lotions, contain a chemical called dihydroxyacetone. When applied, extenders interact with a protein on the surface of the skin to create color. They gradually wear away a few days after use has stopped.
Both bronzers and extenders are safe and have been approved by the FDA. They can react differently on different parts of the body. Low quality bronzers might be creating a streaky or uneven tan. Also, some types do not provide protection from the sun, so use a product that contains sunscreen or apply your own when outdoors.
Steer clear of tanning pills and tanning accelerators, says the FDA. Tanning pills contain carotenoids, the same substances that give carrots their orange color; when taken internally, they are distributed throughout the body and skin, making the skin orange. The high levels of carotenoids contained in the pills cause damage to the eyes, impairing vision.
Tanning accelerators, which are intended to speed tanning, are creams that contain the amino acid tyrosine, a chemical that aids in the tanning process. Accelerators do not work and may also be harmful. Neither tanning pills nor accelerators have been approved by the FDA.