A Self Tanner; in Moderation

I wrote earlier in my blog about self tanning creams. DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) is used in a self tanner.

Dihydroxyacetone

DHA is a substance which derives from sugar beet or sugar cane and can make the dead cells in the uppermost layer of the epidermis turn brown. The browning effect arises as a result of the so called Maillard reaction, whereby the DHA reacts with amino acids in the layer of dead skin cells. This reaction is not toxic. In cosmetic products the concentration of DHA is around 3-5%, in professional products the concentration varies between 5 and 15%. Apart from the fact that in the short term (24 hours) free radicals can be formed as a result of this substance (the same being possible from using cosmetic products containing anti-oxidants), there has never actually been any negative literature published about DHA. Too me then, also a safer option for obtaining a tan instead of from the sun or a sunbed.

Recent investigation

I was very surprised then when I read the results of a recently published investigation in Environmental Toxicology (abstract). In the investigation, Mexican hairless dogs were tested by applying cream containing 5% DHA daily for a period of 42 days. After 21 days contact dermatitis could be seen on the skin. Contact dermatitis is a skin irritation arising from contact with irritating substances or allergenic substances. This dermatitis worsened between 21 and 42 days and eventually the dermis became inflamed, blisters formed and the epidermis was severely damaged. The area of skin which was tested with base cream only (without DHA), did not have this appearance.

The conclusion from this story was that long term use of a self tanner can lead to severe contact dermatitis. Although this investigation was carried out on dogs and not on people, I would advise the use of a self tanner for no more than a couple of days in succession and let the skin have some time to recover in between. And for the tanning addicts among us: I read last month in a glossy that pale skin is totally “2010”. If there is anything more published about this subject I’ll let you know…

Regards Jetske

(Dr. Jetske Ultee-Research Physician and Head of The Skin Therapy Department)

You can also read A Healthy Complexion and
The Effects of the Sun; Twins,
A Healthy ‘Tan’ and
also about the sun filter ‘Oxybenzone‘.