And the bronze goes to...
BY NOW we are well and truly across the sun safety message that there’s nothing healthy about a tan.
And while the vast majority of us have stopped lying on the beach in 32-degree heat searing our bodies to a char-coloured bronze, many of us still desire a bit of bronze.
But like the rest of your beauty products, not all are created equal and some are better than others.
“Ingredient listings are often skimmed over but can be the most important part of your tan, how long it lasts and the effect it has on your skin over time,” explains founder of Sunescape Tan, Lisa Williams.
According to Ms Williams it’s just as important to know what’s in your tanning formula as it is to know what has been purposely left out.
The top ones to avoid? That would be Brown HT, DMDM Hydantoin and Imidazolidinyl Urea.
“Brown HT is a synthetic petroleum-derived brown colouring dye that has been banned in the USA, Canada, Japan and major European countries like France and Germany for its potentially dangerous health risks,” she warned.
Brown HT can induce hypersensitivity, eczema, dermatitis, itching and rashes, can cause bad reactions in those allergic to aspirin, leading to asthma, and has been linked to some cancers.
This could also be responsible for what’s making you itchy if fake tan tends to irritate your skin.
DMDM Hydantoin and Imidazolidinyl Urea on the other hand are common formaldehyde releasers that break down to form toxic carcinogen, formaldehyde, and act as a preservative in tan to hold product formulas together.
“Even low levels of formaldehyde are a major health concern, and are known to cause weakened immune systems, respiratory problems, cracked and blistered skin, and even cancer when ingested or absorbed through the skin,” Ms Williams explained.
Instead, she says your best bet is to flip the bottle over and keep an eye out for these ingredients to keep your skin happy and itch-free this summer:
• Aloe vera
• Coconut oil
• Macadamia nut oil
• Avocado oil
• Kiwi seed oil
• Kakadu plum
• Green tea; and
• Grape seed extract.
For more expert advice, go
to www.whimn.com.au