Why I Recommend Self-Tanner Over Sun Exposure Every Time
It’s summer, a season most of us eagerly await. Whether you’re having a picnic with friends, riding a Ferris wheel at sunset, or running barefoot through sprinklers, one of the joys of the season is the ease of it all. You can throw on a tank top and shorts and head out the door without bundling up in layers.
Something else many people look forward to in the summer? Showing off that golden, sunkissed glow.
But here’s the reality: that bronzed glow comes at a cost. To get it, you have to expose your skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. While your skin may look “glowy” on the surface, underneath it’s telling a different story, one of damage and DNA disruption.
What’s Really Happening When You Tan?
Getting a tan, yes, even a so-called “base tan”, is your skin’s natural injury response to UV exposure. When the sun’s rays penetrate the skin, they damage cells and DNA. In an effort to protect itself from further harm, your skin activates melanocytes, which produce melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning. That color you’re seeing? It’s your skin saying: “I’ve been hurt, so now I’m building up protection.”
Are There Safer Alternatives?
Yes! If you love a bronzed look, self-tanners and spray tans are the way to go. They offer temporary color, usually lasting about a week, without the cellular trauma that UV exposure causes.
What Is a Self-Tanner?
Most self-tanners use an active ingredient called DHA (dihydroxyacetone). DHA is a colorless sugar that reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of your skin, specifically your dead skin cells. The result is a chemical reaction that temporarily darkens the skin, kind of like what happens when bread toasts. This is a surface-level reaction, unlike UV rays which penetrate deeply into the skin.
Does Self-Tanner Damage the Skin?
Unfortunately yes, but far less than actual sun exposure or tanning beds.
Here’s What You Should Know:
Self-tanning still causes some free radical damage.
The reaction that darkens your skin generates oxidative stress, which can damage cells, DNA, and enzymes.Sun exposure after applying self-tanner increases free radicals by over 180%.
That means you should definitely wear SPF even after self-tanning.About 11% of self-tanner is absorbed into the skin, which can cause low-level cellular stress.
Vitamin D production decreases post-application, but this is minor and not a reason to skip sunscreen or opt for real sun exposure.
Spray tans come with inhalation risks.
DHA inhalation in large doses has been linked to lung toxicity. When receiving a spray tan, be cautious: close your eyes, don’t inhale, and avoid mucous membranes.“DHA-free” self-tanners? Marketing gimmick. These also produce oxidative damage and haven’t been proven to be safer.
The Bottom Line:
If you love looking bronzed, self-tanners are the lesser evil, especially when used in moderation. They spare your skin from the deep, irreversible damage caused by UV rays and tanning beds. That said, they’re not totally without downsides, so it’s wise to:
Use SPF daily (even when self-tanned)
Avoid sun exposure directly after application
Use self-tanners sparingly and choose high-quality formulas
Protecting your skin doesn’t mean giving up the glow. It just means getting smart about how you achieve it.
PS …
To help offset the oxidative stress caused by self tanner, I recommend applying an antioxidant-rich lotion before applying your self tanner. Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide, resveratrol, and green tea extract help neutralize the free radicals that are generated during the tanning process, especially if you're exposed to sunlight after application. While self tanners are far less damaging than UV tanning, pairing them with antioxidant protection is a smart, skin-loving step that helps keep your glow healthier and longer-lasting.
