sunless airbrush tanning

I just tried air brush tanning for the very first time and I love how natural it looks. Do you feel that it is a better alternative to tanning beds or are there health risks to this as well?

thank you  

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Sunless tanning (also known as self tanning, or UV-free tanning) refers to applying chemicals on the skin to produce an effect similar in appearance to a traditional suntan. Sunless tanning arose in response to links between sun exposure and skin cancer discovered in the 1960s, along with other alternatives to natural sun tanning such as the use of a sunbed or tanning bed.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most effective products available are sunless tanning or self tanning lotions that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient. The tan is not a dye, stain or paint, but a chemical reaction between the DHA and the amino acids in the dead layer on the skin surface.
The reaction is non-toxic and skin safe, without the potential risks associated with UV exposure. The tan is temporary and will fade gradually over 3 to 10 days. Some products use Erythrulose combined with the DHA. Erythrulose works identically to DHA on the skin surface, but develops more slowly. The two chemicals used together may produce a longer lasting sunless tan.
Dihydroxyacetone or Erythrulose may cause contact dermatitis. First time users of sunless tanning products should apply them to a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours before a full body application.
ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fake_tan

[normbo]

Thanks very much for the information on sunless tanning