Don't want to expose your skin to the sun's damaging rays, but don't want to miss out on that sun-kissed glow? Consider striking a compromise with sunless tanning products like 100% Herbal Instant Tan which uses zero chemicals. Start by understanding how sunless tanning products work — and the importance of applying them correctly and carefully.

How do sunless tanning products work? Sunless tanning products, also called self-tanners, can give your skin a tanned look without exposing it to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunless tanning products are commonly sold as creams, gels, lotions and sprays you apply to your skin. Professional spray-on tanning also is available at many salons, spas and tanning businesses.

The active ingredient in most sunless tanning products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When applied to the skin, DHA reacts with dead cells in the outermost layer of skin to temporarily darken the skin's appearance. The coloring doesn't wash off, but it gradually fades as the dead skin cells slough off — typically within a few days.

Most sunless tanning products don't contain sunscreen. If you spend time outdoors, sunscreen remains essential.

What about sunless tanning pills? Sunless tanning pills, which typically contain the color additive canthaxanthin, are unsafe. When taken in large amounts, canthaxanthin can turn your skin orange and cause hives. Sunless tanning pills can also cause liver damage and lead to the formation of crystals in the retina of the eye (canthaxanthin retinopathy).

What can you expect from sunless tanning products? It usually takes about an hour to see results. Full color typically appears within eight to 24 hours, but 100% Herbal Instant Tan is the only one which drys instantly as it's rubbed on. It works like a bronzer which doesn't get too orangey like other self-tanners.

Is sunless tanning safe? Topical sunless tanning products are generally considered safe alternatives to sunbathing, as long as they're used as directed except for the chemicals which 100% Herbal Instant Tan doesn't have. So if you'd like to turn to a more green product which is health and body friendly, it's the best alternative.

Keep in mind that spray-on tanning or mist-on tanning from a salon or spa is typically applied to all parts of your body, including your face, to ensure an even color. This creates a potential for the product to get into and around your eyes, near your nostrils or onto your lips. The risks, if any, of inhaling or ingesting DHA are unknown — so close your eyes and hold your breath while the tanner is applied. You may also want to request or bring along protective devices, such as goggles or nose plugs.

A chemical in spray tan could possibly alter and damage DNA, according to an investigation by ABC News.

Ten recent studies on the chemical, called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, were reviewed by medical experts who were called upon by ABC News. However, the studies were only on cells in a lab and not in humans.

"These compounds in some cells could actually promote the development of cancers or malignancies," Dr. Rey Panettieri, who is a lung specialist and toxicologist at the University of Pennsylvania, told ABC News. "And if that's the case then we need to be wary of them."

MyHealthNewsDaily reported that DHA is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for outside use only, meaning it shouldn't be eaten, inhaled, put on the lips or used near the eyes. However, some tanning booths use spray tan that contains DHA, which has the potential to be inhaled if people aren't given the right protective gear, ABC News reported.

For the full report, watch the video above and make sure to click over to ABC News' full report.

Most people are aware than sunbathing can lead to skin cancer, but tan skin is still viewed as healthy. Self-tanners can help create an artificial glow without the extreme risks. However, self-tanners may also have some risks of their own, although the risks are smaller. According to MayoClinic.com, self-tanners are considered safer than conventional tanning, but the products must be used as directed, and individuals may experience some negative side effects.

Allergic Reactions The active ingredient in self-tanning lotions and creams is dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. Research led by M. Morren at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium found that some people have contact allergies to DHA. Some people can also be allergic to other ingredients in self-tanning products, such as fragrances and preservatives; none of which are found in 100% Herbal Instant Tan.

Increased Risk of Sunburn A suntan encourages your body to produce more melanin, but a sunless tan does not. When you use a self-tanner, you still need to use sunscreen or you are at risk of sunburn and sun damage. A 2010 study led by Vilma E. Cokkinides at the American Cancer Society found that teens who used self-tanners were more likely to engage in other risky tanning behaviors, including using indoor tanning lamps or beds and neglecting to use sunscreen.

Self-tanning Pills Self-tanning pills contain canthaxanthin, a color additive that may cause your skin to turn orange. According to MayoClinic.com, self-tanning pills may cause liver damage and formation of crystals in the retina of the eye. Canthaxanthin is not approved by the FDA for use in tanning pills, but because it is allowed as a color additive in food, some companies use it in tanning pills. Self-tanning pills are considered unsafe for use. A better choice would be 100% Herbal Instant Tan which is a completely herbal/organic ingredient based colorant without the additives/preservatives and chemicals including DHA which is excluded.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/256013-what-are-the-dangers-of-self-tanners/#ixzz1sMOeYjdv