Self-tanning products (self-tanners) are sun-less tanning products that you apply to your skin and are available in many forms, including lotions, creams, gels, mousses, cosmetic wipes and sprays. These products offer a tanned appearance without having to go out in the sun or using artificial sources of UV radiation (tanning bed). Health Canada classifies sun-less tanning products that are applied to the skin as cosmetics.
Self-tanning products, whether applied at home or professionally, have not been shown to pose a health risk. They are considered safe to use if they are applied correctly and carefully.
These products do not protect the skin from sun damage, so sun protection must also be used as well (Canadian Dermatology Association (2006).
Some of these products combine self-tanning and sunscreen but read the label to be sure you are choosing a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that gives protection from both UVA & UVB rays. Look for a product with the Canadian Dermatology Association logo on it.
