Sunless tanning lotion is different because it adds cosmetic colour without UV exposure. The word "tanning" covers both UV exposure and cosmetic colour, which is a lot of ambiguity for one bathroom shelf.34

What does tanning do to your skin?

Ultraviolet radiation, or UV, comes from the sun and tanning equipment. UVA penetrates deeper into skin than UVB and causes skin ageing; UVB causes sunburn and skin cancer. Sunburn signals short term overexposure, while premature ageing and cancer are risks of long term exposure. Avoiding a burn is not the same as avoiding damage. UV also damages the eyes and increases the risk of potentially blinding eye diseases without eye protection.15

Are sunbeds safer than sunlight?

No. UV tanning devices cause cancer in humans, and their UV output can exceed sunlight. Skin cancer risk increases with more tanning sessions. Indoor tanning is particularly dangerous for younger users, so a controlled appointment is not a controlled health risk. Skip sunbeds rather than trying to find a safe session length.6

Clouds do not completely stop UV, and UV can pass through windows, including car side and rear windows. Exposure changes with the time of day, season, altitude and location. Water, snow and sand reflect UV. Protection matters throughout the year, not just on beach days.15

How should you protect yourself outdoors?

  • Use shade, covering clothing, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses that block UVA and UVB. Do not rely on sunscreen alone.
  • Choose SPF 30 or higher with UVA protection. For UK labels, look for at least four UVA stars or the UVA circle.
  • Cover all exposed skin. Adults need around 6 to 8 teaspoons for the whole body; applying too little reduces protection.
  • For an outing long enough to risk burning, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before leaving and again just before leaving.
  • Reapply every two hours and after swimming, sweating or towel drying, even with water resistant sunscreen. Do not extend your time in the sun because you applied it.
2

Who needs extra care?

Anyone can get skin cancer. Risk is higher with substantial sun exposure, previous sunburn, light skin, hair or eyes, a family history of skin cancer, and age over 50. Some medicines and cosmetics increase UV sensitivity, including certain antibiotics, birth control pills and benzoyl peroxide products. Check your medicine instructions before sun exposure.1

UV helps the body produce vitamin D, but deliberate tanning is not a sensible way to obtain it. Foods fortified with vitamin D and supplements offer alternatives to relying on sun exposure.1

Is tanning lotion bad for you?

The distinction is sunless colour versus a lotion used while tanning under UV. A lotion does not remove the risks of sun exposure or sunbeds. Sunless products commonly use dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, a colour additive allowed for external application. Keep DHA away from eyes, lips and mucous membranes, such as the inside of the mouth, and avoid inhaling or swallowing it during spray tanning. Cosmetic colour does not provide UV protection; only a product also labelled as sunscreen offers sun protection.346

Bronzers wash off with soap and water, so their commitment to the look is strictly temporary.3

Avoid tanning pills. None are FDA approved for tanning, and reported adverse effects of canthaxanthin pills include crystals deposited in the eyes, digestive symptoms and severe itching.7

When should you get medical help?

Stay out of the sun until sunburn redness has gone. Get medical help if you feel unwell or skin swells badly or blisters. Report a new mole, growth or lump, or changes in a mole's size, shape or colour, to your doctor promptly.2

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Facts About Ultraviolet Radiation | Radiation and Your Healthcdc.gov
  2. 2Sunscreen and sun safetynhs.uk
  3. 3Scientific Publications by FDA Staffaccessdata.fda.gov
  4. 4Cosmetic Tanning Productsfda.gov
  5. 5Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) - Ultraviolet radiation and UV metersguysandstthomas.nhs.uk
  6. 6Use of Indoor Tanning Devices by Adultscdc.gov
  7. 7Tanning Pillsfda.gov