Article

Sunless Tanning

Sunless tanning refers to the effect of a suntan without exposure to the sun. It includes oral agents (carotenoids), or creams, lotions, sprays, and bronzers applied to the skin. Sunless tanning is popular for achieving an even tan, masking tan lines, or creating intentional patterns (tan art) without UV risk.

How Sunless Tanning Works

DHA (dihydroxyacetone): The main ingredient in most self-tanners. It reacts with amino acids in the dead skin layer, producing a brown pigment. The effect appears in hours and fades in 3–10 days as skin sheds.
Bronzers: Temporary colourants (powders, gels, lotions) that wash off with soap and water. Used for "one-day" tans or to enhance a DHA tan.
Carotenoids: Consumed in high amounts (e.g., carrots, tomatoes), can give skin a golden hue, but may cause carotenemia (harmless yellowing).

Risks and Considerations

DHA-based tans do not protect against UV damage. In fact, skin may be more sensitive to UV for 24 hours after application.
Some studies suggest increased free radical formation after DHA application and sun exposure.
Allergic reactions, contact dermatitis, and rare side effects (e.g., with canthaxanthin pills) are possible.
Always use sunscreen when outdoors, even with a sunless tan.

Sunless Tanning and Tan Lines

Sunless tanning can be used to even out or mask tan lines, or to create new ones intentionally. Stencils, stickers, or careful application can produce "tan tattoos" or playful patterns. In fiction, sunless tanning can symbolise transformation, disguise, or a character's relationship with their body.

Historical Overview

Sunless tanning gained popularity in the mid-20th century as concerns about UV damage grew. Early products often produced unnatural orange tones, but modern formulations have improved significantly.

1960s: Introduction of DHA-based self-tanners.
1980s: Rise of spray tanning in salons; commercial equipment and salon services expanded in this decade as consumers sought safer-looking tans without increased UV exposure. The trend fits broader 1980s aesthetics that prized bronzed, athletic looks in media and advertising.
2000s: Development of customizable and natural-looking products.

Cultural Significance in the 1960s

The 1960s marked a turning point for sunless tanning, as the decade's fascination with health and beauty aligned with the rise of self-tanners. Products like DHA-based lotions gained popularity among women seeking a bronzed look without the risks of sun exposure. This trend reflected the era's broader focus on personal expression and experimentation with appearance.

Portrayal in Media

Sunless tanning is often depicted in media as a symbol of transformation or vanity. Characters may use it to prepare for events, disguise imperfections, or experiment with their appearance. These portrayals reflect societal attitudes toward beauty and self-expression.

Writing Prompt

"She pressed a heart-shaped sticker to her hip before misting on the self-tanner. When she peeled it away, a pale heart glowed against her new bronze—an intimate secret beneath her knickers."