These are five things a dermatologist wants you to know about fake tan
SUMMER is on it's way, and that means millions of us wanting to replicate the golden glow of the Love Island babes for ourselves.
Baking your skin the natural way is a one way ticket to ageing skin, but do you really know the effects of fake tan on your health? Dermatologist Dr. Ross Perry reveals all...
1. It may be fine on your skin, but the chemicals can damage your lungs
When applied correctly, fake tan is unlikely to be harmful - but Dr. Ross says that you should avoid breathing in fumes or droplets.
That's because some scientists have concerns about breathing in DHA - a chemical found in spray tan products - an acid which causes the change in skin colour.
When it comes to using professional tanning booths, Dr. Ross recommends that customers "hold their breath as much as possible for the short time a tan takes".
Applying in a well aerated room like your bedroom or bathroom can help too.
"Some people even purchase a home spray tan booth which could be set up in the garden," he explained.
2. It will give you a tanned look, but could leave you sunburnt
According to Dr. Ross, sunburn "is a much greater danger than the fumes or chemicals involved in fake tan".
While cosmetic products may give the skin a sun-kissed glow, they don't provide protection from the harmful rays which cause sunburn and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
So don't let your bronzed tan fool you - it is vital to keep topped up with a good sunscreen whether you have fake tanned or not.
"The most important thing is to carry on and protect the skin from the sun's rays with a good sunscreen," he said.
3. Try before you buy so you don't have an allergic reaction
"If the manufacturers advise doing a patch test, it is for a good reason," explained Dr. Ross.
Tanning products may contain chemicals that cause an allergic reaction, so it's always safest to carry out a test on a small patch of skin first to save a horrible reaction.
Dr. Ross advises that you should "apply a little in an unnoticeable area to check" - although he also says that it's best to read the label of your fake tan product for more specific instructions.
"Even if you've used a product before, it's still important to follow any guidelines for patch testing, as sensitivities can develop," he said - it's always better to be on the safe side.
4. Fake tan can leave you dry, so keep moisturising
It's really important to stop your skin from drying out in hot weather, and keeping it hydrated can also help to prolong tan, according to the expert.
You don't need to buy expensive, specialist products - you can find good body lotions and butters quite cheaply on the high street or in the supermarket.
"Another good tip is to apply body oil or baby oil after showering and while the skin is still wet to trap in moisture," he adds, "then towel dry gently to avoid rubbing off the body oil."
5. Stick to the guidelines if you're pregnant
According to the NHS, it is "generally considered safe to use fake tan creams and lotions during pregnancy, but it's probably best to avoid spray tans, because the effects of inhaling the spray are not known."
Dr. Ross suggests using a body lotion as a more gentle approach to self tanning.
He added: "I would suggest a body lotion with self-tan agent as a gentle approach to maintaining a healthy ‘glow’ while pregnant.
"Pregnancy does make the skin more sensitive to the sun and prone to pigmentation issues, so be careful to use a high factor sunscreen even on cloudy days while pregnant."
There's a new cream which makes your skin tan without any damaging UV rays hitting you.
Plus this 12-year-old spray tan addict hasn't gone without her bronzer for two years.
Also, find out whether sunbathing is safe when you're pregnant and the amount of sunscreen you should use.