by Katya Romboblin
Why Do Dancers Use Tanning Products?
As dancers, we perform under intense and colourful stage lights that wash out our natural skin tone. To avoid looking pale and almost invisible on stage, tanning products come to the rescue. They help us stay visible on the dance floor and also beautifully highlight our muscles. In fact, this is the same reason why bodybuilders use self-tanning products as well.
Tanning Cream VS Tanning Bed
Instant tanning is a much safer option than sunbathing or using tanning beds. UV rays can harm your skin, cause pigmentation and even increase the risk of skin cancer. Instant tans, on the other hand, don’t reach the deeper layers of your skin and give you a quick, healthy glow.
However, we still have to be careful about what we put on our skin. Some ingredients in tanning products can be harmful, causing dryness, irritation, flakiness, or even allergic reactions.
After doing some research, I discovered a few common harmful ingredients frequently used in skin products. Let’s dive into it and learn which ones you
should avoid while choosing your tanning bottle.
1. Parabens
Parabens are preservatives that help keep cosmetic products free from bacteria and mold. However, there are concerns that they may disrupt hormones. Although it hasn’t been fully proven that parabens cause cancer, studies show they can pass through your skin and enter your body. In Europe, products with more than 0.4% parabens are banned, but it’s still a good idea to avoid them in your tanning products completely.
Watch out for:
- Methylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
2. Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol makes cosmetic products feel smooth, but it can irritate sensitive or allergy-prone skin. Though once thought to be harmful, research shows it’s safe in small amounts. Still, if your skin is easily irritated, it's a good idea to avoid it.
Watch out for:
- Propylene Glycol
- 1,2-Propanediol
3. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a preservative and disinfectant, but it’s not something you want on your skin. It’s a known carcinogen and can increase the risk of cancer. Steer clear of any tanning product that lists formaldehyde.
Watch out for:
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Formaldehyde
4. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
SLS is a strong cleanser used in many cosmetics to remove oils and dirt. It can cause skin dryness and irritation over time. Though its carcinogenic properties haven't been proven, it’s known to accumulate in the body and may lead to long-term issues. It’s better to skip products containing SLS, especially if you have sensitive skin.
5. Alcohols
Some alcohols used in tanning products can really dry out your skin. Simple alcohols, like ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, strip away moisture, which may lead to peeling. Even aromatic alcohols, like cinnamyl alcohol, can have the same effect.
But not all alcohols are bad: fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol are actually great for making your skin softer and moisturized.
Watch out for:
- Methanol
- Ethanol
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Cinnamyl Alcohol
6. Phthalate
Phthalates are used to help products last longer, but they’ve raised concerns about messing with hormones and possibly increasing cancer risk. Although not all products contain phthalates, it’s best to avoid them when possible to reduce long-term health risks.
Personal Recommendation
My top pick is Summer Tan Cream and Aero Tan Shimmer Powder from Stage_Me. It’s free from harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulphate, propylene glycol, formaldehyde, BHA, BHT and alcohol. With added grapeseed oil and hydrolyzed collagen, it keeps the skin moisturized and smooth. So on the competition day you can feel completely confident, with no risk to your skin.
Honorary Mentions
- Green People - Easy to apply, natural scents and clean ingredients
- Botanic Tree - A super hydrating, herbal non-toxic self-tanner that gives you a natural bronze glow as well as moisturized and plump skin
- Coco & Eve - they won 21 beauty awards for their 100% clean, cruelty free tanning products
- Typology - an artisan-style beauty, but they are far from style over substance.
The Final Takeaway…
While tanning products can help enhance your appearance on stage or for any special occasion, it's important to be mindful of the ingredients they contain. Harmful chemicals like parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, and sodium lauryl sulphate can lead to skin irritation, dryness, or even pose more serious health risks over time. By paying attention to the labels and avoiding these harmful ingredients, you can safely enjoy a beautiful tan without compromising your skin's well-being.
When purchasing a new tanning product, be sure to test a small amount on a patch of your skin in advance to ensure your skin reacts calmly. This will help you prevent any issues on the day of your competition.
We are wishing everyone a beautiful, even, and most importantly, safe tan!
Katya
