Get that summer glow without the sun

Learn how to get that summer glow without the sun, plus other skin health tips. [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( IN a nutshell Hello, sunshines! In honor of shorts season, we’re here to help you get that sought-after sun-kissed glow — without exposing your precious skin to the sun’s damaging rays. Topical [self-tanners]( are a low risk option for bronzing your skin, and today we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about using them correctly and safely. Get the full story below. Here’s what else you can expect from us: • [Common medications that increase the risk of sunburn]( • [The best self-tanner you can buy, according to Healthline]( • [Can you safely get vitamin D from sunlight?]( • [Nutritious foods that are high in vitamin D]( Stay sharp, Ginger Wojcik Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Ginger Wojcik June 28, 2023 • 5 min read [How to get a tan without putting your skin health in peril]( what’s got us buzzing [How to get a tan without putting your skin health in peril]( Remind me what’s wrong with suntans again? It’s not possible to get tan without damaging your skin because tanned skin is [a sign of damage](. “Your skin thickens and darkens (i.e., tans) in order to protect itself from further damage,” says board certified dermatologist [Julie Karen](. Ah, I see. So tell me how sunless tanning works. The active ingredient in [topical self-tanners]( — dihydroxyacetone (DHA) — interacts with proteins in your skin, causing your skin to darken. Depending on the product, the tan will start to show [3 –12 hours]( after you apply it and may last as long as 10 days. So DHA is totally safe for skin? Uh, kind of. DHA is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved as a safe topical tanning agent, and [experts]( consider it a safer alternative to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. However, [research]( shows that DHA can also cause DNA damage, especially when exposed to sunlight. OK, so do I still need to wear sunscreen? Definitely! Not only can DHA accelerate sun damage, but the tan you get from DHA is only equivalent to about an [SPF 3](, which is far lower than the [recommended]( SPF 30 and above. Here are some other tips to keep your skin safe: - Apply in the evening (~12 hours before using SPF). - Exfoliate your skin first. - Let the product dry for ~10 mins before touching anything. - Avoid showering or swimming for at least 12 hours after application. - Apply SPF before going into the sun. More on sun care: - [The most common suntan myths]( - [7 body parts people always miss with sunscreen]( - [Apply this sunscreen guide to all your burning questions]( great finds Editor faves with health perks [Skinerals Onyx Self Tanner]( Self-tanners get a bad rap for turning skin orange. This is why it’s so important to choose your product based on your specific skin tone. We recommend diligently reading reviews before trying out any product. However, this self-tanner from Skinerals was ranked best overall by a Healthline associate in 2021. They preferred this product for its pleasant scent, fast-drying formula, even wear, and color. They also noted that the exfoliating gloves and applicator mitt came in handy. [Read about all the seven top picks for self-tanners in our article.]( [Shop now]( Every product we recommend has gone through [Healthline's vetting process](. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. [Is it safe to get vitamin D from the sun?]( Wednesday Kick Start [Is it safe to get vitamin D from the sun?]( The short answer is no. [Our body needs]( vitamin D for bone health and development and, potentially, other important functions. While the sun is the [best natural source](, [experts say]( sun exposure is just too risky. “UV radiation is known to promote the formation of [skin cancer](, as well as [skin aging](, so intentional UV exposure in order to increase vitamin D levels is ill-advised,” says Karen. However, it’s [very difficult]( to get enough vitamin D through food alone. This is especially true if you eat 100% plant-based, as the [best food sources]( of vitamin D are certain fish oils, eggs, and fortified milk. That’s why the [National Institutes of Health]( recommends supplementation. Adults under age 70 should take 600 IU per day, while folks over 70 should take 800 IU per day, according to [current recommendations](. If you’re at [high risk of a vitamin D deficiency]( (e.g., older, have dark skin, live far from the equator, etc.), it may be extra important to take a daily [vitamin D supplement](. More on vitamin D: - [The 3 best at-home vitamin D tests of 2023]( - [7 nutritious foods that are high in vitamin D]( - [The best vitamin D supplements, according to a dietitian]( health stories you need What we’re reading next [] ⛱️ [Common medications that increase the risk of sunburn.]( If you’re taking any of these drugs, it’s even more important to practice good protection habits. 📜 [Many doctors still believe obesity is caused by lifestyle choices.]( Other experts call these outdated biases “dangerous” — here’s why. 🦝 [What causes dark circles under your eyes?]( Learn how genetics, allergies, and other factors can lead to shades of blue, black, brown, and purple under your eyes. 🧑‍💼 [What are the biggest workplace challenges for people with ADHD?]( While ADHD symptoms vary from person to person, these are some of the challenges you might face if you have this condition. you’re up Ever since [Coco Chanel]( came back from France fully bronzed in the summer of 1923, people with lighter complexions have been fawning after that sun-kissed glow — despite decades of research linking sun exposure to [skin cancer]( and [skin aging](. In 2019, I wrote about [my own journey]( from tanning teen to sunscreen queen. Do any of you have similar stories to share? We want to know: What’s your relationship to the sun, and how has it changed over the years? Let us know at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition!) Thanks for reading, everyone! Next week, a special guest editor will be filling in for me as I find some sweet offline solitude. Stick around to find out who it could be! Until next time, [healthline]( Take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon! [Telegram] This edition was powered by vitamin D rabbit holes. [fb]( [tiktok]( [insta]( [View in browser]( Did a friend send you this email? [Subscribe here.]( To see all newsletters, [click here.]( [Privacy]( | [Unsubscribe]( Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2023 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001