In this article, we will figure out whether it is possible to use sunless tanner with a history of melanoma

Beautiful skin is an ideal that people strive for constantly, but the parameters of this beauty change regularly. Even at the beginning of the last century, the skin of representatives of the noble estates had to be snow-white, ladies limited their stay in the sun, protected themselves from its rays with umbrellas. The turbulent rhythm of life of the XX century dictated new standards of beauty. A tanned body has become associated with excellent health, success, wealth. Tanning salons have gained popularity, allowing you to get a perfect even tan in a short time.

But in the early 2000s, restrictions or a ban on the use of tanning beds began to be introduced in many countries - this was caused by an increase in the number of oncological diseases. The link between the risk of skin cancer, melanoma, increased pigmentation and exposure to UV rays turned out to be obvious (the activity of solar radiation caused by the destruction of the ozone layer and the effect of short UV radiation in tanning booths).

Oncologists note that not only sunbathers are at risk, but also representatives of professions associated with prolonged exposure to the sun: farmers, merchants, builders, drivers. Also at risk are people with a large number of moles (nevi), white-skinned, poorly tanned, with light or red hair, light eyes, with freckles. Their body, when exposed to ultraviolet light, almost does not produce protective melanin – the skin is damaged much more easily than in dark-skinned and black-haired.

An alternative to staying in the sun and tanning in the solarium were autobronzants (autobronzers). They allow the skin to acquire a beautiful shade, and their use does not require much time – such a tan is called instant.

The components of self-tanning that provide a tanned skin tone are dihydroxyacetone, erythrulose (quite expensive) and their combination. Reflective particles in the composition of some bronzers give the skin a beautiful shade and shimmer, visually slim.

Upon contact with the upper layers of the epidermis, dihydroxyacetone reacts chemically with amino acids of keratin proteins of the skin and forms dark-colored polymers, melanoidins, which lead to a change in skin color comparable to a sun tan. Melanoidins structurally have a certain similarity with skin melanin, but do not have photoprotective properties, so it is also necessary to use sunscreen.

Conclusion: artificial tanning cream can be a safe alternative to tanning, and can be used if there was a history of melanoma or other skin cancer. However, this does not negate the fact that when going outside, it is necessary to apply sunscreen, as well as regularly self-examine and visit a doctor once a year.

By the way, if you have had melanoma and you are looking for a suitable cream for yourself, then pay attention to Mrs C’s Tan. Its creator is a melanoma warrior from the UK, whose mission is "to help EVERYONE achieve that perfect tan without any risk."

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