Sunless Tanning

Dr. Steve Jepson with The Spa at the Utah Dermatologic & Medical Procedures Clinic explains the amazing results of sunless tanning.

Since May is Melanoma Awareness Month, I want to share a great way to get a natural looking tan without subjecting yourself to the harmful effects of UV radiation – sunless tanning. Here’s a frightening statistic – the number one cause of cancer death in women ages 20-40 is melanoma, and its incidence is rising. And we have only ourselves to blame. Most will agree that a natural looking tan enhances your appearance. But UV exposure from the ever-popular tanning beds and inadequate outdoor sun protection are dangerous life-threatening ways to achieve that look.

Fortunately, great strides have been made in the sunless tanning industry. And we have recently discovered a wonderful new sunless tanning product called Xen-Tan that we now feature at our office, and it has literally been flying off the shelves. Sunless tanners rely on a natural sugar called DHA (dihydroxyacetone) to affect a color change in the outer layer of your skin. When DHA is combined in the appropriate concentrations with the right kind of moisturizers, a beautiful natural looking tan will be the result. Because this “tan” occurs is the outer layer of your skin, it’s effect will last about 5-7 days – the amount of time it takes those skin cells to slough off naturally. Self-tanners can be applied every 3-4 days to maintain long-lasting color.

Many of you have probably tried sunless tanners and experienced an unwanted orange or streaky look. And regular users of sunless tanners also know that these products generally will smell a little strange when first applying them, and that you usually have to wait overnight to start seeing results. But not all sunless tanners are alike, and our current best seller is Xen-Tan. Orange tans or streaks come from poorly formulated products – Xen-Tan is designed to specifically deliver a rich olive tone by using a well-researched level of DHA (the active ingredient) combined with the perfect moisturizers. Xen-Tan actually smells good – like chocolate and almonds. And you can see results from Xen-Tan after only 3 hours – so apply it in the afternoon and look great for your evening out.

Xen-Tan comes in a spray mist, a lotion, or a mousse for home use with prices ranging from $16-$39, or we offer airbrush tanning with Xen-Tan at our spa for only $15.

-Dr. Steven Jepson MD