Sun-kissed skin, without the sun

Despite the rising incidence of skin cancer, many people still like having a tan. Until not very long ago, tanning beds were the solution for anyone looking to darken their skin without exposing it to the sun. But it's come to light that there are dangers involved in the use of tanning beds as well. Studies published in 2005 revealed that tanning under these beds, which give off ultraviolet radiation, raise the chances of developing malignant melanoma by 25%.

In the wake of this and additional studies, in 2009 the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer classified tanning beds as a definite cause of cancer. But just as people continue to smoke cigarettes despite the warnings, tanning beds are still in business.

About two weeks ago Israel's Health Ministry issued a warning, in which they described tanning beds as being as dangerous as exposure to the sun. The ministry is considering forbidding children and teens under 18 from using these beds, along with requiring tanning salons to display signs that outline the Health Ministry's warning. In addition, patrons would have to sign documents that detail the health risks of tanning beds, attesting that they understand the risks.

Tan for a few days

So what are the options for the pale-skinned person who doesn't want to endanger him or herself? Enter the world of cosmetics, which offers numerous self-tanning products. According to Super-Pharm, the chain sells NIS 1.5 million worth of creams in this category every year. And the total market figure is estimated between NIS 3 to 4 million - which rose 7 percent in 2010 compared to the year before.

Products found on Super-Pharm's shelves range in price, from NIS 30 for 10 Life brand tanning wipes to NIS 330 for Guerlain tanning gel.

TheMarker surveyed eight of the dozens of self-tanning products available on the market, and we were generally satisfied with the range of shades and how quickly they absorbed into the skin. Certain products created a more subtle color than others, but all produced a noticeable change. The tan lasted for two to four days, requiring reapplication if one wanted to maintain the color after that.

When we asked our trial participants how they decided which product to buy, they said that when the price was the same, they picked the one most convenient to use - mousse, liquid, gel or cream - as the results were similar in any case. The most expensive tanner tested cost NIS 330, nearly double and sometimes triple the price of other products included in the trials. When we asked one of the testers about this particular product, in light of its high price, she answered that "while its results were terrific, other creams provided similar results and were sufficient."

In order to get the best results, our testers said, the cream must be spread evenly, which is not very difficult. "You apply it like any other cream, making sure every area is covered," one said, adding that "you have to take into account that the color does not wear off evenly. If you want to remove spots more quickly, body peels will take off the remaining tan."

Relatively safe

How do these products work and are they safe?

"These products contain DHA [dihydroxyacetone], a colorless chemical derived from sugar cane or sugar beets. When they come into contact with the outer layer of skin - the epidermis - the skin changes color," explained Dr. Basmat Zamir, who specializes in skin and venereal diseases at the Carmel Medical Center in Haifa and at the Clalit Health Fund.

"The skin will look tan for a period of time - beginning a few hours after application and peaking within 48 hours," she said. "Since we naturally and gradually shed epidermal cells every day, the tan will disappear within a week. The concentration of DHA in various tanning products is about eight to 12 percent, with the lower number providing a lighter shade and the higher one a darker, sometimes orange tone."

As DHA may cause local itchiness, contact with mucous membranes as well as the areas around the eyes and lips should be avoided. Care should be taken not to breathe in its fumes and to wash hands after use.

"While DHA is considered a non-poisonous substance and is permitted for external use," Zamir said, "a study published in 2004 in the journal Mutation Research showed that it may cause changes in cell DNA, and follow-up research should be conducted."

Those who don't want to do the work of spreading creams on themselves can head to cosmetic studios that specialize in tanning, like the character Ross Geller did on one episode of the popular television series "Friends." The cost averages between NIS 120 and NIS 140, and the results are the same - with the tan lasting a few days.

"The most important thing is to be familiar with the results, otherwise the [products] may be unflattering and take on an orange tinge, or fade unevenly," said Shoval Shvartzky, who owns a tanning salon. "How the product fades shows whether the application was done in a professional place or not. If spots appear it means that during the application process, some areas received more of the product and some less."

In order to lengthen the life of the tan, according to cosmetician Iris Zinder, one should undergo body peeling to remove dead skin cells before applying any tanning products.

According to the Israel Cancer Association, "The problem with such products is the false security it gives users that these creams protect them from the sun. A tan color does not defend the skin from the sun's harmful rays, and so there is still a need to use sunscreen products suited to the original pale color of the skin, without regard to the artificially produced tan."

Vered Bruker contributed to this report.