Further emphasising these risks, the Skin Cancer Foundation states that “tanning is a sign of skin damage”. So your golden glow, unless from a bottle, is as far from healthy as you may have thought. And when it comes to sunbeds, the NHS explains that these are even worse, sharing “the British Association of Dermatologists advises that people should not use sunbeds or sunlamps”. Getting a bit more technical, Dr Sonia added that they “contain ingredients that stimulate or increase your melanin production to tan faster, with many containing tanositol, which can activate, intensify and prolong tanning”. Considering tan accelerators rely on ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun to achieve this sunkissed look, it’s unsurprising that Dr Sonia doesn’t deem them safe. “I’m a big believer in taking protective measures against ultraviolet radiation, for example, use of sunscreen and limiting your skin’s exposure to the sun,” she explains. “When you use tan accelerators, there’s a risk from UV radiation. These products don’t provide any sun protection and people who use these products might be more likely to have increased exposure to the sun’s UV rays when they use these products on a regular basis to get a tan. Tan accelerators can, therefore, increase their risk of skin cancer.” Keep reading below, where we provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision on whether or not you delve in, after hearing all the facts. And we promise we have covered the good, the bad and the ugly. Tan accelerators come in multiple forms, from tablets to injections (which are illegal in the UK), but for the purpose of this piece, we will only be talking about lotions.

Talking all things tan accelerators, we sat down with Dr Sonia Khorana – a GP with a special interest in dermatology – and Lucy Vose, global head of education at beauty brand Gatineau, to answer all your questions, including whether tan accelerators are safe for the skin, how they work and what they actually are. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{

2. Self tanners