Why does oil help you tan

The recipe also calls for tincture of iodine and carrot juice. The olive oil prevents the skin from over drying and also contains many nutrients beneficial to your skin. The tincture of iodine serves to help protect the skin from sunburn; the carrot juice not only is good for your skin, but it helps you achieve a darker tan.

Carrot juice, in fact, is an ingredient in many commercially-produced tanning lotions. To make the lotion, take approximately 4 to 6 oz. Apply the mixture to your skin before exposure to the sun and reapply at least every hour. Commercial tanning oils are available to those who don't want to make one on their own. The range of brands is incredible, each brand claiming to be the best. The best thing to do when purchasing tanning oil from a store or online is to first look online at reviews for each of the products you are considering.

Some contain natural ingredients, some a hint of sunscreen, some herbal extracts for skin health and scent. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum protects against UVA and UVB rays , water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapplying every two hours or as often as the product's label states in order to help prevent sunburn, early skin aging and skin cancer.

If you choose to use tanning oil, limit your time in the sun, and look for a product that fits the AAD's criteria:. Nutrition Cooking and Baking Oil.

Chris Sherwood. Chris Sherwood is a professional journalist who after years in the health administration field and writing health and wellness articles turned towards organic sustainable gardening and food education. He now owns and operates an organic-method small farm focusing his research and writing on both organic gardening methods and hydroponics. Tanning oil can make you tan faster, but you should choose one with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin.

Video of the Day. How Does Tanning Oil Work? Italian food, anyone? Still, putting olive oil on your skin will cause your skin to tan more quickly than if you simply applied sunscreen or no oil at all. A clinical trial found that the application of olive oil could help prevent pressure ulcers. Moore notes you may also start to notice redness around this time.

If you notice your skin is getting red, you should get out of the sun as soon as possible. Sunburns can be painful and take several days to heal. And remember: Even tan skin is damaged skin. She says chemical-based sunscreens contain active ingredients , like:. Combining chemical-based sunscreen and olive oil may prevent the chemicals from penetrating your skin and providing sun protection.

Anna Chacon, MD, a board certified dermatologist with My Psoriasis Team , agrees that sitting in the sun with olive oil on your skin is dangerous. But she says you can utilize olive oil to get a truly healthy glow safely. You can even make your own with the recipes below. Parcells points to a study from on mice that indicated olive oil applied topically after sun exposure significantly reduced skin tumor growth.

Moore suggests applying a thin layer of extra-virgin olive oil on your skin after sun exposure to counteract any dryness the sun may have caused. Moore says coconut oil has a similar consistency and effect on the skin as olive oil.

A study of virgin coconut oil found that applying it topically to the skin can reduce inflammation. Moore says people can also expect to tan quicker if they put baby oil on their skin, though he notes that some people notice it clogs their pores.

Chacon and Parcells agree there are ways to combine olive oil with other ingredients to create the appearance of tan skin without risking sun damage. However, in some people, lemon juice can contribute to phytophotodermatitis , a reaction that results in blisters. Always do a small patch test before applying lemon juice to your skin, and talk with your doctor if you have any pre-existing skin conditions. Though tanning may be aesthetically pleasing, the healthiest way to get a glow is through self-tanning products or DIY recipes.

Experts recommend wearing at least an SPF 30 sunscreen when in the sun.