However, is it okay to use baby oil as a tanning lotion? Does it pose any safety issues? Read this article to know more about its role in skin tanning, how to use it, and safety precautions. Scroll down.
What Is Baby Oil?
Baby oil is a skin care product intended for use on infants. It moisturizes their skin and prevents any bacterial infections. Most baby oils contain mineral oils, vitamin E, and aloe. They also are very less likely to cause any skin irritation as they are specifically meant for use on the sensitive skin of babies. But does baby oil really help you get tanned? Let us find out in the next section.
Does Baby Oil Help You Tan?
While research is limited, applying some baby oil to your skin might help you tan easily. The oil does not keep the sun’s rays from penetrating your skin. Some also believe that combining baby oil and iodine may help with tanning. Iodine is thought to work similar to baby oil. Using an iodine and baby oil tanning mixture is also thought to cause nausea and vomiting. However, using baby oil and iodine for tanning may increase the risk of skin cancer. Using baby oil for tanning has its own set of benefits. We will explore them in the next section.
Benefits Of Using Baby Oil For Tanning
Offers Quick Results: Baby oil usually contains no additional blends. Hence, it can work fast and offer you quick results. Gives A Deep Tan: Baby oil seeps into your skin and offers a deep, rich tan. You only may need a few sessions with baby oil.
Causes No Allergies: Baby oil contains no harsh chemicals as it is made exclusively for babies. It is very unlikely to cause any allergies. It Is Non-Sticky: Most tanning lotions can be very sticky to touch. But baby oil easily seeps into your skin and leaves no sticky feeling. Is Safe For Clothes: Baby oil leaves no pesky stains on your clothes. Most tanning lotions tend to stain your clothes.
You may be quite excited to use baby oil for tanning. But you also must know how safe it is for use on the skin.
Is It Safe To Use Baby Oil For Tanning?
No, it is not. The use of baby oil for sun tanning became popular in the late ’70s when the idea of sun damage was not clear. Today, we know enough about skin damage due to sun exposure and UVA/UVB rays. Using baby oil for tanning may cause skin malignancies due to UV radiation. Rather than deflect the sun rays, baby oil may instead allow them to pass unhindered to the deeper skin layers. Hence, using baby oil to tan your skin is not safe. It poses several risks. We have discussed them briefly in the next section.
What Are The Risks Of Tanning With Baby Oil?
Trying to achieve a tan with baby oil can potentially harm your skin. Here’s how:
Exposing your skin to the sun after using baby oil increases the risk of sunburn. It also may lead to further peeling and scarring of skin. You may even end up with patchy spots on your skin. The sunburns may also increase the risk of skin cancer. Exposing your skin to the sun for longer periods may make it wrinkled and saggy. Photoaging may not become apparent on your skin immediately after tanning with baby oil. But you will start observing its effects with time. Excess exposure to UV radiation may also damage the skin cells and lead to tumors and other abnormal growths on the skin.
It is, therefore, important to remember these undesirable effects of prolonged sun exposure when contemplating a tanned appearance, regardless of the method used to do so. Using baby oil for tanning does pose certain risks. But what if you can still use it and reduce the risks?
How Do You Use Baby Oil To Tan Your Skin?
You may try adding SPF to baby oil before using it on your skin. This might offer some protection against sun damage. Adding sunscreen to baby oil may also help moisturize the skin. However, research is very limited in this regard. Consult your dermatologist before using baby oil for tanning. What to use instead of baby oil for tanning? It is recommended that you use tanning oil instead of other natural types of oil for a healthy tanning experience. Is olive oil or baby oil better for tanning? Neither. While theoretically both oils may help speed up the tanning process, they lack SPF and hence may lead to skin damage. It is recommended to use a tanning lotion or mix the oils with SPF to protect your skin while tanning. What’s better: tanning oil or lotion? This depends on your needs. The oil can provide shine while the lotion absorbs quickly into your skin and has a creamier feel. Can baby oil darken skin? There is a lack of evidence suggesting if applying baby oil to your skin can affect its natural pigmentation.
References:
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more. Youth and Tanning: A Dangerous Combination https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4093423/ The benefits and risks of ultraviolet (UV) tanning and its alternatives: the role of prudent sun exposure https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2692214/
