In some parts of the world, the weather is always that of summer but we don’t all live in such a climate. And while it’s really the melanin in our skin that decides how pale we are, the weather really does do the rest. Now I think I’ve mentioned before how I never quite understood the raw appeal of sun-kissed/burnt skin as opposed to whatever is natural but for the majority of people having a nice tan is often something that sits on their top ten list of most desired beauty fix.
And thus to satisfy our desire for a warmer coloured skin tone, we turn to artificial means. But we know that too much sun is bad, the tanning bed is just a cancer inducing activity and fake tans are a chemical concoction of poison (not to mention quite a mess to apply) , thus it seems quite logical that people would start looking for natural herbal ways to get that desired skin tone.
So along comes my question…How far would you go to get that glowing tan? How is it every worth it when you risk your life for a shade? But vanity does get the better of us. So what’s in the market today and more importantly what’s in the illegal market today to cater to that need for tanned skin?
1. The top-up your tan injection – Melanotan.
Ease of access: You can buy it off the internet
What it is: Well I would say dangerous should be the first description but if you want a science-like explanation then it’s a alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) whose main action is to stimulate the production of melanin in the skin and hair, making them darker.
The fact: Not thoroughly studied and side effects are still a much unknown area.
The scare-you away bit: You inject it yourself!
2. The inhale your tan – Ubertan
Ease of access: Again right off the internet
What is it: Ubertan is supposed to be an all natural plant extract that works by heightening the natural melanin in your skin. You inhale it once or twice a day but never more and “sun (bed) activate it. The “herbal” product claims to show results within 10 days. It would seem that ubertan’s main active ingredient is the herb Forskolin which is used to treat glaucoma and erectile dysfunction.
The fact: An unapproved substance that neither has the okay from the FDA or European Authority.
The scare- you away bit: You inhale it and you have no idea what it really is.
So really ladies and gentlemen, if you have light skin just embrace it. A darker skin tone is really not worth dying or having permanent health complications over.
