Chemotherapy can affect the skin in many different ways, including causing changes to the pigment — or color — that may make some types of skin look pasty, pale, or grayish. Fighting breast cancer is challenging, and some people feel self-conscious about changes in their appearance due to chemotherapy side effects. Some MyBCTeam members have asked if self-tanning products are safe to use during chemotherapy.

“I’m tired of looking pasty white. Wondering if anyone has used self-tanning lotions or spray tans during chemo?” asked a MyBCTeam member.

“I used to be obsessed with tanning,” one member said. “I do spray tans, lotion, and use lots of bronzer on my face and neck. I get complimented all the time on my tan, and I feel a lot better.”

Someone else wrote, “What do you think of those fake tan creams? Someone said to go get a spray tan, but I don’t know how safe that is, chemically.”

Another member asked about using a self-tanning product for hair loss: “I am really having a hard time with losing my hair. I can’t even look in the mirror. I have a wig, but I don’t like to wear it all the time. This is a crazy thought, but I thought about putting the tanning lotion on my scalp.”

If you’re considering using self-tanning products while undergoing chemotherapy or are curious about ways to safely add some color to your skin, here are some things you should know.

How Safe Are Tanning Sprays and Lotions?

Self-tanning sprays and lotions that affect skin pigment are also known as sunless tanning products. Spray tans are often applied at salons. Self-tanning is generally considered a safe alternative to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunbathing or tanning beds, both of which can increase your risk for developing skin cancer. However, some self-tanning products may contain substances that can irritate sensitive skin.

Sunless Tanning Products With DHA

Sunless tanning products imitate the effects of melanin, a natural substance in our skin that causes tanning. By triggering chemical reactions on the skin’s surface, these products make it look like you have a tan. After applying sunless tanning products, the tan remains on the skin and can typically last for several days without washing off.

Many sunless tanning products contain the chemical dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which has been found to cause adverse reactions in some people. Some studies have shown that DHA tanning products cause side effects such as skin rashes, cough, dizziness, and fainting, raising concerns about prolonged use of the products and health risks such as asthma and cancer. Avoid inhaling sunless tanning products containing DHA, and protect your eyes, nose, and mouth when using them in a spray.

One study indicated that DHA is likely safe for people with a healthy skin barrier. Because chemotherapy can cause skin irritations such as dryness, itchiness, and other sensitivities, people with skin affected by chemotherapy or past radiation treatment may be at a higher risk of adverse skin effects from tanning products with DHA.

Despite risks associated with DHA, some research shows that advances in sunless tanning products containing the chemical have yielded sunless tanning options that are safe for most people. Improved DHA quality and lower DHA amounts, combined with antioxidants that protect cells, have made sunless tanning much safer than before.

Tanning Products With Parabens

Parabens are another type of chemical that is sometimes used in tanning products as a preservative. Research has shown that parabens can cause reactions in the skin in some people, including allergic reactions, rosacea, an inflammatory rash, and contact dermatitis, a type of itchy rash.

Talk to your doctor for medical advice before trying a sunless tanning product.

Tanning Bronzers

Bronzers are tanning products that contain the kind of color additives that are typically used in cosmetics. Unlike sunless tanning products, bronzers do not cause a chemical reaction in the skin that changes its pigment. Instead, they color the surface of the skin in the same way that makeup does and will wash off relatively quickly. Bronzers are available in a variety of forms, including tinted moisturizers and powders.

Although bronzers are not typically associated with health risks, some may contain DHA or parabens. Some bronzers may also contain fragrances or alcohol, which may be irritating to sensitive skin.

It’s always a good idea to test a new product on a small patch of skin to see how your skin reacts to it. If you have an unpleasant reaction, be sure to wash off the product as soon as possible. Contact your doctor if unwanted skin symptoms continue.

Tanning Products To Avoid

The American Cancer Society warns against using unauthorized tanning products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may contain harmful and dangerous chemicals.

Unregulated tanning products include:

• Tanning pills
• Tanning injections
• Tanning nasal sprays
• Tanning accelerators, which may be sold as pills or lotions

If you have questions about a particular product, talk to your health care team.

Indirect Risks Associated With Self-Tanning Products

A study of people who use tanning products indicated that self-tanning may lead to risky behaviors such as:

• Having a higher likelihood of using indoor tanning beds
• Staying out in the sun longer, which leads to more frequent sunburns
• Being less inclined to seek shade or wear protective clothing when exposed to sunlight

Self-tanning may provide a false sense of protection against the sun. It’s always important to avoid sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. whenever possible.

Other steps you can take to protect your skin include:

• Staying in the shade
• Wearing a hat with a wide brim
• Wearing clothing that protects your arms and legs
• Using SPF 30 sunscreen or higher and reapplying it every two hours

Add a Glow to Your Skin Without Tanning Products

If you’re concerned that chemotherapy has made your skin appear too pale, there are other steps you can take beyond applying tanning products.

Try Physical Activity

Exercise and physical activity get your blood moving and can help give skin a more radiant look. A brisk walk or an appropriate workout routine can also be a great way to give your mood a lift. Remember to take steps mentioned above to protect your skin, including applying sunscreen.

Eat Well and Drink Enough Fluids

Eating a well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water is good for your skin. A diet with lots fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fatty fish, and legumes can promote healthy skin, according to Cleveland Clinic. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that men drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids daily and women drink about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids daily.

Moisturize Your Skin

Keep your skin moisturized. Dry skin can sometimes appear more pale. Moisturizing can also help reduce itching.

Wear Lighter-Colored Clothing

To reduce the appearance of pale skin, consider wearing lighter-colored or pastel clothing with warm colors, such as yellow, pink, or orange. Dark colors may make skin look pale because they contrast more with lighter tones.

Chemotherapy can affect the skin in many different ways and may cause some skin types to become darker. “My hands and feet are really getting dark from chemo,” a member said. “The books call this ‘tanning’ and say that us darker-skinned folks really get it! Hopefully, this will be leaving me by the start of summer!”

If you are concerned about skin changes during breast cancer treatment, talk to your oncologist about safe steps you can take to feel better about your appearance.

Find Your Team

MyBCTeam is the social network for people with breast cancer and their loved ones. On MyBCTeam, more than 64,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with breast cancer.

Have you experienced skin pigment changes during chemotherapy? Have you found effective ways to feel better about your skin? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.