This summer, while ozone depletion may have some of us laying in the shade slathering on the sunscreen, others are still chasing the classic bronze glow. Evidently, the new fad in self tanning is using a can of the ultra-sugary and acidic Coca-Cola.
Besides becoming a warm, sticky mess and a hotspot for mosquitos and bees, the caramel colouring in the soda basically just stains the skin. It’s bad enough exposing the digestive system to Coca-Cola, but the skin is the largest organ of the body and the coke will eat away at skin cells.
Allure contacted Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at the New York Mount Sinai Hospital, to weigh in on the trend. “While some feel that Coca-Cola can speed up your tan, it actually can be dangerous, and I recommend staying away from it.”
Zeichner continued by warning, ”Applying it to the skin may lead to a temporary darkening or staining of the skin, but because sodas are acidic, it may exfoliate dead cells, enhancing the ability of UV light penetrate into the skin. Ultimately, this may increase your risk of a sun burn.”
A safer alternative to providing moisturizing sun protection is by using coconut oil. As previously reported by True Activist, “Unlike sunscreen, unprocessed coconut oil doesn’t completely block the UVB rays that are necessary for vitamin D synthesis. It protects the skin and underlying tissues from damage excessive exposure can cause. Instead of burning or turning red, it produces a light tan, depending on the length of time you spend in the sun.”
Coca-Cola is an unhealthy, addictive beverage and has also proven to be effective as a cleaning agent and able to tenderize beef. Coke has had a variety of uses worldwide over time, including as a pesticide, garden fertilizer, paint thinner and rust remover.
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