Summer is here but it is becoming unbearable to stay out in the sun because of the heat wave. Some people, however, still want to get a tan and have learned to use a quick fix or tanning hack with the help of the beverage Coca-Cola.
People slather Coke on their skin as they bask in the sunlight. This way, that they do not have to endure getting a tan under the heat for a longer period and supposedly avoid developing skin cancer as well. They believe that the sugar in the beverage helps turn the skin darker in a shorter amount of time. There have been plenty of people who swear by this tanning hack which has supposedly been around for years.
Is Coke effective for darkening skin?
The tanning hack first emerged back in 2006 when Australian celebrity Peter Andre said in one interview that he would always slather Coca-Cola whenever he's out sunbathing and getting a tan. The statement, however, prompted the beverage company to issue a disclaimer on Coca Cola's Australian site, because people no longer used actual sun protection lotion, such as a sunblock, and instead use the Coke on their skin.
"We really wouldn’t recommend using it in this way," the disclaimer stated. "There is no sun protection factor in it at all – it’s a drink!” Coca-Cola wanted to make it clear.
Dermatologists speak up
Dr. Lisa Kellett, a practicing dermatologist in Toronto told Global News that Coca-Cola for tanning has no scientific proof, thus people should stop using it.
In fact, lathering Coke might even be a skin irritant as the beverage contains citric acid. "I don’t know if many are aware of this, but it also contains lime juice – and lime juice will actually make your skin more sensitive to sunlight," Kellett said.
"I don’t know if many are aware of this, but it also contains lime juice – and lime juice will actually make your skin more sensitive to sunlight," Kellett said.
Another skin expert Andy Millward echoed what Kellet said via Metro. Millard explained that the beverage will only temporarily deliver a darker skin faster. But the truth is Coke has a high acidity level, which will make the skin extremely vulnerable to sunlight as the acid works as an exfoliant.
People should also be aware Coca-Cola is used to clean jewelry.
The drink has corrosive properties, so imagine how much this will cause damage to the skin.
Experts reiterate that people who do not use sun protection while they are tanning should be concerned about the long-term effects, such as premature aging, wrinkles, and drying. In this extreme heat, experts also say it is better to stay in the shade than get a tan.