How Sunless Tanning Works

Sunless tanning gives the appearance of a deep tan without any harmful effects.

Sunless tanning was first introduced in the 1960s as a "quick tanning lotion." In those years, sunless tanning left an unnatural orange hue on those who used the product. Sunless tanning has since been researched and refined into a number of varied and quality products.

Skin Coloration

Sunless tanning products induce the outer layer of skin, also known as the horny layer or stratum corneum, to produce melanin. Unlike sunbathing or using a tanning bed, the layers underneath the topmost layer of skin don't produce melanin, reducing the risk of the formation of cancerous melanoma.

Basic Ingredient #1: DHA

DHA, or Dihydroxyacetone, is an active ingredient that generates sunless tanning, according to The American Academy of Dermatology. It is a colorless sugar that interacts with dead skin cells located on the outermost layer of skin. The DHA reacts with the dead cells to bring about an orange hue.

Basic Ingredient #2: Tyrosine

Tyrosine is an amino acid that instantly raises the production of melanin in the skin without too much exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This ingredient is identified as a tanning accelerator and is found in many sunless tanning lotions, sprays and gels.

Duration of Product

Since dead skin cells usually stay on the body for about seven days, sunless tanning generally lasts only a week. It is safe to reapply sunless tanning lotion to the skin when the previous coat has worn off.

References

• Sunless tanning: A safe alternative to sunbathing
• Understanding How Sunless Tanning Works