- Sunless tanning lotion is body lotion that, when applied, gives the skin a darker color resembling a tan. It is meant to mimic a natural-looking tan without the effects of sun damage. Sunless tanning lotions were developed to give people who wished to have the glow of a tan an alternative to "baking" under the sun and subjecting themselves to life threatening conditions such as skin cancer. Currently, there are hundreds of sunless tanning lotions on the market from different beauty and cosmetics brands.
- Sunless tanning lotions contain dyes that temporarily give the skin a light brown or bronze color, mimicking the appearance of a natural tan. The main active ingredient in sunless tanning lotions is dihydroxyacetone, called DHA for short. It is currently the only ingredient that is approved by the FDA for use in sunless tanning creams and lotions. In essence, DHA is a stainer that gives the skin a darker color when applied correctly. DHA is a type of sugar that works by reacting chemically with amino acids on the top layer of the epidermis to produce a bronzing, or tanning, effect. All sunless tanners contain DHA as their main active ingredient. However, bronze dyes are also included in some lotions.
- In order to get the best results from a sunless tanning lotion, make sure that your skin is cleansed and properly exfoliated before applying the lotion. Use a mild scrub to exfoliate the skin of any bumps or dead skin cells to make the skin smoother and more receptive to the sunless tanning lotion. Apply the lotion as you would any other body lotion or moisturizer, but be sure to use sparingly around the knees and elbows as those areas are naturally darker. Always wash your hands with soap and warm water after application of the sunless tanning lotion, and let the lotion dry for a few minutes on your body before getting dressed.
