How is Suntan Lotion Made?
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Classic Suntan Lotion
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Classic suntan lotion works to darken your skin more quickly by triggering more activity in your melanocytes, the melanin-producing cells within your skin. Melanin gives your skin color. The more melanin you have in your skin, the tanner it will look.
Classic suntan lotions do not prevent sunburns.
Active Ingredients
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Suntan lotions begin with an active ingredient that stimulates circulation to your skin and activates the melanocytes. The melanocytes produce melanin, which contributes to your tan. One such active ingredient is benzyl nicotinate. A study published in the January 2001 issue of the Journal of Controlled Release found that when used topically, benzyl nicotinate effectively increases the amount of oxygen being brought to the skin, an indication that circulation to the skin is increased. Another possible active ingredient is the amino acid l-tyrosine, which can enhance the skin's production of melanin.
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Moisturizers
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In addition to ingredients that will help to darken your skin faster, most suntan lotions also contain moisturizers. Coconut oil, cocoa butter, and jojoba are common moisturizers meant to keep your skin from becoming dry as it tans.
Extra Ingredients
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Antioxidants and aloe vera are also common suntan lotion ingredients. These are added to the mix to counter damage done to the skin by the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Antioxidants help to prevent damage to skin cells done by the sun's rays. These ingredients are important to preserving the health of the skin and helping to prevent long-term damage that might lead to skin cancer.
Emulsifiers
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Finally, emulsifying agents are used to keep the lotion creamy and even. An emulsifier suspends the various molecules within the lotion and keeps them from separating. Emulsifying agents are usually inert, meaning they have no effect on the skin. Their main purpose is to keep the lotion itself in a stable form that is appealing and pleasant to use.
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