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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

By Haywood Hunter


People who like to sport a sun-kissed complexion but are afraid to end up with skin cancer go for self tanning products. A few hours after the application, skin darkening takes place even without stepping foot outside the home in order to get sun exposure. If you are wondering how these indoor solutions can effectively mimic the effect of sunbathing, continue reading.

You can buy self tanning products in spray, lotion, gel, cream and roll-on forms. Choose something that you won't have trouble applying all over the body. If you want a natural-looking tan, a smooth application is very important.

Regardless which of these various forms of self tanning products you prefer, all of them rely on a particular ingredient: DHA. This chemical was approved by the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) back in the 70s for use by manufacturers of self tanning products. Short for dihydroxyacetone, it's something that exists in nature because it comes from plant sources like sugar cane. Due to this, you know that the application of self tanning products isn't harmful to your skin as sunbathing.

When the DHA content of self tanning products gets into contact with your skin, the chemical browns the layer of dead cells. This attempts to replicate the reaction of skin during sunbathing, in particular when being exposed to ultraviolet or UV radiation. But instead of causing melanin formation, the skin's top layer is simply provided with a deep brown stain.

An initial change in complexion becomes noticeable about 3 to 5 hours after self tanning products with DHA have been applied. If you think that the resulting color is too light, fret not. That's because the ingredient will continue to cause skin darkening overnight. Most of the time, manufacturers instruct users to wait for 24 to 72 hours to see the darkest possible color these solutions can give. It's a good idea to let it show up first before deciding if you need to apply more.

Unlike bronzers found in self tanning products intended to provide a temporary change in skin color, DHA lasts for days and won't fade in the shower. The resulting bronzed complexion, however, is bound to disappear after some time, particularly in 7-10 days from the initial application. Again, it's because DHA has an effect only on the skin's topmost layer comprised of dead cells. When they get sloughed off naturally for a new layer to surface, the color vanishes with them.

There are self tanning products for the body as well as those exclusive for facial use. Because skin on the face is more sensitive, self tanning products made for it are mildly formulated. At times, they come with anti-aging herbal ingredients too.

It's important for self tanning products to be applied properly and smoothly to produce a tan that looks so natural. If not, blotches and streaks of colors may reveal to everybody that your lovely complexion is fake. Go through the manufacturer's directions carefully. You may also log on the web and look for tips and tricks shared by people with plenty of experience.




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