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How Self Tanning Products Can Produce A Bronzed Skin Color

By Haywood Hunter


At-home self tanning products are used by people who like to be seen with a gorgeously dark complexion but don't want to end up with skin cancer. Even without sunbathing, these solutions can give you that sun-kissed glow many want to have. Read on if you want to find out how they can mimic the effect of staying under the sun for hours.

Self tanning products come in a variety of forms like lotions, creams, gels, roll-ons and sprays. The choice basically depends on which one you find trouble-free to apply topically. The key to having a natural-looking outcome is a smooth application.

A common ingredient is shared by self tanning products regardless of the form they come in. It's called dihydroxyacetone or DHA for short. The US Food and Drugs Administration or FDA approved it in the 70s when self tanning products became highly popular. It is extracted from plants such as sugar beets and sugar cane, so you know that it's something natural. You can have peace of mind that using self tanning products won't endanger your health, unlike when sunbathing is performed.

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 that some self tanning products employ to give a temporary change in skin color, DHA won't wash off. Stepping foot in the shower after the at-home solution you applied has provided results won't reverse the effect. However, the resulting bronzed complexion will gradually disappear in about 7 to 10 days. As explained earlier, DHA browns the dead cells on the skin's topmost layer. When they are replaced with a new layer from underneath, naturally the tan color goes away with them.

Self tanning products for the body and face are commonly sold as separate items. Because facial skin is very sensitive, self tanning products designed for it come with milder formulations. Some of them even use herbs to provide anti-aging effects too.

Enjoying a complexion that looks natural requires proper application of self tanning products. Otherwise, everyone will be able to tell that what you are sporting comes from a bottle because of the visible color streaks. Make sure that you carefully read the manufacturer's directions. You may also go online to get pointers from more experienced people.




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