Self tan - look and feel good with sunless tanning lotion

Self tan or sunless tanning lotions and sprays have come a long way since Coppertone launched the first in 1960. The results of modern day equivalents are confidently producing near realistic tones which can be anything from a light bronze glow all the way through to a deep, dark glow. Self tan products can come in range of forms: gels, lotions, mousse, wipes and sprays - but all of them rely on the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA.)

So how do these products make us brown?

The skin is composed of two layers. The epidermis is the outer layer visible to us, and underneath this is what is called the dermis.

After the self tan product has been rubbed in all the reactions that bring about a colour occur in the epidermis, specifically in the stratum corneum. The skin cells in this layer are dead. When the active ingredient (DHA) comes into contact with the amino acids contained in the epidermis' skin cells a reaction follows that produces a brown pigment known as melanoidin. This pigment is connected to the proteins in our skin by lysine chains. DHA however, does not enter past the stratum corneum. Products more often than not also contain erythrulose. This is a natural occurring sugar that helps give a subtly more realistic tone to the skin.

However, our skin takes a lot of wear and tear and it has no choice but to regenerate itself. For this reason colour from a bottle or a canister gradually fades and further applications are therefore necessary.

These products very rarely contain any sun filters to protect the skin from exposure to the sun, and in no way help the body to produce Vitamin D. A link however does exist in the absorption spectra between melanin (what causes a real tan to develop) and melanoidins which steers the belief that fake tans offer an equivalent protection from the sun as SPF 2 - which is too low.

Need some advice on application and dealing with streaking??

What are the Pros and Cons of This Option?

Firstly let us take a look at the positive aspects using a self tan:

• They work without any UV exposure. The skin is therefore at no risk of being damaged and this severs the link to sun burn, premature aging and skin cancer.

• Cosmetic companies are aware how important it is to keep the skin moisturised and the majority of products contain vitamins, herbal oils, and moisture to support the skin. Skin becomes healthier, softer and supple with continued use of the product.

• With so many obligations revolving around work, family and friends people often find it difficult to find the time to go and lie in the sun. After a single application results can be seen within an hour allowing people to finally work "looking good" in to their already busy lifestyle.

• The option of no UV exposure bodes well to those who fall under the Skin Type 1 category. It has been advised that people who fall under this skin type avoid being exposed to ultra violet light given off by the sun and by sun beds.

• With hundreds products available on the market, manufactures have covered a number of skin shades. In short there is one out there for you!

Just like most things in life though we have to learn to take the good with the bad:

• One common complaint is the very chemical odour they tend to give off. Many companies try to disguise this odour, some succeed more than others. Have a quick sniff before you make a purchase next time. Or alternatively apply the product at night and sleep through that unpleasant odour, then wash it off in the morning!

• Older, freckled or sun-damaged skin does not work well with these products due to their already uneven texture. Resulting tans are likely to emerge blotchy and mottled. Scars are another problem area.

• The active ingredient, DHA, can stain clothing including silk leather and nylon. Stick to cotton as in the event of a stain it will be easier to wash out. The scratchy texture of wool should also be avoided as it can wear away at the epidermis and shed your new colour.

• Allergic reactions to DHA are not common, but they are still a possibility. An alternative ingredient to look for is erythrulose.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Self Tan

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