Sunless Tanning
Sunless tanning is also known as self tanning and UV free tanning. It is a process of applying chemicals on the skin to produce a similar effect of suntan. Sunless tanning can be done by the use of sun bed or tanning bed.
The most effective products for sunless tanning and self tanning lotions contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is it main ingredient. The tan caused by these lotions or creams is not a dye or paint but it is a chemical reaction caused between DHA and amino acids in the dead layer of the skin. It is as similar to maillard reaction which refers to the browning process during food manufacturing and storage.
The tan caused is not pigmentation and also it does not require sun exposure to initiate the change in color. It is a temporary tan and fades in between 4-10 days. The use of two chemicals simultaneously may produce a long lasting tan or it may also lead to contact dermatitis. And for using it for the first time you should apply them to a small patch and wait for 24 hours before you apply on your full body.
These products can be applied at home also as they are available in the form of lotion, gels, mousse, spray and wipes. You can get best result if you apply it over clean and dry skin. You should avoid bathing and swimming until the product is absorbed and it takes from two to six hours to get absorbed by the skin.
Hands and feet area should be cleaned and skipped immediately after application because more DHA is absorbed by thicker skin. And professionally it can be applied from spas, salons; in the form of sunless spray booths. That is an enclosed cabinet with a shower stall, sprays the sunless tanning lotion over the entire body. Air brush and spray guns are also a different technique to attain self tanning in which the technicians hand sprays the client from head to toe with a gentle solution. Only DHA based sunless tanning is considered safe and are recommended by skin cancer organization and food and drug administration (FDA).
Another popular way to create sunless tan is the bronzer. It is available in the form of powder and moisturizer that once applied like a make up can be easily removed with soap and water. This procedure generally is not used for a longer period of time. Do not forget to apply sunscreen before you step out in the sun to show off your new glow because the sunless tanners do not contain protection from UVA and UVB rays. Sunless tanning pills are also available in the market but they are not considered to be safe and aren’t approved by the FDA.
Our skin is made up of 2 main layers: epidermis (outside) and dermis (inside) sun tanning and self tanning takes place on epidermis only. Epidermis is also made up of two layers namely stratum basal (basal layer) and stratum corneum (horny layer). Sun tanning affects the deepest layer of epidermis that is basal layer whereas sunless tanning affects the outermost layer of epidermis that is horny layer. DHA is a colorless sugar that interacts with dead cells that are located in the stratum corneum of the epidermis and the color change occurs.
There are some tips for you to get best results:
- For a natural look choose a light or medium toned product.
- For an even application, clean and exfoliate your skin to remove excess dead skin cells. Women should get their body shaved if required.
- DHA gets absorbed quickly in thicker skin like ankles, elbow, and knees. So apply fewer products on these particular areas.
- wash your hands properly with soap otherwise you will get colored palms.
- To avoid staining on your clothes wait for 20-25 minutes and let the tanner dry properly.
- There might be risk in inhaling and ingesting DHA, so close your eyes and hold your breath. Or wear goggles and nose plugs while the tanner is applied.
