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How Self Tanning Products Can Produce A Bronzed Skin Color

By Haywood Hunter


Those who want to be seen with a bronzed complexion but don't want to battle skin cancer later on in life go for self tanning products. Using them can cause skin darkening even without exposing yourself to sunlight. If you want to find out how these popular at-home solutions replicate the effect of sunbathing, read on.
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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.

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.

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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