Sunless tanning

Sunless tanning is a popular way to enjoy the look of a tan without the need to go in the sun or tanning bed. Many years ago, the first self-tanners introduced to the market contained dyes that left the skin orange and streaked. Today, thanks to modern technology, Self-tanners are the perfect solution for creating an instant, realistic tan without unsightly orange streaking.

DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) is used as a self-tanning agent. It does not produce a “real tan” by increasing skin melanin levels, but it can create the tan appearance by way of the development of a brown skin coloring. The action of DHA is limited to the upper layer of the skin and involves a reaction between DHA and skin proteins. DHA reacts with the amino acids and amino groups of the skin’s keratin-forming brown colored compounds. The process takes place in the outer layers of the epidermis.

The development of color takes anywhere from 2 – 6 hours and the intensity is dependent on the formulation concentration of the DHA in the product.