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Then What?
What happens is that you apply a tanner or tanning solution, be it a lotion, crème, spray, towlette or other form, by gently rubbing the product into your outer skin layer. Then those that are most effective, the ones that list dihydroxyacetone (DHA), an isomer of glyceraldehydes, as an active ingredient, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, begin to work within around 40 minutes to an hour. DHA is a dull (in coloring) sugar important in the metabolism of carbohydrates. It interacts with the dead cells located in the stratum corneum or outermost layer of the epidermis. In other words, DHA reacts with amino acids in the epidermis, producing a natural pigment called melanoidin that bonds with proteins in skin cells. And results are a change of color that can last up to about seven days.
A couple things to note here. First is that although melanoidin is produced, and melanoidin and melanin (the dark pigment that enables a “sun” tan to develop via UV exposure) work together in the absorption of harmful rays, a self-tan only provides about a SPF 2, more or less, not high enough to offer enough protection. So take care to wear protective outer garments, eyewear, etc. and / or a sunscreen. And second, note for a quick overview that in general, sunless tanning products that are out on the market today are reported to provide users with pretty much “real” looking tanning results.
From start of application of the tanning product until complete drying time or about three hours, you can have a sunless tan that can last all week. The chemical makeup of the products versus where and how they interact with the different parts of your body can affect tanning results; i.e. some areas may demonstrate different color variations and the tanning may last longer.
Then what? Where does the tan go? Dead skin cells rub and wear off the epidermis, resulting in the fading or losing of the tan. In fact roughly once a month or a period between 35 to 45 days, the epidermis is all rejuvenated. In order to keep a tan going long-term, many companies recommend that you reapply their sunless and self-tanning products approximately every three days. Some products last longer and wear better than others, too. So experimenting, even with products that do not list DHA in the ingredients, might prove to be rewarding.
Sunless Bronzers
Some sunless tanning products come in the form of moisturizers (as lotions and crèmes) and powders and are referred to as bronzers. Basically you simply apply these to your skin as you would make up products for a temporary “tan” appearance, similar to the effects of applied makeup leaving a “tint.” Then you just wash the bronzers off with soap and water; the “tan is removed with washing. Caution is needed so that the products do not stain clothing or other fabric. And care needs to be taken so that the applications do not streak or run when wet, similar to the results of mascara running. And finally, make sure that if you wear these products outdoors, they contain sunscreen in the ingredients; otherwise wear protective clothing, eyewear, etc.
Sunless Tanning Booths
Sunless tanning booths are becoming more popular. With an air compressor and an airbrush delivery system in one of these booths, skin receives a “tan.” What happens is that pistons in the compressor quickly press or force air out via a nozzle in an airbrush or spray head. This air mixes with a tanning solution containing DHA that’s inside compartments within the airbrush, and sprays this in a fine mist over the outer skin layer. Some tanning booths have up to 36 of these airbrushes connected to the compressor and they are all either in fixed positions or moving. Thus tanning clients then either move under fixed sprayers so that skin is covered all over. Or else the tanner parts move to spray the different body parts (these types pose more mechanical maintenance issues though.)
Many report a more professional-looking, smooth and even tanning that even covers hard-to-reach areas like cheeks and shoulders. Note that the tanning solution used in the machine most probably has no sun protection component; so if you are heading outdoors, protect your skin appropriately.
Tanning Accelerators
For a speedier tan, you might elect to try a tanning accelerator. Generally sold as lotions or pills, these products list an amino acid called tyrosine in with the ingredients. This amino acid is reported (but not proven) by some users to increase the production of melanin, speeding up the tanning process. Again, these are not FDA-approved solutions or drugs.
Other Tanning Pills / Vitamin D
A different type of sunless-tanning pill on the market today lists canthaxanthin, a color additive for food, as an ingredient. The FDA has approved of this substance with use in foods and only small amounts are added. However, as with tyrosine, canthaxanthin has NOT been approved by the FDA. In actuality, to tan with this, you would need large amounts. And the results would likely be an orange-brown- colored tan, and possible side effects; hepatitis or a retinopathic condition with yellow deposits forming in eye’s retina.
Some people worry about vitamin D deficiency when using sunless-tanning products and staying out of the direct sunlight. And they reach for supplements and increase their intake of foods that contain Vitamin D. Others turn to outdoor tanning for longer periods thinking that this will help them benefit more from increased exposure, more vitamin D. However, the scoop is the average person doesn’t need to be out in the sun that long to get the recommended vitamin D amount needed via their body’s absorption. Depending upon genetics, skin coloring, region and climate, for example, a person only needs between five and maybe 10-15 minutes per day, around the middle of the day, three or four times during the week. Less can work for those in warmer, sunnier regions.
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