Tanning creams how does it work

Your resulting tan can last up 10 days, but will start to fade within three to seven days as you naturally shed dead skin cells. So what's the problem with self-tanner? As you may have guessed, it's the active ingredient, DHA—and the chemical reaction that takes place after you apply it to your skin. What you may not know is that this Maillard reaction also occurs whenever you caramelize sugar, toast bread or grill meat.

So even though you're avoiding the sun, you're essentially still roasting your skin! Research has found that the Maillard reaction generates free radicals. These are highly reactive molecules that attack cell structures and degrade collagen and elastin fibers. If you go out in the sun after applying self-tanner, you'll be exposed to even more of them, since UV rays make DHA more unstable. The free radicals released by DHA cause oxidative stress that can speed along skin aging.

Think: fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and sagging. This study concluded: "The genotoxic capacity of DHA raises a question about the long-term clinical consequences of treatment of the skin with this commonly used compound.

Regular use of self-tanner can reduce your body's production of vitamin D. According to this study , it is the melanoidin pigments created by DHA that inhibit vitamin D production. This could be an issue because vitamin D is needed to keep our bones, muscles and teeth healthy, and may even reduce cancer risk.

For some people, self-tanner may even be the culprit behind skin irritation and a weakened skin barrier. This study found that regular applications of DHA caused severe contact dermatitis and a damaged stratum corneum the top layer of our skin. Plus, we know that virtually all self-tanners contain masking fragrances, and fragrance is the number one cause of skin reactions.

According to parent company DECIEM , both contain a "purified keto-sugar that reacts with skin amino acids to produce a golden tone within two to three days without the sensory drawbacks and potential negative effects associated with DHA. Well, a closer look at their ingredients lists reveals that the active ingredient in DHA-free self-tanners is something called erythrulose. Applied by itself, erythrulose takes longer to produce a tan, and the resulting tan fades quicker.

The tan produced is also more red than brown in appearance. And here's the kicker. In other words, DHA-free formulas trigger the same cascade of free radicals, just like regular self-tanners.

So they're still linked to skin aging, DNA damage and lowered vitamin D production. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to limit some of the side effects when using a self-tanner.

Since UV rays amplify free radical production on DHA-treated skin, it's best if you can avoid sun exposure in the first few hours after putting on self-tanner. According to this study , free radical production is reduced after four hours.

So I recommend doing your self-tanner application at nighttime. Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots. Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Skin Care. Sun Care. Does tanning lotion work? See more pictures of getting beautiful skin. Does sun exposure heal acne? Do sunscreen pills really work? What do SPF numbers mean? The advantage of a self tanning lotion is that it works very quickly and requires less maintenance.

The advantages of a bronzer with self tanner is that it is almost impossible to get streaks and the added moisturizers enhance your skin and leave it feeling much more supple because you use it daily, just as you would a regular moisturizer. There are zero bronzers in this type of lotion. It has ingredients that work with the melanin in your skin. You will only see the color that your melanin produces. Lotions with coolants are the opposite of tingles. Coolants give you a cooling sensation and feels refreshing.

They also cool you down faster after a tanning session. Our coolants have exhilarating cooling agents that refresh and soothe the skin for a wondrous tanning experience. Tingle lotions contain ingredients which cause micro-circulation.