Sunless Tanning Lotions

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the best sunless tanning lotion products are the ones that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient. The sunless tanning lotion is not a dye, stain or paint, but a chemical reaction between the DHA and the amino acids in the dead layer on the skin surface. This is similar to a reaction which is well known to food chemists and is called the Maillard reaction. This refers to the browning process during food manufacturing and storage. It does not involve skin pigmentation nor does it need UV exposure to initiate the color change. The reaction of self tanning lotion is non-toxic and skin safe, without the damage associated with UV exposure. The tan is temporary and will fade gradually over 3 to 10 days. Some sunless tanning lotions use Erythrulose combined with the DHA. Erythrulose works identically to DHA on the skin surface, but develops more slowly. The two chemicals used together may produce a longer lasting sunless tan.

First time users of sunless tanning lotions should apply them to a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours before a full body application to ensure no allergies etc. For applying sunless tanning lotion, best results are obtained when applied to clean, dry skin. Bathing and swimming should be avoided until the sunless tanning lotion is fully absorbed, which varies from one to six hours. More DHA is absorbed by the thicker skin on the hands and feet, so those areas should be skipped or cleaned immediately after applying the sunless tanning lotion.

Professional application options are available from spas, salons, and gymnasiums in the form of sunless or UV-Free spray booths. The enclosed booth, which resembles an enclosed shower stall, sprays the sunless tanning lotion over the entire body.

DHA based sunless tanning lotion has been approved for cosmetic use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Canadian Health Ministry and most of the EU member nations. It is considered nontoxic and noncarcinogenic. Because DHA does not use the skin's melanocytes to make the skin a tan color it is recommended as a cosmetic disguising cover for Vitiligo patients.

DHA based sunless tanning lotion has been recommended by the Skin Cancer Organization, American Academy of Dermatology, Canadian Dermatology Association, The American Cancer Society and the American Medical Association.