Tanning is a popular pastime in many parts of the world, but spending too much time in the sun unprotected can be devastating to your health. Sun is necessary for the production of vitamin D in the body; however, too much sun can increase your risks for skin cancer, and may also accelerate the aging process through photoaging. To produce the same look of a tan without the risks of sun exposure, several companies have come up with sunless tanning products using a variety of active ingredients.
Dihydroxyacetone
One of the most popular sunless tanning ingredients on the market is dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. Although DHA is colorless, when applied to the skin, this three-carbon sugar reacts with the amino acids on the stratum corneum layer of your skin, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. This chemical reaction darkens the skin cells, producing a look similar to a tan. Once the affected skin cells slough off, the skin returns to its original color.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is another popular ingredient in sunless tanning products. Traditional tanning works by affecting a substance in your skin called melanin, which is produced by cells called melanocytes. Tyrosine is believed to work by increasing the amount of melanin produced in the skin, accelerating the tanning process. However, continuing research is still being performed to evaluate the actual effectiveness and safety of tyrosine.
Sunblock
Sunblock or sunscreens can also be found as an active ingredient in many sunless tanning products. These additives help protect the skin from future sun damage and work by using ingredients that either reflect sun rays away from the skin, or absorb the rays before they reach the skin. Common sunscreen and sunblock ingredients include titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Canthaxanthin
Sunless tanning can also be produced by taking pills containing canthaxanthin. Canthaxanthin is carotenoid that can create a tan pigment to the skin when taken orally. The Mayo Clinic does not recommend the use of canthaxanthin due to possible liver and retina damage from using the pills. Ingesting too much canthaxanthin can turn your skin orange and may also produce serious cases of hives.
