Introduction
With more and more researchers focusing on the negative effects of tanning, both from the sun and from tanning booths, the popularity of sunless tanning products, otherwise known as self-tanners, has begun to increase. Self-tanners allow you to get the tan-looking skin you desire without exposing it to the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that according to the American Cancer Society can cause potentially deadly skin cancer. Sunless tanning products contain four main active ingredients.
DHA
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is by far the most widely used ingredient in sunless tanning products. Why? Currently DHA is the only substance specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in these products. Dihydroxyacetone works by reacting directly with dead cells on the surface of the skin. As DHA comes in contact with dead skin cells, it dyes them a tan color. The skin retains the tan look until the dead skin cells shed off.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is another common ingredient in self-tanning products. Tyrosine works by interacting with melanocytes, the structures responsible for producing melanin (coloring or pigment) in the skin. As tyrosine is absorbed into the skin, it activates the melanocytes so they start producing more melanin. The more melanin present in the skin, the darker it will become.
Canthaxanthin
Canthaxanthin can also be found in self-tanning products. Canthaxanthin is a additive often used in the food industry to tint foods orange or brown. When taken in pill form, it may also temporarily color the skin. The FDA has approved canthaxanthin only as a food additive and not as a tanning product.
Bronzers
Temporary bronzers may also be used for self-tanning. Bronzers are products like lotions or gels that contain dyes; when applied, they tint the skin temporarily. Most bronzers can be removed with just soap and water. Some are temporary enough that they may also come off when clothing rubs against the skin.
