Tanning is a common pastime with potentially serious consequences such as skin cancer. In the United States, more than a million people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, according to the American Cancer Society. However, you can achieve the look of tanned skin using sunless tanning lotions, thereby avoiding the serious risks of traditional tanning.
Dihydroxyacetone
Dihydroxyacetone is the most common ingredient in sunless tanning lotions. Dihydroxyacetone causes a chemical reaction with the amino acids in the outer layer of your skin cells. This reaction causes the cells to turn a darker color, and the color will remain until the affected cells shed off the skin.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is another ingredient in sunless tanning lotions. Tyrosine affects the skin by penetrating deep into its layers to interact with melanocytes. Melanocytes function by producing melanin, the substance that gives your skin color (pigment). The more melanin is present in your skin, the darker your skin tone will be. Tyrosin influences the melanocytes to temporarily produce greater levels of melanin in the skin.
Moisturizers
Many self-tanners also affect the skin by acting as a moisturizer. Tanning lotions can include moisturizers such as glycerin, vitamin E or aloe vera. Some moisturizing ingredients protect the skin from drying out, while others act as humectants, drawing moisture from the air and holding it close to the skin.
SPF
Many sunless tanning lotions come with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor). SPF affects the skin by reflecting ultraviolet radiation from the sun away from the skin. This prevents the sun from damaging the skin cells, which can result in sunburn or even skin cancer.
