Sunless tanning how does it work

DHA Dihydroxyacetone is a carbohydrate monosaccharide sugar compound approved by the FDA for use in externally applied sunless tanning or self tanning products. DHA is derived from a vegetable source like beets or sugar cane. Its properties as a skin darkener were discovered in the 's. The compositions of sunless tanning products are a mixture of natural and skin safe cosmetic ingredients, which produce a natural brown "Tan color" to the outer layer of the skin.

Active ingredient in sunless tanning solutions is dihydroxyacetone. Some products also contain is a secondary active self tanning ingredient call Erythrulose. Both DHA and E works on the same principle, reacting with the free amino groups of the amino acid, peptides and proteins from the upper most layer of the stratum corneum. The application of self tanning formulation to the skin introduces a reaction between DHA and the amino acids in the upper skin layer.

Only 4 to 6 hours later a brown coloration appears that has a similar hue to that of natural sun tan. As DHA molecules are anchored to the skin surface the color is substantive and cannot be washed off. It only fades in the course of natural or mechanical exfoliation.

This reaction is known as the Maillard reaction also known as "nonenzymematic browning". The total composition of the sunless tanning solution greatly influences consistency, hue, intensity and substantivity of the final tan. The reaction is also affected by pH both on the skin and in the product itself. The development of the color takes anywhere from hours, the intensity of the color is dependent on the formulation concentration of the Dihydroxyacetone and Erythrulose in the product and condition of the skin.

So, if you're planning to head outside to show off your new glow, be sure to apply sunscreen. Everyone can benefit from an interest in sunless tanning! When used as a color additive, only very small amounts of canthaxanthin are necessary. As a tanning agent, however, much larger quantities are used. After canthaxanthin is consumed, it is deposited all over your body, including in your skin, which turns an orange-brown color.

These types of tanning pills have been linked to various side effects, including hepatitis and canthaxanthin retinopathy, a condition in which yellow deposits form in the retina of the eye. Another popular form of sunless tanning is the bronzer. These powders and moisturizers, once applied, create a tan that can easily be removed with soap and water. More like make-up, these products tint or stain your skin only until they are washed off.

It's important to remember that most of these products, unless they contain an added sunscreen, will not protect you from the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Even products that do contain a sunscreen won't be of much help, since they lose their efficacy within hours of application.

So, if you're planning to head outside to show off your new glow, be sure to apply some extra sunscreen. Sign up for our Newsletter! 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.

That way, you can let the colour develop on its own, without having to worry about layering a sunscreen over top, and by morning, the likelihood of free radical damage will be much lower.

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Products and services. Sunless tanning: What you need to know Sunless tanning is a practical alternative to sunbathing. By Mayo Clinic Staff.