How does a self-tanner work? Tan without the sun and a tanning bed!
Want a beautiful summer tan without spending hours baking in the sun? A self-tanner is the ideal solution! As we all know, regular exposure to UV rays from the sun can lead to premature skin aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines and pigment spots. A self-tanner offers a safe alternative to prevent this. But how exactly does a self-tanner work? And is it actually safe? Do you still need sunscreen?
In this blog we would like to explain it to you.
The mechanism of action of self-tanners
Self-tanners work in a simple and safe way. They contain the substance dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a colorless chemical that reacts with the dead skin cells of the upper skin layer. When you apply a self-tanner, DHA binds to the proteins in these dead skin cells, resulting in a brown color. This reaction is also called the Maillard reaction.
Results within a few hours
When you apply a self-tanner, you won't see results right away. The color develops gradually, usually within one to a few hours. The final color depends on your skin color and the pH value of your skin. The concentration of DHA also plays a role: the more DHA, the darker the result. Do you have light skin? Then choose a self-tanner with a lower percentage of DHA for a subtle color. The brown tint usually remains visible for one to two weeks, after which you can reapply the product to maintain your tan.
Self-tanner safety
Good news: Self-tanners are generally considered safe. The substance DHA has been approved by various regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission on Cosmetics.
However, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Make sure you don’t swallow the self-tanner or get it in your eyes, as this can cause irritation. It is also possible that you are allergic to one of the ingredients. Therefore, always test the self-tanner on a small area of skin first, for example behind your ear or on the inside of your upper arm. Also make sure that your skin is well prepared: exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and hydrate your skin well before application. This ensures an even and long-lasting tan.
Our SolaVita Tanning Lotion is enriched with Vitamin E , which not only provides a beautiful tan, but also helps to nourish and hydrate your skin.
Also read our blog: 10 tips for applying self-tanner
Baking in the sun versus self-tanners
There are no scientifically proven dangers of DHA in self-tanners. However, the dangers of the sun are well known. UV rays increase the risk of skin cancer and cause premature skin aging, such as wrinkles and pigment spots. Self-tanners offer a safe way to get a beautiful tan without the harmful effects of sunlight. In addition, you can adjust the color of a self-tanner to your skin color and preference, which is faster and more efficient than baking in the sun. Even people who burn easily can get a beautiful tan with a self-tanner, without the risk of burning.
Will I still get a tan from the sun if I use self-tanner?
Yes, you can still get a tan from the sun, even if you have used a self-tanner. The self-tanner gives your skin a tan without UV radiation, but does not offer protection from the sun. It is therefore important to also use sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful solar radiation, which can lead to sunburn, skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Always use sunscreen
Be careful with the sun, because the color you get from a self-tanner does not protect you from harmful UV rays! So always make sure you apply sunscreen if you spend a lot of time outside. This also applies to activities such as cycling or walking. Wait to apply sunscreen until the self-tanner has been absorbed and you have achieved the desired color.
Buy self-tanner
Are you enthusiastic about self-tanners and do you want to buy a self-tanner yourself? Then you have come to the right place at Tanning Glamour . Our SolaVita Tanning Lotion is a high-quality self-tanner that ensures a beautiful, brown complexion without baking in the sun for hours. This lotion is suitable for light to medium skin types and can be used on both the body and the face. Thanks to the addition of Vitamin E, the lotion also helps to care for and hydrate your skin, for a soft and radiant skin.