Tanning! Everyone wants it, but few people want to get it the hard way. That means that everyone is searching for an easier, faster, more instantaneous way to have that golden brown beauty without all the work involved in being outside for hours on end and not just sunbathing but also avoiding burning.
When it comes to getting a tan at a tanning salon, most people think about lying out in the sun. However, with the danger of skin cancer and sun damage, many people are looking for safer alternatives. That’s where tanning lotion comes in. These products use various ingredients that claim to mimic the effects of ultraviolet rays. But how exactly does tanning lotion work? Here’s what you need to know.
What is tanning lotion?
Tanning lotion is a product that is applied to the skin to help produce a tan. It typically contains a sunless tanning agent, such as dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the proteins in the skin to make a brown color.
There are two types of tanning lotion: self-tanners and accelerators. Self-tanners are lotions that will produce a tan on their own, whereas accelerators will produce faster results, and the tan produced will fade faster as well.
If you opt to use a tanning lotion for UV-free tanning, make sure you follow all of the instructions on the label carefully. It’s also important to note that using sunscreen with any sort of self-tanner isn’t recommended because it can counteract the effects of tanning lotion.
How do tanning lotion work?
Several different ingredients can be found in tanning lotion. However, the three main types of ingredients are sunless tanning agents, accelerators, and bronzers.
Sunless Tanning Agents
Sunless tanning agents are the main ingredients in tanning lotions. These agents work by reacting with the amino acids in dead skin cells to produce a brown color. DHA is the agent used in most lotions because it produces the darkest results. However, newer agents are being introduced that will have results in as little as two hours.
Sunless tanning agents typically begin working immediately after you apply them. Keep in mind, though, that because these agents typically work with dead skin cells, you’ll only see the results once those skin cells naturally exfoliate.
Accelerators
Because sunless tanning agents generally take a while to produce lasting results,
accelerators are often used as well. When you are preparing for tan, these agents will help produce darker and longer-lasting results through a different mechanism. They work by increasing the permeability of the outermost layer of skin, which allows for more efficient tanning agent penetration.
Bronzers
A bronzer is typically a type of sunless tanner that will produce immediate results. These lotions usually contain dihydroxyacetone and include bronzers that will immediately stain the skin to produce a darker but temporary color.
Bronzers usually contain a metallic ingredient that acts as a micro-fine bronzer. These metals include Titanium dioxide, Iron oxides, Mica.
How long will it last?
Tanning lotions help you tan faster, but how long will it stay? The length of time that your tan will last depends on which type of lotion you use and how often you apply it. For example, sunless tanning agents will typically last 3-7 days, whereas accelerators and bronzers can last up to 2 weeks.
It’s important to note that the results will fade over time, so you’ll likely need to reapply the lotion every few days in order to maintain the tan.
How long do you leave tanning lotion on for?
The amount of time you should leave tanning lotion on depends on the type of lotion you’re using.
Sunless tanning agents typically need to be left on for at least 2 hours to produce results. However, some newer products only require 30 minutes of application time.
Bronzers and accelerators usually don’t need to be left on for as long, typically only around 30 minutes.
Ensure you read the information on the label carefully before applying any tanning lotion.
Are there any side effects?
Most people won’t face any side effects from using tanning lotion. However, some people may experience mild skin irritation, such as a rash or itchiness. If you do meet any side effects, stop using the product and consult your doctor.
Conclusion
When it comes to getting a safe and easy tan, tanning lotion is the way to go. Tanning lotion is an excellent way to get the desired tan you’re looking for. There are several different types of tanning lotions available at the tanning salons near you. Each has its own set of ingredients and results. It’s important to note, though, that using sunscreen isn’t recommended because it can counteract the effects of tanning lotion. Before using any type of tanning lotion, make sure you talk with your doctor about whether or not it’s safe for you to use.
