When searching to find the most effective self tanning products it is important to find one that lists dihydroxyacetone or DHA as an active ingredient. DHA is an isomer of glyceraldehydes, and is used to darken the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology, states that DHA should begin to work around 40 minutes to an hour after application.

DHA is a sugar that is dull in color, and is important to the metabolism of carbohydrates. It works by interacting with dead cells located in the outermost layer of the epidermis. In a manner of speaking, DHA reacts to the amino acids in the epidermis and produces a natural pigment called melanoidin, which bonds with the various proteins in skin cells. This bonding results in a change on skin color that lasts for about a week.

It is also important to note that melanoidin and melanin work together in absorbing harmful rays from the sun. Most self tanners only provide a protection of SPF 2, give or take, which is not high enough to offer any protection from the suns rays. It is also a good idea to wear protective eye wear and sunblock if you plan on being in the sun for a long period of time. Another important note is that many sunless tanning products available on the market today are designed to provide the user with a natural looking tan.

In about three hours from the initial application, the sunless tanner will dry and give you a tan that lasts all week. A week is just a general time line for how long a sunless tan should last, but it all depends on your skin and what part of the body has the product on it. Some parts of the body will have a different color and the tan may last longer, or not last as long as other parts.

So, where does the tan go?

Dead skin cells rub off when showering and doing other activities, and is usually the cause of a fading tan. The human skin, in fact, rejuvenates itself approximately every month. Many companies state, that in order to maintain a tanned look, it is recommended to reapply the product every three to four days. Some products may last longer, but this factor depends on the brand being used. Experimenting with sunless tanners is good, so you can find the one that fits you and your body the best.

Picking the right tanning lotion for an individual is really not that simple. There are a couple factors that must be taken into consideration including why you are trying to attain a tan in the first place. Then, the tanning lotion has to be a good match for the individual’s particular skin type for optimal results. Finally, it comes down to what your budget is and how much money you plan on spending to achieve your goal.

There are two general reasons people usually want to tan. The most common is for aesthetic reasons. Many people in western culture associate tanned skin with health and beauty. Some people are more particular and like to have a real tan while others don’t mind settling for a simpler fake tan.

For the functional purpose of having a tan, a fake tan isn’t good enough. The additional melanin in the skin that causes the skin to appear tanned does more than just look good. It actually helps the skin withstand sun light. For that reason, some people want a tan before they go on vacation so that they don’t burn too easily.

There are many selections when choosing a tanning lotion and it is important that any new lotion be tested on a small area of skin first to check for any negative skin reactions. Some people will realize that they are allergic to particular ingredients and that is why you must test the lotion before applying to larger areas of the body.

When it comes to tanning for cheap, sun bathing is the best because it is free. This alone saves a lot of money that would otherwise go to a tanning salon if you can forgo having to use a tanning bed. Shopping around for discount tanning lotion is a good idea too. Then, just remember to bring your own because convenience places will sell lotion for a higher price.

Getting to know an experienced tanner or speaking with someone at the tanning salon will allow you to pick up a lot of information about the details of tanning. It is important for a first time tanner to be careful and learn about the tanning lotions before they begin their tanning sessions.