Sunrays, sunlamps and tanning beds cause damage. Taking view of this, artificial tanning liquids that produce a tanned effect have been developed with dihydroxyacetone. When you apply a sunless tanning product with dihydroxyacetone on your skin, it reacts with the amino acids in the epidermis of the skin and produces color. Dihydroxyacetone is the only ingredient approved by the US FDA for sunless tanning.

Formulations with Dihydroxyacetone>

Many formulations with dihydroxyacetone are available in the market. Most of them have added features such as added sunscreens, moisturizers, AHAs, etc. If you have oily skin, prefer an alcohol-based formulation. The concentration of dihydroxyacetone ranges from 2.5% to 10%. This determines the darkening ability of the formulation.

Using Imitation Tanning Formulations>

The final effect of tanning will depend largely upon the formulation concentration, application technique, skin type and complexion. You should wash your skin thoroughly and remove all the soap with an alkali remover, which comes with the formulation. If alkalis remain on the skin, they interfere with the reaction of dihydroxyacetone with the amino acids of the skin. Apply less quantity on elbows, ankles and knees or remove the excess with a cotton pad. Avoid all areas of mucous membrane such as lips, etc. Avoid areas near the eyes. Apply the tanning solution very carefully protecting your skin. Wash your hands immediately after application. Don't swim or take bath for at least an hour after application. The tan will take about an hour to develop and you may see full tan after about eight hours.

Imitation tanning formulations> Care>

Note that the tanned skin with dihydroxyacetone is not safe from sun. Protect it with regular use of sunscreens. The effect of tan will last till your skin does not shed away the upper layer of epidermis. You may have to apply the tanning solution again after that. The average period may be about a week.

Consult your doctor before use of any such product and get guidelines for safe application for your skin type. Read the manufacturers instructions carefully before using any such product.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.