Dark self tan occurs in the outermost stratum of the skin known as the epidermis. Epidermis is also made of many other layers, among them is stratum corneum. Stratum corneum is the layer that gets affected by dark self tan equipments and products. The procedure of tanning is fundamentally similar among a wide range of techniques and dark self tan products. This article outlines some fundamentals of self tan commodities.
DHA is the short form for Dihydroxyacetone. This substance has been in use in tanning skin since 1970s. It was however until late 1980s that the cosmetic industry found a way of producing superior results with it. The browner but less orange results attained using this product are attributed to the improved refining procedure which yields higher and more predictable qualities.
Another common dark self tan is Erythrulose. This dark self tan commodity functions in the same way as DHA. These two dark self tan products undergo a reaction with the amino acids within the outermost skin layers to turn the color of the skin to brownish. Erythrulose is a type of Ketose, which reacts with amino acids in their keratin form. These reaction results in formation of melanoids, some brownish polymers. In case Erythulose is used singly, it may be applied daily and it does not result in dark tan.
When Erythulose is combined with DHA dihydroxyacetone, they work to reduce streaking and discoloring, therefore generating natural tans. The tans last longer and fade away evenly leading to a continuous natural look. Most commodities have guide colors. Guide colors are meant to show a person places on the skin where the dark self tan has been applied. They also boost the cosmetic appearance skin surfaces even though they are not durable because they easily wash away.
Bronzers generate instantaneous effect that is easily removable with water and soap. Bronzers are available in cosmetic stores in form of lotions, creams, and powders. Bronzers are more of a make-up than dark self tan products since they only last as long as the skin is not washed. Most effective sunless tanning products are in form of lotions and sprays with dihydroxyacetone as the main active component.
Dark self tan pills contain canthaxanthin as the most dominant and most active pigment. Most standardizing bodies have not authorized its use as a tanning agent even though it is used as a color additive in various foods. Canthaxanthin must be consumed in huge quantities if it has to have any effect on skin color. This pigment is deposited on many organs including the skin, liver, brain, and heart among others.
Deposits of canthaxanthin are connected with many lethal side effects such as hepatitis and canthaxanthin retinopathy among others. Tanning accelerators are pills, lotions, or creams that encompass amino acid tyrosine in their composition. Producers of accelerator products argue that tyrosine can trigger and increase the process of melanin production. The probable consequences of using large amounts of tyrosine and the viability of the assertions that it darkens skins need more scientific proof.
Dark self tan and related tanning procedures form a significant industry in the modern world. It is mostly utilized by models during competitions. Ordinary people may also use it to enhance their appearance.
