Saturday, September 26, 2015

By Haywood Hunter


Knowledge is a fundamental possession in many fields and beauty is not an exception. To buy the best self tanning lotions one requires some prior knowledge in beauty products. Advertisements in the market are merely meant to win the confidence of the buyer. The chemical composition of most lotions however remains the same. Some of the ingredients contained in tanning products are the discussion of this article. One can gain some real knowledge in buying tanners by reading it.

Before deciding to buy a product, one should study the list of ingredients printed on the container. The list indicates all substances inside the commodity and their respective percentages. Commonly, the ingredients are moisturizers, sun-screens, tanners, and bronzers. If possible one should research each component to know its effect before buying.

No matter what the advertisements say, the main active compounds in most tanning commodities are dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and erythulose. Both of these compounds are sugars which can be derived from plants or manufactured in companies. The ability of a product to tan the skin depends on the concentration of the two compounds in its formula. Producers avail varying concentrations to suit people with different skin types.

One must pick the concentration of erythulose and DHA depending on skin complexion. Strong concentrations should be for dark-skinned people and mild concentrations for light-skins. Applying high concentrations of DHA on light skins may cause excess tanning which may again be bad. It is advised to seek dermatological advice about skin type and optimum concentrations of DHA and erythulose to use.

DHA and erythulose work by reacting with amino acid in the epidermis to produce a brown-colored complex. This reaction is known as Maillard reaction. The brown complex that results does not last more than three to four days. The brown color fades away as dead cells slough off the body. The tan can however be maintained by reapplying the product after every four to ten days.

If good results need to be attained, the procedure of applying a product should be taken carefully. A heavy application is required for first time to set the level of the tan. Subsequent applications are meant for maintaining the tan and should be light. Before applying, the skin must be cleaned well. Products that have erythulose cause a slower tanning effect than those with dihydroxyacetone. This makes erythulose a better option if the desired tan is to be attained gradually over time. Some products produce a longer lasting effect because they have a mixture of the two compounds.

Additional components such as bronzers, anti-aging agents, perfumes, and moisturizers are very important. Moisturizers keep the skin moist, speeding up the color change. Bronzers darken the skin although they wash away in water. Anti-aging additives are good for keeping the skin looking young and beautiful while perfumes give a nice aroma. Enzyme tyrosine accelerates the color change by triggering excessive production of melanin.

It needs some time to achieve the desired effect. This should not be reason for changing products often because skin reactions like allergies may result. It is advisable to stick with single product that one finds suitable for a while. Also, beware of ineffective products that cost highly on the market.




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