A Beauty Place

Most sunless tanners contain chemicals. Self-tanning products available today usually make use of DHA, Tyrosine or Canthaxanthin as active ingredients. A temporary bronzing effect can also be accomplished with one of many cosmetic bronzers. Following is a brief description of each of these common tanning choices:

DHA-based products - these basically come in the form of self tanning lotions which contain a chemical known as dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When this type of lotion is applied to the skin, the DHA reacts with amino acids found in the top layer of skin cells to produce the effect of a natural sun tan.

Tyrosine-based products - commonly known as a tanning accelerator, this  chemical is normally found in both tanning lotions and pills. It works by stimulating melanin formation in the body to result in a tanned appearance.

Canthaxanthin-based products - normally found in tanning pills, this chemical gets assimilated in all parts of body in order to produce a suntan effect on the skin. Self-tanners using this ingredient should be used with caution, if at all, as there have been reported side effects such as hepatitis and canthaxanthin retinopathy.

Temporary bronzers - perhaps the safest alternative of all, bronzers are applied externally onto the body and provide a temporary glow. They’re available in powder, spray, gel, and lotion forms.

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