How Self Tanning Lotion Achieves A Beautiful Color

By Haywood Hunter


For many people, all they know about tan lotions is that they put it on and begin to darken. How well it works often depends on the way skin is designed. Understanding that the epidermis (or skin's outer layer) and dermis (or inner layer) work in different ways can make it easier to find the right self tanning lotion for you.

The goal of self tanning lotion is to alter the appearance of the outer layer without causing damage to the inner layer. The epidermis is not made up of a single layer either. Instead, it is made up of two layers as well. The inner layer is called the stratum basale and it is what turns color when sunbathing.

The outer layer of the epidermis is called the stratum corneum and at this layer, self tanning lotion works. Since this product was first invented, it has focused on changes on this level in order to help those with the desire achieve that sun-kissed look. The goal is to find the right lotions that work on the outer epidermis.

The first to introduce self tanning lotion was Coppertone, who released their product in 1960. Since that time many changes have been made as it originally turned skin orange. The result is tanning products that can turn skin from a dark tan to anything lighter with applications using various methods.

Self tanning lotion often takes between 45 minutes to one hour before it starts working, then another two hours to dry. However, with self tanning lotion containing dihydroxyacetone the color lasts between five to seven days. This is because this ingredient interacts with dead skin cells in the epidermis turning them dark.

Fortunately, today there are many options when it comes to self tanning lotion. Sprays, powders, and moisturizers make application of self tanning lotion easy and convenient. However, it is important to remember that few, if any, self tanning lotion products contain sunscreen, so precautions should be taken.




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