What is Fake Tan ?

Sunless tanning (also known as Fake Tan, Fake Tanning or Sunbed Free Tanning) refers to applying chemicals on the skin to produce an effect similar in appearance to a more traditional sun tan. Sunless tanning arose in response to links between sun exposure and skin cancer discovered in the 1960s, along with other alternatives to natural sun tanning such as the use of a sunbed or tanning bed.

DHA-based products

According to the American Acadamy of Dermatology, the most effective products available are sunless tanning or self tanning lotions that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient. The tan is not a dye, stain or paint, but a chemical reaction between the DHA and the amino acids in the dead layer on the skin surface. This is similar to a reaction well known to food chemists called the Maillard reaction. This refers to the browning process during food manufacturing and storage. It does not involve skin pigmentation nor does it need UV exposure to initiate the color change. The fake tan is temporary and will fade gradually over 3 to 10 days. Some products use Erythrulose combined with the DHA. Erythrulose works identically to DHA on the skin surface, but develops the fake tan more slowly. The two chemicals used together may produce a longer lasting fake tan.

These products can be applied at home, in the form of gels, lotions, mousses, sprays and wipes. Best results are obtained when applied to clean, dry skin. Bathing and swimming should be avoided until product is fully absorbed, which varies from one to six hours. More DHA is absorbed by the thicker skin on the hands and feet, so those areas should be skipped or cleaned immediately after application of the fake tan.

Tyrosine-based products

Although gels, lotions or sprays that contain DHA are said to be the most reliable and useful, there are other types of products on the market. Tanning accelerators -- lotions or pills that usually contain the amino acid Tyrosine -- claim that they stimulate and increase Melanin formation, thereby accelerating the tanning process. These are used in conjunction with UV exposure.

Canthaxanthin-based products

Another sunless-tanning product is a tanning pill that contains canthaxanthin, which is most commonly used as a color additive in certain foods. When used as a color additive, only very small amounts of canthaxanthin are necessary. As a fake tanning agent, however, much larger quantities are used. After canthaxanthin is consumed, it is deposited throughout the body, including in the layer of fat below the skin, which turns an orange-brown color. These types of tanning pills have been linked to various side effects, including hepatitis and canthaxanthin retinopathy, a condition in which yellow deposits form in the retina of the eye. Side effects including damage to the digestive system and skin surface have also been noted.

Temporary bronzers

Bronzers are a temporary sunless fake tanning or bronzing option. These fake tans come in powders, sprays, gels, lotions, creams and moisturizers. Once applied, they create a fake tan that can easily be removed with soap and water. Like make-up, these products tint or stain your skin only until they are washed off.

They are often used for a "one-day" only fake tan, or to complement a DHA based sunless tan. Many formulations are available, and some have limited sweat or light water resistance. Most will create some light but visible rub-off onto snug clothing. Therefore they should not be applied under clothing, or where fabric and skin edges meet. Dark clothing will prevent the rub-off from being noticeable.