What's in fake tan?
The main ingredient in fake tan is called DHA and this is the special component that colours the surface of the skin, creating a sun kissed finish that looks radiant and hydrated.
All fake tan products tend to include DHA and a selection of other ingredients that help to feed the skin with essential nutrients, which leads to different results. This is why it's important to try a few products before you settle on the right one for your needs.
When fake tan is applied to the body the DHA reacts with the amino acids on the epidermis and causes it to gradually darken. This is why fake tanning can take a few hours to develop fully and the true result is only evident once the guide colour has been washed off and revealed. Most formulations contain a host of natural ingredients, which improve the skin's elasticity, aid circulation and nourish the skin. These include ingredients like cocoa butter, ginger extract and lemongrass - every item brings its own set of properties and has a direct effect on the texture of the epidermis making it feel soft and supple.
Traditonal fake tans can have an unusual biscuity smell but modern products have been formulated to give off a sweet smelling scent. With extracts of rose, calendula and coconut oil, these items smell delicious and mean that you're body will give off an attractive fragrance.
If you have any allergies always read the list of ingredients on the back of fake tan bottles to ensure that there are no components that you could have a reaction to. DHA itself is completely safe but do make sure to double check everything if you have been known to react to cosmetics in the past. You may want to try a test patch on the back of your neck or on your leg to see what the end result will be before you commit to tanning your whole body.