Tuesday, November 5, 2013

How Self Tanning Lotion Achieves A Sun-Kissed Color

By Haywood Hunter


To understand how these lotions work, sometimes learning about the design of the skin can help get the depth of color desired as well as determine the best self tanning lotion for you. Basically, the skin has two layers. The outer layer is called the epidermis and the inner layer is the dermis.

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.

Today's self tanning lotion works in less than an hour, but takes about three hours of drying time. This is because the best ones contain dihydroxyacetone that interact with dead skin cells causing them to darken. As cells shed, the tan fades requiring reapplication of the self tanning lotion.

With newer types of self tanning lotion on the market today it is easier than ever to maintain the color desired. Moisturizers, sprays, and powders are convenient forms of self tanning lotion and easy to apply. When going outside, however, sunscreen will need to be used in addition to self tanning lotion.




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