How does self-tanning lotion/spray work?

Question

I didn't mean to ask how to use it, but how it works in terms of chemical and biological reactions.

Answer 1

Effective tanning lotions contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a colourless sugar which reacts with the dead skin cells on the outer layer of your skin to cause a colour change. Dead skin cells slough off fairly regularly (in slightly more than a month, your skin has re-grown itself completely), so the tan will only last a few days to a week. Once it starts fading, you'll need to re-apply the tanning lotion to maintain the look.

Answer 2

With both the lotion and the spray, the chemical in the products that gives you the color bonds to your skin to make it darker. That is why you have to wait 1-4 hours, depending on the products directions, before showering or swimming so the chemical has time to bond to the skin. It usually develops over several hours and they recommend you wait at least 8 hours before reapplying. Bath and Body Works have good self-tanning products, but remember that all self-tanners create an odd smell when developing on your skin and can be quite strong. I would recommend using it before bed. That way you sleep through most of the time that you would normally smell it and when you get up, you can use scented lotion or perfume to help cover the lingering scent of the tanner. Be sure to exfoliate before using and put moisturizer on your ankles, knees, elbows, and your toes (if your going to spray your feet). Also wash your hands if using a lotion so you don't get orange palms. It's a dead giveaway that you have a "tan-in-a-can"! Have fun!

Answer 3

First of all, use a scrub/shower gel all over your face and body. Then apply it carefully without touching your eyebrows and hair lines. It starts showing in about an hour and you have to reapply it every few days just to keep the tan nice. Make sure you get a good lotion so you don't get orange!

Answer 4

I have tried nearly every one on the market and I never get it right. My advice is to let the professionals in the tanning salon do it. I know it is quite expensive $35-$50 total body depending where you go but at least it won't look a mess.

Answer 5

yea ...what u do is u put on the lotion after u expoliate ur skin and wait....it will get u tan but u wont know if u streaked ur skin or not until its too late....believe me ive done it...if i was u just try one of those new lotions that gets u tanned gradually..it works but not too sudden and wont make u look like paris...

Answer 6

Jergens natural lotion works for me. It is gradual and easy to do. Be careful, it stained my white sofa. Just rub it on clean skin.

Answer 7

the lotion u spread it on evenly after u come out of the shower; spray u spray it on evenly too

i wouldnt do it urself, i would get a spray tan at a salan

Answer 8

it stains the skin it contains dhas which work on the skin cells to colour them

Answer 9

Spray it on if it is spray; rub it on if it is lotion

Is this a trick question?

TFTP