Extensively endorsed by celebrities and fashionistas, fake tanning has become immensely popular these days. Sometimes referred to as sunless tanning, self tanning or UV-free tanning, fake tanning is achieved by applying chemicals to the body to produce an effect that is similar in appearance to the more traditional suntan. The culture of fake tanning gained popularity when links between sun exposure and skin cancer were discovered in the 1960s. At around this time, other alternatives to natural sun tanning such as the sun bed or the tanning bed were devised. Today, there are many more convenient options available to you. You can achieve a fake tan using products such as tanning pills, tanning spray and tanning lotion.
Tanning pills
The tanning pills contain a pigment known as canthaxanthin. Though this pigment is mainly used as a colour additive in foods, in high enough doses it can also cause the skin to change colour. When canthaxanthin is ingested, it is deposited into the fat layers just under the skin as well as in the internal organs such as the brain and the liver. As this ingredient is absorbed into your skin, it turns an orange-brown colour, giving the user the appearance of a golden tan.
Tanning spray and tanning lotion
Use of spray tan and lotion is the latest in sunless tanning technology. They typically contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient. The DHA is essentially a colourless sugar which has the property to interact with amino acids found in the dead cells located in the upper layer of the epidermis. When the DHA interacts with the amino acids, a colour change occurs, giving you a nice golden tan. The effect of tanning achieved with tanning spray and tanning lotion usually lasts about 5 to 7 days from the initial application. You may however, re-apply the tanning spray or tanning lotion every few days to maintain your tan. The tanning spray and tanning lotion are extremely convenient to use and offer faster results.
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