Self-tanners, also known as sunless tanners, are a popular way for people to achieve a golden, bronzed look without the harmful effects of UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. We all know the dangers of UV sun exposure and the damage it can cause to our skin. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “more than 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year are linked to indoor tanning, and those who first use a tanning bed before age 35 increase their risk for melanoma by 75 percent.” With numbers like that, exposing yourself to unhealthy rays simply isn’t worth the risk. That’s why so many health and beauty conscious consumers have turned to self-tanners as a safe alternative. But with the popularity of self-tanners growing every day, many people are asking, “What’s in my self-tanner?”

Self-tanner Ingredients

With so many self-tanning products on the market, it’s good to make sure you are choosing the best product, not only for beautiful results, but also for the health of your skin and the environment. With Glow by Skalla, you will always receive products that are vegan friendly, sulfate free, and paraben free, so you can feel confident about what you are putting on your skin.

DHA, The Main Ingredient in Self-Tanner

In most self-tanning products, like our Flawless Finish Bronzing Mousse and Flawless Finish Bronzing Drops, the main ingredient is dihydroxyacetone (DHA).

DHA is a colorless, odorless carbohydrate that reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of dead skin cells to produce a darkening effect. This reaction is known as the Maillard reaction, which is the same chemical process that causes bread to turn golden brown when it is toasted. DHA has been used in self-tanners for over 50 years and is considered safe for use on the skin.

DHA is available in a variety of forms, including sprays, lotions, gels, and mousses. It can also be found in combination with other ingredients, such as erythrulose and bronzers, which can provide an immediate color boost while the DHA develops over time.

How To Use Self-Tanners with DHA

When using self-tanners that contain DHA, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. The color will typically begin to appear within 2-4 hours after application and will continue to deepen over the next 8 hours, so it is important to avoid showering, swimming, and excessive sweating until the self-tanner fully develops. Applying water to your skin before the self-tanner has developed can result in an uneven, streaky appearance.

It is also important to exfoliate the skin before using a self-tanner to remove any dead skin cells, which could lead to uneven color results. DHA’s molecular structure tends to adhere to dry and scaley patches of skin. This can cause these problem areas to become darker than the surrounding skin. To help smooth the rough patches, try using a gentle body scrub or a loofah to exfoliate your skin before applying self-tanner. This will ensure smooth application and even results.

It is also helpful to use a glove when applying self-tanner to protect the palms of your hands from turning darker than the surrounding skin. We’ve designed the Glow by Skalla buttery soft bronzing mitt to help you achieve an even application of self-tanner for beautiful, natural-looking results.

Benefits of DHA in Self-Tanners

One of the main benefits of using self-tanners that contain DHA is that they can provide a natural-looking tan without the risks associated with UV exposure. With Glow by Skalla, you can have an amazing tan without compromising your health or the quality of your skin.

Another benefit of using self-tanners that contain DHA is that they can be used all year round to maintain a consistent tan. If you hate to see summer go because you know you will lose your glowing, sun-kissed complexion, then self-tanner is the answer to your winter woes.

Not only is self-tanning helpful to the beauty and health conscious, but self-tanning is also a good alternative for people who have sensitive skin, are prone to sunburn, or have medical conditions that make it difficult to tan or dangerous to tan.

Use Sunscreen With Your Self-Tanner

Self-tanners that contain DHA do not provide any protection from UV rays and should be used in conjunction with sun protection. Remember, just because your tan looks natural, it does not provide you with any additional sun protection. For years of beautiful, healthy skin, apply sunscreen whenever you are exposed to UV rays.

It is a widely accepted fact that all UV exposure causes skin damage, no matter how long you are exposed. That is why it’s crucial to wear protective clothing or sunscreen when you are outside and avoid tanning beds. According to Dr. Arielle Kauvar, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York, “tanning is totally unsafe — it’s a significant risk factor for every type of skin cancer…sunless tanning should be the only option for achieving a bronzed look. There is no such thing as a safe UV tan,” she says. “The reddening or browning of skin with sun exposure is a sign of skin damage.”

Safety of DHA Self-Tanners

In conclusion, using a DHA self-tanner is a safe and effective alternative to traditional tanning methods. The DHA in self-tanners provides a natural-looking glow that lets you achieve that endless summer look all year round. And the best part is there’s no exposure to harmful UV rays when you use a self-tanner as your method of tanning.

It is important to follow the instructions carefully, choose a sunless tanner that is appropriate for your skin type, and use sunscreen to protect the skin from UV rays. With proper usage, sunless tanners can help individuals achieve a golden, bronzed look, without the risks associated with UV exposure, and maintain that look no matter the time of year. If you have not tried self-tanning, you can check out our videos for tips and tricks to make your self-tanning experience a glowing success!