Indoor Tanning Lotion

An indoor tanning lotion is a lotion that contains the bronzing ingredient DHA. DHA is a colourless sugar that interacts with the dead skin cells located in the stratum corneum of the epidermis. As the sugar interacts with the dead skin cells, a colour change occurs. The colour change usually lasts about five to seven days from the initial application.

Indoor tanning lotion can be applied daily to keep skin well moisturized for an even glow that fades gradually.

Self tanner lotion may produce an uneven colour on people with sun-damaged skin. Indoor tanning lotions can also provide an uneven colour on people with older skin or mottled or freckled skin. Hair and nails may colour, but not the lips. Scars usually colour poorly.

Types of Indoor Tanning Lotions

One group of indoor tanning lotions is known as a bronzer. Bronzers are usually available in lotions, powders or gel formulations and produce a darker colour on the skin by the use of water soluble dyes. Bronzers colour the skin immediately. This colour begins to fade from the skin after the first wash.

Brands

Sunless tanning lotions are made by Jergens (Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer), Olay (Olay Quench Radiance Reviver), Sun Laboratories Tan Overnight and Lancome Soleil Flash Bronzer.

Benefits of Using An Indoor Tanning Lotion?

By using the self tanning lotions and avoiding a lot of sun exposure, you will decrease your risk of getting skin cancer. However, make sure you get some sunlight. Sunlight is an important factor in helping your body make vitamin D. Vitamin D is a vitamin that dissolves in the body's fat. The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.

Indoor Tanning Lotion Information

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most effective sunless tanning products available are types of indoor tanning lotion that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient. The tan is not a dye, stain or paint, but a chemical reaction between the DHA and the amino acids in the dead layer on the skin surface.

It does not involve skin pigmentation nor does it need UV exposure to initiate the colour change. The reaction is non-toxic and skin safe, without the damage associated with UV exposure. The effect of indoor tanning lotion is temporary and  the tan will fade from the skin gradually over 3 to 10 days.

Some types of indoor tanning lotion use Erythrulose combined with the DHA. Erythrulose works identically to DHA on the skin surface, but develops more slowly. The two chemicals used together may produce a longer lasting sunless tanning result.

Dihydroxyacetone or Erythrulose may cause contact dermatitis. First time users of indoor tanning lotion should apply them to a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours before a full body application.

DHA has been approved for cosmetic use in indoor tanning lotion by the FDA, the Canadian Health Ministry and most of the EU member nations.