By Haywood Hunter
For many people, all they know about tan lotions is that they put it on and begin to darken. How well it works often depends on the way skin is designed. Understanding that the epidermis (or skin's outer layer) and dermis (or inner layer) work in different ways can make it easier to find the right self tanning lotion for you.
Self tanning lotion darkens the outer layer of the epidermis whereas sunbathing darkens the inner layer. This is called the stratum basale layer which can be damaged easily by direct sunlight. A disadvantage of this product is that few contain sunscreen, but when used properly is safe.
Self tanning lotion targets the top layer of the epidermis, called the stratum corneum. To find tanning lotions that work on this layer of the skin is the key to getting the best results. Since its inception, this product has attempted to achieve that sun kissed glow that is so desired today.
In 1960, Coppertone was the first to introduce a self tanning lotion that was effective. Unfortunately, it had a tendency to turn skin orange. However, efforts were made to improve the results and now provide lotions that can be smoothed into the skin, swiped, or sprayed in order to achieve everything from a dark Caribbean tan to a lighter color.
Self tanning lotion often takes between 45 minutes to one hour before it starts working, then another two hours to dry. However, with self tanning lotion containing dihydroxyacetone the color lasts between five to seven days. This is because this ingredient interacts with dead skin cells in the epidermis turning them dark.
After applying self tanning lotion, these cells change color as they dry. Regardless of which self tanning lotion is selected, it is easy to use as it comes in powders, sprays, or moisturizers. It is important to know, however, that self tanning lotion rarely contains sunscreen.
