All self tanners contain a substance called DHA (dihyroxyacetone) that causes a chemical reaction with the amino acids in the surface layers of the skin causing it to brown. DHA only affects the outermost cells of the skin.
A small number of people lack the reactors in their skin and self-tanners don’t work for them at all.
Usually you’ll see some results after an hour but with some products maximum darkening may take more than eight hours to develop.
The tan will last until the dead skin cells rub off, which usually takes five to seven days. You can prolong that by applying the product again a couple of days after the initial application.
How dark a tan a product will give you depends on how high a concentration of DHA it contains.
Three steps to a great self-tan
1. PREP YoUR SKIN
Dry skin “grabs” at colour, resulting in a blotchy tan, so step one is to exfoliate, then rinse well with a soap-free cleanser – soap can interfere with tanner ingredients.
2. APPLY THE TAN
Lightly apply product using vertical, then horizontal, strokes and blending with your fingertips. Start from your ankles and work upwards so you don’t get lines on the upper part of your body when you bend over. The wrists, elbows, ankles and knees can all be blotch-prone trouble spots so apply the tan extra-lightly in these areas and blend, blend, blend. Wash hands well immediately after application, paying particular attention to the cuticles (or you can wear latex gloves when you’re applying a tanning product). Allow tan to dry before putting on clothes.
3. DoN’T FoRGET To ooISTURISE
Keeping skin well moisturised in the days following tan application will help prolong your tan and prevent it looking flaky. If necessary, you can get rid of blotches with a loofah or with a specialised tan remover.
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