Tanning, fake tanning, and spray tanning, are all terminologies to explain the process of using self tanning products on the skin to get a tanned look without exposing the body to sun or other kind of light. Irrespective of the name, self tanning is by far the safest way to get a glowing skin all year long by using these self tanners or sunless products.

How Does A Self Tanner Work?

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the chemical used by companies to produce a self tanner. The tanning effects of this chemical were discovered in the 1920s, and since then formulas have been manipulated and perfected so that they give a more even glow to the whole body. The tan caused by Dihydroxyacetone is basically a chemical reaction that alters the color of the body cells present on the topmost layer of the skin.

DHA, chemically, is just sugar. When rubbed onto the skin it starts reacting with amino acids present in the skin and makes the skin cells turn brown. Another chemical called Erythrulose functions in a similar way like DHA, but takes relatively longer to generate color on the body. It is normally mixed with DHA because when used together these products can give a long lasting tan.

Choosing A Way For Product Application

Self tanning products can be used at home, or one can take professional help by going to a salon. The guaranteed way to get a natural, smooth looking tan is to get the product applied professionally.Normally, professional applications are done by using spray tanning. The two most popular ways of spray tanning are:

• Airbrush tanning in which a person manually applies the tan on the person's body by making use of an airbrush.

• Automatic booths, in which the person enters a cubicle, pushes a button, and is mechanically sprayed with a self tanning product.

If one decides to make use of the tanning product on their own, it is very important to do it correctly to ensure a not splotchy, smooth skin. Home products for tanning come in the form of lotions, sprays and formulas.

Self tanning products only changes the shade of the top layer, but never starts the production of the skin darkening cells inside the skin to protect it from the sun rays. Since it doesn't cause the production of melanin, it offers no protection against the sun. Hence, it's important to dab some sunscreen every time one goes out.

The amount of damage caused by the sun to the skin is well researched and documented by the scientists and skin specialists. By using self tanners, it is possible to achieve a tan without exposing your skin to the sun.

Normally a tan from a tanning product lasts for about a couple of weeks, depending upon the intensity with which the skin is taken care of an exfoliated.

Basically, self tanning products are a great way to get a beautiful looking tan. However, it's important to use tanning products from genuine, well reputed companies. Putting on cheap products can damage the skin permanently.