Sunless tanning is the method by which an artificial tan can be produced on the surface of the human skin without the aid of sunlight. This artificial tan is similar in color and appearance to a regular suntan. Traditional methods of tanning involve methods of skin exposure to sunlight and ultra violet radiation. Sunless tanning is a method that is not dependent on the UV rays and is therefore also cause UV- less tanning. You can obtain through this method might be an artificial one, but it lasts as long as a suntan. If done properly it can obtain through this method cannot be differentiated with a suntan. Sunless tanning is quite popular with people because of these advantages.
The principle behind sunless tanning is a chemical reaction that happens when the substances of tanning chemicals react with the top layer of the skin. The top layer, which is called epidermis, contains dead skin cells. A substance called DHA is present in the tanning compound. This substance reacts with the body oils and amino acids that are present on the top layer of the skin to produce a compound. This compound is absorbed by the dead skin cells of the epidermis and these cells turn darker in color after a few hours. This reaction imparts the darker color that is similar to a suntan. The effects of sunless tanning last for 10 to 12 days.
There are various sunless tanning products that use the same principle of tanning and are available in different forms to suit the requirements and comfort of the users. These products are available in the form of creams, gels, lotions, liquids and sprays. The most popular products are spray based. Spray-based tanning is called airbrush tanning and it is the most efficient when it comes to evenness of the artificial tan. Spray cans are also easy to use without any elaborate pre-and post-application processes. Tanning lotions and creams are also quite popular with the people, because the texture of these products ensures a smooth and even spread of the chemicals over the surface of the skin.
All sunless tanning products are relatively risk-free, because there is no risk of sunburn or overexposure to cancer-causing rays. The artificial tan is restricted to the top layer of the skin and does not penetrate into the more sensitive inner layer. There is a possibility of allergic reactions with some people but such cases are far and rare.
