Sunscreen and Suntan Products
Sunless Tanners
Sunless tanners (also known as self tanning, or UV-free tanning) refers to products that are applied to the skin to produce an effect similar in appearance to a traditional suntan without exposure to UV light.
Achieving a tanned appearance can be accomplished in a number of ways. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) based products are sunless tanning or self tanning lotions that contain an FDA approved color additive that, when applied to the skin, imparts a brownish color similar to a sun tan. 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. This is similar to a reaction which is well known to food chemists and is called the Maillard reaction which refers to the browning process during food manufacturing and storage. It does not involve skin pigmentation nor does it need UV exposure to initiate the color change. The tan is temporary and will fade gradually over 3 to 10 days. These products can be applied at home, in the form of gels, lotions, mousses, sprays and wipes. Best results are obtained when applied to clean, dry skin. Bathing and swimming should be avoided until the product is fully absorbed, which varies from one to six hours. More DHA is absorbed by the thicker skin on the hands and feet, so those areas should be skipped or cleaned immediately after application. Professional application of Sunless Tanners are available from spas, salons, and gymnasiums in the form of sunless or UV-free spray booths. DHA has been approved for cosmetic use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Canadian Health Ministry and most of the EU member nations.
Bronzers are also products intended to temporarily achieve a tanned appearance. The FDA noted that the term "bronzer" is not defined in either the laws or the regulations enforced by FDA. It is often used to describe a variety of products intended to achieve a temporary tanned appearance. For example, among the products marketed as bronzers are tinted moisturizers and brush-on powders. These produce a temporary effect, similar to other types of makeup, and wash off over time. Some products are marketed with other ingredients in addition to DHA in order to provide a tanned appearance. Bronzers can only be made using FDA approved color additives.
Find out more about FDA regulation of sunless tanning products:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-tan4.html
Achieving a tanned appearance can be accomplished in a number of ways. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) based products are sunless tanning or self tanning lotions that contain an FDA approved color additive that, when applied to the skin, imparts a brownish color similar to a sun tan. 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. This is similar to a reaction which is well known to food chemists and is called the Maillard reaction which refers to the browning process during food manufacturing and storage. It does not involve skin pigmentation nor does it need UV exposure to initiate the color change. The tan is temporary and will fade gradually over 3 to 10 days. These products can be applied at home, in the form of gels, lotions, mousses, sprays and wipes. Best results are obtained when applied to clean, dry skin. Bathing and swimming should be avoided until the product is fully absorbed, which varies from one to six hours. More DHA is absorbed by the thicker skin on the hands and feet, so those areas should be skipped or cleaned immediately after application. Professional application of Sunless Tanners are available from spas, salons, and gymnasiums in the form of sunless or UV-free spray booths. DHA has been approved for cosmetic use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Canadian Health Ministry and most of the EU member nations.
Bronzers are also products intended to temporarily achieve a tanned appearance. The FDA noted that the term "bronzer" is not defined in either the laws or the regulations enforced by FDA. It is often used to describe a variety of products intended to achieve a temporary tanned appearance. For example, among the products marketed as bronzers are tinted moisturizers and brush-on powders. These produce a temporary effect, similar to other types of makeup, and wash off over time. Some products are marketed with other ingredients in addition to DHA in order to provide a tanned appearance. Bronzers can only be made using FDA approved color additives.
Find out more about FDA regulation of sunless tanning products:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-tan4.html
