About DHA - Dihydroxyacetone

All sunless tanning products use the same basic concept to help you achieve that golden bronze finish. The solution used in these products is a safe and effective chemical known as DHA (Di-hydroxy-acetone). The FDA approved DHA (a derivative of sugar cane or sugar beets) in the early 1970s. The DHA adheres to the dead skin cells on the top layer of your skin, and will remain until your skin exfoliates. The DHA reacts with your skin to produce a 'coloring' effect that will give you a tan look.

 

DHA: How it Works
When DHA is applied to the skin a chemical reaction with amino acids in the surface cells of the skin occurs. A browning, or tanning, effect is produced. DHA does not damage skin -- it only affects the outermost cells of the epidermis. DHA carries less health risks than any other method to achieve a tanned appearance without sun exposure. DHA has been approves for sunless tanning by the FDA.

 

How Quickly Does it Act -- How Long Does it Last
The tanning action usually appears within an hour of application. Maximal darkening may take 8-24 hours to develop. An artificial tan produced by DHA will last until the dead skin cells rub off, usually 5-7 days with a single application.

 

How is DHA Formulated
There are many self-tanning preparations containing DHA on the market and many will claim to be best formulation available. Concentrations of DHA can range from 3 to 12.5%. This may coincide with product ranges that list shades as light, medium, or dark. A lower concentration (lighter shade) product may be better for new users as it is more forgiving of uneven application or rough surfaces. Some formulations will also contain moisturizers. Alcohol based preparations will be more suitable for oily-skinned users. Technically, DHA provides some minimal, short lived protection against UV rays. Alpha hydroxy acids promote the sloughing off of excess dead skin cells so should improve the evenness of coloration. Other ingredients may be added to facilitate application or to make the color last longer.

 

Application Safety
DHA is listed as a color additive for use in adding color to the human body. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act authorizes the regulation of color additives. The use of DHA in cosmetics is restricted to external application. External application specifically excludes the lips or any body surface covered by mucous membrane.

 

How to Achieve Best Results
The final result of a DHA sunless tan will depend on the formulation used, the operator's application technique, and the client's complexion type. Some application techniques to achieve a maximal DHA tan are: Prepare skin by cleansing then by exfoliating using a loofah or exfoliant. This will avoid uneven application of color. Apply to skin in thin layers wherever you want color, less to thicker skin, as color is maintained longer in these areas. Don't shave, bathe, or swim for at least an 4-6 hours, preferably 8 hours, after applying the product. Reapply regularly to maintain color.

 

Precautions and Side Effects
DHA self-tanners DO NOT provide significant protection to your skin against the sun. Despite darkening of the skin, an individual is just as susceptible to harmful UV rays. Although DHA does provide some short lived UV protection and many products contain additional sunscreen, the stated SPF for such solutions should only be regarded as effective for a few hours after application. It cannot be stressed enough that an overall sun protection program is still needed for sun exposure. DHA reacts quickly in the outer epidermis minimizing systemic absorption. Contact dermatitis caused by DHA has rarely been reported. Most causes of sensitivity are likely due to other ingredients such as preservatives in the preparation.

 Ink n Tan Sunless Airbrush Solution

This solution is the most asked about liquid ever! DHA is a high level with this product but will never develop an orange or unnatural looking tan, ever.  

• Aloe Vera - Aloe vera contains numerous vitamins and minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars and agents which may be anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. The combination and balance of the plant's ingredients are what purportedly gives it its healing properties
• Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) - According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most effective products available are sunless- or self-tanning lotions that contain DHA as the active ingredient. DHA is a colorless sugar that interacts with the dead cells located in the stratum corneum (outer layer) of the epidermis. As the sugar interacts with the dead skin cells, a color change occurs. This change usually lasts about five to seven days from the initial application
• Erythrulose - It is a natural keto-sugar and is a preservative-free solution. Takes 24-48 hours to begin it’s affects. By that time most sunless tanners have started to wash off. It may have a positive result in reducing some of the drying affects caused by DHA. Helps extend tan and prevent peeling
• Caffeine - Caffeine has been proven to increase blood flow, which can be extremely beneficial in the topical treatment of cellulite. By improving circulation to the areas where cellulite occurs, you can facilitate the breakdown and removal of this unsightly cottage cheese condition. Caffeine can also temporarily give a plumping and smoothing effect to skin. Caffeine can also act as a vasorestrictor – meaning that it can tighten and shrink blood vessels. This process can effectively diminish the appearance of varicose veins. Caffeine will revive your dull-looking skin as well
• Glyceryl Polymethacrylate - Glyceryl Polymethacrylate is a film former and viscosity agent according to CosmeticDatabase.com. It is often used in gels because of its strong hydrating power and a very high water absorbing capacity. Glyceryl Polymethacrylate can help to reconstruct the dermis and increase skin firmness and contains a natural fragment of elastin. It can also be used to fight premature aging and maintain the skin’s resistance and integrity. Glyceryl Polymethacrylate is considered safe and the Environmental Working Group issued no warnings for its use
• Vitamin E - Anti-aging - It helps skin look younger by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also, free radicals are believed to play an important role in skin aging and therefore the antioxidant activity is quite valuable for this skin problem.