Storing Sunless Tanning Products
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The effectiveness of
self tanning lotions
and
sunless tanning lotions
degrades over time. This is because the active chemical,
dihydroxyacetone
(DHA), slowly reacts with the perfume and oil
extracts in the lotion; DHA also reacts with
nitrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere. This
breakdown of DHA can lead to the formation of
other chemicals which themselves have a tanning
effect, but produce more of an orange coloration.
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When purchasing self tanning and
sunless tanning
products you truly get what you pay for. A lot
of research goes into making a quality self
tanning lotion. Manufactures must pay particular
attention to their formulations to ensure the
stability of DHA. As an example, nitrogen based
chemicals such as collagen, urea derivatives,
amino acids, and proteins must be avoided. As
well, polyacrylic acid and inorganic oxides such
as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, commonly used in
sunblock
must be avoided. Sunless tanning products can
contain sunscreen, however, the chemicals used
to absorb UV rays cannot be nitrogen based.
In purchasing a
sunless tanning or self tanning product,
look for products with little to no perfume or
color. Also look for products sold in an opaque,
resealable package. One time use sunless tanning
products such as
self tanning towelettes
are ideal for prolonged storage. As for
self tanning lotions,
keep these tightly sealed and in a cool, dark,
dry place. Generally self tanning products and
sunless tanning products over a year old will not
be as effective as recently purchased lotions.