Storing Sunless Tanning Products

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.

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.