The best tanning lotions provide a natural golden tan and have a main active ingredient, which is either DHA, or lawsone a chemical compound derivative from leaves of Lawsonia inermis. The way DHA works is already known, it reacts with proteins from skin cells and provides an instantaneous and long lasting tan. Unlike DHA, lawsone doesn’t interfere with the skin.
Lawsone is brown, so the sunless tanning lotion takes over the brown color. As tanning lotion is applied and absorbed by the skin, the brown color appears instantly. The disadvantage is, compared to DHA, lawsone is a fast removal substance. The DHA reacts to proteins not only of the human skin, but also from clothes and this process is irreversible. For that reason, the most efficient and instant self tanning lotion is that containing DHA. On the other hand, the lack of a chemical reaction leads to the absence of the offensive and disturbing odor. Eliminating the smell would remove the color, too, since the reaction works for both the odor and the color.
The best and most advanced sunless tanning lotion is non-greasy and long-lasting. And it is not necessarily a cheap tanning lotion. Keep the tan longer is a must for many tanners. Such is the case with DHA self tanning lotions. In just 24 hours the skin will produce its own natural tan which can’t be washed up or removed with a self tanning wipe. Nevertheless, many tanners prefer instantaneous lawsone self tanning lotions because there is no suspicion of staining clothes, the couch or their houses.
Self tanning lotions are highly recommended because they stimulate melanin production, so the tanning is quicker and darker and it lasts longer. The best tanning lotions also moisturise the skin, improving its softness and healthy appearance.
Regarding the type of the skin and the recommended lotion, it’s good to know that the skin type I (fair-haired and sandy) should pick up less DHA self tanning lotions, rather choosing “light” instant tanning lotion. The choice is easier for the Skin type II and III (dark-haired and brown-haired) since that skin is already supplied with some color.
