Sunless tanning, or getting a “tan” without using harmful UV rays, is all the rage these days. One of the most popular methods of sunless tanning is using “tan drops”. So, what exactly are tan drops, and how do they work? Keep reading to find out!
What are tan drops?
Tan drops are a type of sunless tanning solution that can be added to your favourite lotion or moisturiser to create a custom self-tanner. The active ingredient in tan drops is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is a colourless sugar that reacts with the amino acids in the dead cells on the surface of your skin to create a brownish colour.
How do tan drops work?
When you add tan drops to your lotion or moisturiser, you can then apply the mixture to your skin like you would any other skincare product. Once applied, the DHA in the solution will begin to react with the amino acids in your skin, causing the dead cells on the surface of your skin to turn brown. This reaction usually takes around 24 hours to fully develop, so you’ll want to wait at least that long before showering or swimming so that your “tan” has time to set.
Are tan drops safe?
Despite their popularity, there is some debate surrounding the safety of DHA. According to the FDA, when used as directed (i.e. not inhaled), DHA is safe for external use on adults over the age of 18. However, because DHA is a sugar, it can potentially lead to an increase in blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Therefore, if you have diabetes, it’s important to speak with your doctor before using any products containing DHA.
We hope this guide has been helpful
So there you have it – a detailed breakdown of what tan drops are, how they work, and whether they are safe for consumption (in the form of external application).
It’s worth noting that you can easily shop for face tan drops online from reputable cosmetics brands around the world these days. Therefore, if you choose to give them a try, it should be fairly easy to get your hands on a bottle of face tan drops. Just remember to apply it as per the instructions included, and always wait 24 hours to let the results sink in before applying any more.
