Facts & Info

Tea Time

black-tea An all natural spray-tanning solution using black tea!? I’ve seen this method floating around the web for a while and am wondering if any of you have tried this yet. This EHow article lists step by step instructions for brewing up the perfect self-tanning tea in a bottle. All you need are about 10 bags of black tea and a spray bottle!

HIPPO SWEAT – A future in sunscreen?

According to Yoko Saikawa, a scientist with Keio University in Japan , the sweat that Hippos produce on their faces and backs “may act as sunscreens,” he explains and goes on to say, “The red pigment also acts as an antibiotic, protecting the hippo’s skin from infections” I always knew those animals were clever!! Could “SPF 30 with active ingredient – Hippo Sweat” be on our drugstore shelves soon? Only time will tell!

What is DHA?

DHA stands for Dihydroxy Acetone and is the most common self tanning ingredient used to achieve the superficial bronzed look on your skin. It is a simple carbohydrate that is often derived from plant sources like sugar cane. (Fructose) It is non-toxic and has been on the FDA safety clearance list since 1970. The DHA attaches it’s self to the amino acids in our skin cell and oxidizes. That oxidization process is what turns our skin a brownish color after a few hours – much like a cut apple that turns brown when left exposed to the air. apples1

Base Tan Myth

A common myth that needs to be dispelled is that the color that is produced from self-tanning or spray tanning is a “base tan” or you do not burn as easily when you have color on your skin. BIG, BIG myth – HUGE!! The color that develops on your skin does not protect you from burning in any way shape or form. If you burn easily in the sun you will burn just as easily with your faux tan so remember to lather on an SPF and reapply every few hours regardless of the SPF number.

Why are there not that many self tanners that contain an SPF?

There are some self tanners that contain a lower SPF but it’s important to remember to reapply a SPF often during the day in order for it to remain effective. An SPF 15 is only effective for a limited amount of time. For instance, an SPF 15 on me (fair skin, burns easily) lasts about 75 minutes after that amount of time I would need to reapply in order to keep from burning. How I worked that time out is: 5 minutes (amount of time I can spend in the sun unprotected before I start to feel heat in my skin or my skin burning) times the amount of SPF in the product. In this case 15 – so 5 mins X 15 (SPF) = 75 minutes of protection. If you have darker skin or skin that does not burn as easily, the SPF 15 product may lasts a little bit longer but keep in mind that your body chemistry also changes the effectiveness of the product after long periods of time so it is always a good idea to reapply after a few hours. Try either of these products if you are looking for a little color development from a self tanner while protecting you skin at the same time!

The difference between a self tan and a gradual tan product?

A self tan product will have a higher concentration of DHA to produce a darker, deeper color on the skin. A self tan product usually takes 8 or so hours to fully develop and depending on the type of self tanner (a lotion, mousse or spray) can last from a couple of days up to 7 days. A guide color is commonly added to a self tan product to help you achieve an even application and allow for an instant color too!

A gradual tan product has a lower concentration of DHA and is applied everyday like a moisturizer. The color on your skin develops over a period of days vs. overnight. The tan also tends to be lighter in color than a traditional self tanning product. Try some of these gradual self tanner for a great everyday glow or maintenance of a spray tan!