You want to get a tan quickly and without exposure to the sun, without going through the box of exposure to UV rays, do you know about tanning accelerators? We tell you everything about this clean alternative for tanning.
What is a tanning accelerator?
There are so many products that claim to help you tan faster: oils that prepare your skin for a nice tan, sunscreens that intensify your tan, and even after-sun care products.
But what is a tanning accelerator? In simple terms, a tanning accelerator is a product designed to help the natural tanning process by stimulating the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning, so that it spreads evenly across the entire surface of the skin. By using these products, we seek to optimize our ability to tan faster and more effectively.
To achieve a natural tan, but more subtle than that provided by a self-tanner, you can opt for treatments that offer a "healthy glow" effect. These products contain targeted ingredients that often act on the production process of melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning.
Among the best-known products offering this healthy glow effect, we find carrot oil, apricot oil and karanja oil:
- Carrot oil is known for its ability to give skin a natural, golden hue. In addition to its light orange color, it is rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which stimulates melanin production while providing antioxidant protection.
- Apricot oil is another popular option, loved for its moisturizing and softening properties on the skin. It contains high levels of vitamins A and E, which deeply nourish the skin while promoting an even, luminous tan.
- Lesser known but equally effective, karanja oil has regenerative and protective properties. It is rich in linoleic acid and flavonoids, which help protect the skin from UV damage while stimulating melanin production for a tanned and radiant complexion.
At Seasonly, we have the perfect solution for you: our Tan Boost Oil Serum, a bi-phase formula specially designed to stimulate melanin production, prepare, activate and prolong your tan. With a composition composed of 98% natural ingredients, our serum contains two main active ingredients:
THALITAN 5% [Mg + Mn + Marine Oligosaccharides]: This complex of marine oligosaccharides, magnesium and manganese acts in a similar way to endothelin, a molecule naturally released by the skin during UV exposure. By binding to the same receptors, it stimulates tyrosinase to trigger the production of melanin, even in the absence of sun exposure.
MELANOBRONZE 2% [Acetyl tyrosine + Chasteberry]: This blend of acetyl tyrosine and chasteberry works in tandem to accelerate melanin formation. Acetyl tyrosine promotes melanin synthesis, while chasteberry, rich in "Beta-Endorphin Like" compounds, acts on the opioid receptors of melanocytes, thus stimulating melanin production even in the absence of UV exposure.
With our Tan Boost Oil Serum, you can achieve a natural, long-lasting tan without having to expose yourself excessively to the sun, while nourishing and hydrating your skin thanks to its formula enriched with natural ingredients.
Another alternative: using a self-tanner.
There is a growing variety of self-tanners: they come in the form of mousse, cream, gel, serum, etc. The advantage of self-tanner is the ability to achieve a tanned complexion without exposing yourself to harmful UV rays. But how does it work?
Most self-tanners contain a plant-based molecule called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Once applied to the skin, this substance reacts with amino acids in the stratum corneum of the epidermis over the next 4 to 6 hours, forming pigments called melanoidins that give the skin a characteristic brown hue.
Additionally, many self-tanners contain erythrulose, a sugar found in berries. This compound works similarly to DHA but at a slower rate. The combination of DHA and erythrulose helps to achieve a more natural, even tan. Additionally, erythrulose has moisturizing properties that offset the drying potential of DHA.
By using a self-tanner, you can achieve a tanned complexion without compromising the health of your skin by exposing yourself to UV rays. However, it is important to clarify that this is not really a tan: it is a coloring of the skin that does not rely on the natural defense mechanism of melanin production. Therefore, the skin does not benefit from the usual protection.
When and how to use a tanning accelerator?
Tanning accelerators are now an integral part of sun care product ranges. They can be applied to the face and body, and their use varies depending on their formula:
Before exposure: Apply your accelerator two to three weeks before exposing yourself to the sun, it will stimulate the production of melanin, thus preparing the skin for the first sun exposures.
During exposure: You can use it at the same time as your sunscreen, in order to protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays, but also to tan more quickly because the production of melanin will be boosted.
After exposure: Up to a month after sun exposure, you can use an after-sun containing a tanning activator, or your tanning accelerator which will prolong your tan.
