I get asked this question quite often and so I wanted to break it down for you very simple so you know how the whole process works 🙂
Sunless tanning products emerged in 1960. The first one, QT or Quick Tanning Lotion, produced a quite non realistic orange color. Since then sunless tanning products have evolved tremendously, mainly thanks to the introduction of spray and airbrush tanning. All of the ingredients are dermatological tested and approved since 1960. The substances are proven harmless. Spray tanning is not dangerous in any way.
The Ingredient~ The most effective sunless tanning ingredient is DHA (dihydroxyacetone). DHA is a colorless sugar that interacts with dead cells located in the upper layer of the skin (epidermis). As the sugar binds with the dead skin cells, a color change occurs.
Does The Tan Fade? Just like an ordinary tan achieved thru sunbathing, the sunless tan will fade. The reason is simple: Every day, millions of dead skin cells are sloughed off or worn away from the surface of your skin. In fact, every 35 to 45 days, you have an entirely new outer skin layer (epidermis). This is why the tan will gradually fade. As the dead cells are worn away, so is the tan. Fading of this kind applies to all tans, both sunless and real. To maintain your tan, simply get sprayed 2-3 times a month