Tanning accelerator
In the search for the perfect tan many people seek out products containing a tanning accelerator. These work to provide a natural looking tan from the inside out, so to speak. Each year it seems more and more such products are developed.
Instead of going out to tan on the beach or sitting inside of a tanning bed, some people choose sunless tanning products that use these 'accelerators'. The main ingredient that allows an accelerator to work is an amino acid called tyrosine. The majority of accelerators come in pill or lotion form and uses tyrosine to increase and stimulate the skin's production of melanin. The more melanin that is present in the body, the darker your skin will become. It is because of this substance that we get our own individual skin color. Another common ingredient that helps tanning accelerators work is psoralen. This ingredient is a citrus oil extract and is also used as a source of amino acids that stimulate melanin production.
Just like the name suggests, products that use an accelerator speed up the process of tanning. This means you can get a natural looking tan in a short amount of time, instead of lying out for hours underneath the sun's rays or making frequent visits to the tanning salon.
While many favor using an accelerator to get the results they are seeking, there is currently no scientific information that proves these product will deliver a great tan each time. The results tend to vary from person to person so it is important to know that when you purchase such a product for personal use. Read all of the directions and be familiar with the ingredients on the label.
If you're concerned about possible health risks using a tanning accelerator, it is important to know that the FDA has not approved the use of both tyrosine and psoralen in any of these products (that doesn't, of course, mean they don't work!). Additionally, psoralen can cause photosensitivity (sensitivity to light) so be sure to cater to your skin's needs if you decide to use this type of product.
