The Streak Factor

Streaking and staining are an unavoidable element of the self-tanning process. Whether in a liquid, cream, mousse or spray formulation, self-tan is either colourless or tinted with brown pigment to visibly assist an even application and to avoid the dreaded self-tan 'tide marks'.

Dihydroxyactetone (DHA) - a safe, natural derivative of cane sugar, is the active ingredient used in all self-tan products, which once applied, reacts with your skin's amino acids to produce a 'sun tanned' effect 3-4 hours later.

Since it is directly related to the chemical composition of your individual skin type, the colour achieved differs widely from brand to brand depending on the actual product formulation - hence to avoid an orange 'umpa lumpa' complexion, smart girls know it is worthwhile trialling a few brands to discover which self-tan product gives the best results on your skin...

'Yeugh' de fake tan!

Regrettably, DHA is also particularly renowned for its conspicuous odour, which again is more or less noticeable depending on the product formulation and similarly on the biological nature of your skin.

Hence, on some people the smell is barely evident, whilst on others it is overwhelmingly apparent! Most companies heavily fragrance their self-tanning product in an attempt to disguise the smell of DHA, however once applied, the odour is perceptible on clothing and bedding, sometimes lasting up to 24 hours later on the skin, even after showering!