There has been many questions asked by concerned people look when it comes to the real story behind the sunless tanning systems. Often this subject is misunderstood or becomes turned inside out from the word of mouth about stories told. This can become confusing with facts or fiction when someone is considering getting a sunless tan.

Many people think of the chemicals use to dye the skin dark. This is not true, but actually some methods use natural foods found in carrots and fruits called beta-carotene. This is actually ingested as part of the diet that impacts the yellow pigmentation found in the blood and surface of the skin. Adding this supplement to the diet can darken the skin.

The second myth to dispose of is the spray based systems. This uses a dihydroxyacetone (DHA) based lotion or spray that is not an ink or dye, rather an agent that reacts to the Amino acids on the surface of the skin. This exposure is temporary, and the effect only lasts about ten days.

Bronzing agents are used to darken the skin temporarily. These are put on just like makeup, and will normally wash off with ordinary soap and water. The bronzing agents are normally good for covering up imperfections and skin blotches, just like using makeup.

Many of these tanning methods work to darken the skin, but what many do not know is that it does not help protect from the sun. You may get a deep bronze color or look, but the only protection from the sun's UV rays is putting on sun screen with a high SPF. If you do not wear sunblock and go out and expose yourself in the sun, you will get sunburned.

These are just some of the facts behind the sunless tanning systems. They work well on darkening your skin either by lotion, spray or even natural supplements found in fruits and vegetables. All of these methods work to darken your skin, but fair warning, none of these will help protect you from the UV rays of the sun. If you do not wear sunblock no matter what, you can get sunburned when exposed.