Re: How does self- tanning lotion make your skin tan?

Katherine,
Fake tanning lotions, sprays and creams contain synthetic or vegetable 
dyes which temporarily paint the skin brown. They bind to the skin and 
come off when the dead skin cells flake off. The time for which they last 
varies with the product. They offer no protection against sunlight. 
Although some newer brands do include a SPF 15 (or higher) Sunscreen, the 
protection from the sunscreen does not last for the length of time the tan 
remains on the skin. The sunscreen will only provide a few hours of 
protection from the time of application. To prevent sunburn a regular SPF 
15+ (or higher) broad-spectrum sunscreen should be applied prior to sun 
exposure.

There have also been tablets (taken by mouth) available. These contain 
beta-carotene which is a Vitamin A related chemical responsible for the 
orange colour of carrots and a number of other orange fruit and 
vegetables. They produce a rather unnatural orange colour to the skin 
which may remain for several weeks after stopping the tablets. It may 
remain for several months on the palms and soles, even when the colour has 
disappeared from other parts of the skin. These offer no protection from 
sunlight whatsoever.

Hope this helps, and thanks for using MadSci Network.

DrJim   :o)