WHAT IS DHA AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Story of DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) DHA was first used as an active ingredient during research on the treatment of diabetics, some of whom tolerated DHA better than glucose.

In 1957 the tanning properties of DHA were discovered in a children’s hospital. DHA was administered orally as a treatment of a childhood glycogen storage disease. DHA’s tanning mechanics have been explored since resulting in an improved method of application, a more natural looking and more uniform tan.

The Browning Action

When DHA is applied to the skin; a brown “tan” forms in about 2 to 3 hours. The tan continues to darken for up to 20 hours. The result can be a quite pleasing dark tan. The tan is absolutely water-resistant and diminishes only as the dead cells of the stratum corneum flake off – usually in 5-7 days. Some people expect a tan to provide UV protection. However, unlike the melanin pigments, the DHA-derived polymers do not absorb significant amounts of UV light, and therefore, cannot protect against UVB radiation. However, a DHA tan can be considered a UVA sunscreen to some extent.