By Susan Jumonville
Before starting to explain what a sun tan lotion is, it should be told that almost all products that are created to be used when exposing to sun can be included in this category. Th sun tan lotion will allow the skin to get darker, but without ignoring the protection factor. But as with these products the protection level is minimum, the risks of getting sun burn are not completely excluded.
The protection level that is coming with sun tan lotion products from this category is usually under SPF 15. This is because these have the goal to offer a minimum protection from sun rays, allowing a gradual tanning at the same time. Due to the low level of protection against the sun, the sun tan lotion should not be used on kids or those having a light color.
In comparison, the sunscreen products are having as main goal to prevent the damages of the skin that can be caused by sun exposure. These are acting not only on the surface of the skin, but on the underlying layers as well. When the concentration of zinc and titanium oxide is higher, the product is known as sun block.
SPF protection for a sun tan lotion can start from 5 up to 8, but will never be higher than 15. Some of these lotions do not contain sunscreen ingredients at all. But the majority will help to obtain a faster tanning, due to the inclusion in the composition of a substance known as L-Tyrosine. Studies have showed that this ingredient stimulates the production of melanin.
The accelerating substances from a sun tan lotion will allow the skin to tan faster, comparing with the cases when a sunscreen product is used. This acceleration of tanning is caused by the stimulation of melanin production. Again, is important to remember that for longer exposures, the sun tan lotion is recommended to be replaced with a sunscreen product having a high SPF.
Other ingredients that can be found in a sun tan lotion are the copper, tea oil, green tea or many other oils. The hempseed oil is another popular ingredient that can be part of the composition of a sun tan lotion, as this is responsible with the hydration of the skin. All ingredients included in the composition of these types of lotions are added to help obtaining a beautiful and natural tan.
When exposing the skin for long periods of time under the rays of the sun, this can become dehydrated. Therefore, a proper sun tan lotion can prevent situations of getting sun burn, maintaining the skin smooth and healthy. In general a sun tan lotion and a classic moisturizing will contain the same substances responsible for hydration, excepting the alcohol that can damage the skin exposed to sun.
In case of prolonged exposures to the sun, the sun tan lotion should be replaced with a sunscreen product offering a high protection level. This is because the tanning accelerator will allow tanning faster, but it will not offer protection. A low sun tan lotion can increase the risks of damaging the skin, while a proper protection can reduce these risks.
About the Author:
Find out why people are raving about our Sun Tan Lotion by viewing our official site. Order your bottle of Sun Labs Self Tanning Mist by clicking the links on our homepage right now.