(By: Betty Payne)

It seems that Americans will never tire of getting that glowing tan. This is manifested in the fact that,according to the IndoorTanning Association,indoor tanning is a $5 billion industryand it is still expected to grow! At the end of 2009, the sunless tanning segment of the indoor tanning industry was anticipated to rise to 17%, as predicted by IBISWorld, a research company specializing on industry reports. The growth of the sunless tanning segment is a response to the economic recession being experienced in the U.S. How so? Because indoor tanning salon sessions are extremely more expensive than buying sunless tanning products and self tanning, the latter has increasingly become the popular choice for many Americans who want to stretch their dollars.


And so, with the rising popularity of sunless tanning lotions, creams and sprays, coupled with the fact that Americans want to save money on luxuries, beauty companies have found ways to answer to the consumers demands. And the answer they have provided is the creation of a combination of sunless tanning and anti-aging creams. In this sense, the consumers are getting two products in one. Nowadays, people who want to sport that healthy tan and develop a younger looking skin can buy anti-aging creams and lotions that have the technology of sunless tanning.

The question to ask now is, Is this really possible or are these beauty companies just pulling our leg? Anti-aging self tanning products use the combination of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) that is the main ingredient of sunless tanning products and the peptide called Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Penta peptide), an active ingredient made famous in creams that aim to reduce stretch marks. DHA is a colorless sugar that causes a darkening reaction when applied to the skin, while Matrixyl is a type of amino acid that induces the production of elastin, collagen and Hyaluronan (also called hyaluronic acid). Elastin makes the skin elastic and supple; collagen makes the skin firm and smooth; and when maintained at optimal levels, Hyaluronan, dubbed as the key to the fountain of youth, hinders premature skin aging and lessens the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.


With these potent active ingredients combined in a tube that promises anti-aging capabilities and sunless tanning effects, consumers are given the opportunity for self tanning that does not only interfere with their anti-aging creams, but also serves to enhance their effects. Many beauty companies are now producing products that combine the active ingredients dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and Matrixyl. The process has been found to be safe as the ingredients complement each other. Hence, self tanning technology has become more innovative and more cost-efficient. The ability of the sunless tanning segment of the indoor tanning industry to innovate and create new products targeted towards the more practical American who still want to invest in their physical appearance. So, for that healthy golden brown and youthful skin, you can try anti-aging self tanning products. They are proven to be both safe and effective.