Tanning accelerator: The key to a perfect tan? We tell you everything.

The sunny days are here, and let's just say we love it... No weather debates in this article, I promise! 🤞

But let's talk about a topic that doesn't have everyone in agreement: the tanning accelerator. Also known as a tanning activator, it can refer to beauty products (oil, lotion, serum, cream, etc.) or supplements (tablets or capsules) designed to prepare the skin for sun exposure and ensure faster coloration.

Between urban pollution and our daily life indoors, it's not easy to get a tan in just a few days or weeks of vacation. And on top of that, hoping the weather cooperates.

But the tanning activator raises questions: how to ensure its effectiveness and safety? Which format to choose? How to optimize the natural tan of the skin without the risks associated with UV?

The Novoma team looked into the matter: we'll tell you everything in this article (guaranteed without weather analysis 🤙).

The idea is simple: a tanning accelerator aims to facilitate and prolong the tanning of the skin:

1. ➡️ Either by applying cosmetic products acting externally and containing specific ingredients;
2. ➡️ Or by taking supplements containing certain vitamins, nutrients, and plant extracts to naturally optimize and accelerate skin coloration (more on that below!).

Often, externally applied complexion enhancers contain:

1. Tyrosine: Tyrosine is an amino acid involved in the synthesis of melanin, a natural pigment of the skin. Tyrosine is found in significant amounts in food (animal proteins, seafood, algae, etc.).
   
   

2. Copper: this essential trace element is one of the ingredients often found in tanning accelerators. It supports melanin production by the body and ensures an even distribution of the tan (which is more aesthetically pleasing, let's be honest).
   
   

3. Moisturizing agents: externally applied tanning accelerators often contain moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter or aloe vera, known for their nourishing effect on the skin. The reason? A well-nourished skin holds a tan longer!

   
   

4. Bronzing agents: tanning products contain bronzing agents such as DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) and Erythrulose (a ketose sugar derived from red fruits). They quickly brown the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin), but the effect fades just as quickly.

The advantage of these products? They providea temporary tan while waiting for natural coloration through sun exposure or during the winter season, to give you a healthier look.

☝️ Note from the team: bronzing agents raise two concerns in our view. The first is that they do not protect against UV rays (unless they contain sun protection). The second is that the rest of the composition is not always the "cleanest"… We’ll explain more right after!

Before talking about the “in” option (dietary supplements), let’s discuss the “out” option (sunscreen products that accelerate tanning).

➡️ Most cosmetic sunscreen products labeled as “self-tanning” contain compounds designed to stabilize the ingredients that affect skin coloration or to facilitate their absorption. They come in the form of creams, sprays, lotions, serums, or drops.

As with any other skincare product, this should be the first thing to check if you opt for a self-tanning cream or spray, as some ingredients, colorants, or emulsifiers can cause discomfort and skin reactions.

If in doubt, you can visit the INCI beauty website to check the composition of a cosmetic product (and its potential risks).

That said, there are also certified organic self-tanners containing only pure vegetable oils and natural pigments, which are generally safer for the skin (and limit environmental impact 🌏).

➡️ On the supplement side, the focus is on vitamins, essential nutrients, and plant extracts that contribute to skin pigmentation.

The most practical form? Capsules or tablets, or even ampoules to be diluted in a drink, it’s your choice! But be careful, choose a trusted brand with quality active ingredients and proper dosage.

1. L-Tyrosine: Mainly found in animal proteins, this non-essential amino acid is provided by diet and synthesized by the body from phenylalanine. Tyrosine is involved in the synthesis of catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, DOPA), thyroid hormones, and melanin, hence its effect on skin pigmentation!
   
   

2. Lycopene and Lutein: These carotenoids act as powerful antioxidants while protecting the skin from the effects of the sun. Since the body cannot synthesize these pigments, they must be obtained through diet!
   
   

3. Beta-carotene: This precursor of vitamin A has an action on melanogenesis, the process of melanin production in the skin, but that’s not all! It ensures the proper functioning of the retina and vision quality, while also contributing to bone development and protection.
   
   

4. Copper: This trace element contributes to the formation of tendons and cartilages, proper bone mineralization, red blood cell production, and melanin synthesis! It ensures proper iron transfer in the blood, the functioning of the immune system, and the maintenance of normal connective tissues.