accélérateur de bronzage

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 🤙).

Tanning Accelerator: How Does It Work?

Achieving the perfect skin tone is one thing, but ensuring that it's also tanned is a whole other challenge. Tanning accelerators are, unsurprisingly, a temptation that many people succumb to before summer (or throughout the year).

How Do Tanning Accelerators Work? Definition and Explanation of Their Functioning

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!

We Recommend

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Sun Formula

Synergy of 7 active ingredients to prepare and support your skin in the sun.

  • ✅ Enhanced tan
  • ✅ With natural carotenoids
  • ✅ 100% clean (guaranteed without additives & colorants)
  • ✅ 1 month of treatment
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Types of Tanning Accelerators: Creams, Sprays, Drops, Lotions… or Pills!

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.

tanning accelerator

What Are the Benefits of Tanning Accelerators?

The Tanning Accelerator to Reduce Sun Exposure Time While Maximizing the Tan

As you can see, the tanning accelerator is an interesting ally to achieve a tan without spending hours in the sun, while optimizing the tan effectively. And after months spent under gray skies, it’s always welcome!


✅ The advantage of self-tanning creams, sprays, or lotions? They boost the healthy glow effect quickly (but temporarily), even without sun exposure.


✅ As for supplements, the active ingredients they contain support the natural production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Dietary supplements contain ingredients like beta-carotene, which is studied for its effects on skin pigmentation.


The bottom line?

  1. Reduction of necessary sun exposure time;

  2. Minimization of UV-related risks when combined with sun protection;

  3. Achieving a uniform andlong-lasting tan.

Key Ingredients of Tanning Accelerators Under the Microscope

As mentioned earlier, tanning accelerators contain ingredients aimed at maximizing skin coloration (within individual limits!).

The Main Ingredients of Cosmetic Tanning Accelerators

  1. DHA (dihydroxyacetone): This active ingredient is also found in some hair dyes. DHA works on the keratin of the superficial layers of the epidermis and does not penetrate the deeper layers. Its application is actually a Maillard reaction: when it comes into contact with the skin’s amino acids, it colors them, similar to the chemical reaction that occurs when sugars and amino acids are cooked! DHA can be of natural or synthetic origin.

  2. Erythrulose: This ketose sugar derived from red fruits offers gradual skin coloration. It often works in synergy with DHA.

  3. Plant extracts: Some more “clean” self-tanners are enriched with plant extracts, such as carob or carrot.

  4. Hydrating agents and oils: The addition of aloe vera, shea butter, or coconut oil, to name a few, ensures proper skin hydration, resulting in a longer-lasting tan!

☝️ Team’s note: These products should be used daily to provide better effectiveness, and in no case do they replace sun protection! Except for a few references that also contain UV protection, most do not!

The Key Actives in Supplement Tanning Accelerators

  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.

tanning accelerator

How to Choose the Right Tanning Accelerator?

Regarding tanning accelerators in supplement form, several criteria should be considered when choosing one.

Essential Criteria for Selecting a Quality Product Suitable for Your Skin Type

Since any supplement can impact our well-being, it’s even more important to consider certain aspects:


Quality of the active ingredients: Ensure they are composed of natural active ingredients from quality sources, without GMOs or controversial ingredients.


Labels and brand transparency: Opt for patented or recognized formulas, which are a sign of quality, and products whose ingredient origins are clear and explicit! Bonus if they are made in France, of course!


Synergy and dosage: Ensure that the product is designed with active ingredients that maximize their effects together, and that the dos

Focus and Analysis of Our Complete Sun Formula

Although we are based in the Southwest, it doesn't mean we have tropical sun all year round! You asked for it, and we designed it: a complete Sun Formula, designed to enhance your glow and support gradual tanning, whether you have very fair or dark skin!


🌿 The secrets to its effectiveness? 7 active ingredients that work in synergy!


👉 Beta-carotene to help accelerate tanning while protecting the skin from UV damage.


👉 Lycopene and lutein, pigments from the carotenoid family, offering many benefits, including protecting the skin from oxidative stress and UV rays while helping achieve a beautiful complexion. Both are patented as Lycored®, a global reference in natural carotenoids for over 20 years!


👉 Copper, which participates in the production of melanin, the natural pigment responsible for skin coloration, with added benefits for the nervous system's function!


👉 Vitamin E, which contributes to protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.


👉 Burdock extract, a plant used in phytotherapy to contribute to skin radiance (not to mention its benefits for urinary discomforts!)


👉 Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), which contributes to skin healing and hydration and has beneficial effects on reducing acne.

tanning accelerator

Our Tips for Properly Using a Tanning Accelerator

A tanning accelerator should not be used haphazardly! When it comes to dietary supplements, certain practices are essential to ensure its effectiveness.

Methods to Maximize the Benefits of a Course

As with any supplementation, consistency is key!


➡️ Start your course at least 2 weeks before sun exposure and continue it for at least 2 weeks afterward.


➡️ We recommend following your course for 3 months, as this is how the body can fully benefit!

Importance of Skin Hydration and Additional Sun Protection

While a tanning accelerator can help with tanning, it does not replace a good lifestyle!


☀️ Any sun exposure requires the application of sun protection, with or without a complexion enhancer! We only have one skin, let's protect it!


💦 One of the first factors for healthy skin is, without a doubt, hydration. Be sure to drink at least 1.5 liters of water every day, more if you exercise.


🍽️ As for your diet, focus on proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (found in vegetable oils and seeds), and fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in carotenoids (peppers, tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, etc.).


Need advice? Don’t hesitate to send us a message, we’ll guide you in choosing the right dietary supplement for you!

FAQ

How to naturally accelerate your tan?

To accelerate tanning without risking your skin, fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids are your friends! A dietary supplement containing beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and copper will be very beneficial.

Are tanning accelerators good?

Like any cosmetic or dietary supplement, it is important to check the composition and manufacturing methods before choosing a product. Prefer non-controversial and well-dosed ingredients, and don't forget the presence of quality labels.

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