news_image2Most tanning solutions have DHA in them. The DHA slowly reacts with amino groups in the proteins of the top layers of the skin to create a brownish color. The reaction varies, but typically people tend to notice a color change anywhere from 4 to 16 hours after the DHA has been applied.

The color the DHA evokes has everything to do with the PH levels in a person’s skin and the percentage of DHA in the lotion or solution. Lotions sold at drug stores typically have between 2% and 5 % DHA levels while professional lotions and sprays will typically have anywhere between 6% and 12% DHA levels. The higher the level of DHA, the easier it is to spot mistakes, but the color is often darker.