Can’t tan? Maybe you are DHA resistant
Are you naturally fair skinned? Have you had spray tans before thinking you would go dark quickly because of your fair skin, but instead you get little to no colour at all? Do you have to go the darkest shade of tan possible just to get a hint of colour?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, then it’s pretty safe to assume that your are DHA Resistant. You’re probably wondering – “what is DHA Resistance and what has it got to do with spray tanning my skin?!”.
Well, first of all, DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) is the active ingredient in spray tanning solutions. It’s the reason why your skin turns brown from a spray tan.
The scientific explanation according to Wikipedia is “DHA reacts chemically with the amino acids in the skin, which are part of the protein containing keratin layer on the skin surface. Different amino acids react to DHA in different ways, producing different tones of coloration from yellow to brown. The resulting pigments are called melanoidins. These are similar in coloration to melanin, the natural substance in the deeper skin layers which brown or “tan”, from exposure to UV rays.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dihydroxyacetone
Some people who are fair and cannot tan in the sun have a similar issue with DHA – it doesn’t have the same effect on them. Therefore DHA Resistant individuals often require a much higher dose of DHA just to get any colour whatsoever!
But never worry – I have dealt with a great number of clients with DHA Resistance with excellent results. Usually, it takes a few tans to know what colour suits you best anyway, and it’s no difference with DHA Resistance. Generally, I will give you a light tan to begin with (if you’ve never had a spray tan before) and assume you are NOT DHA Resistant…but then if no colour comes up, I will increase the strength of DHA to arrive at your perfect tan!
You should also know that it’s very common – and is not always just fair skinned people who are DHA Resistant… So you’re not the only one!!
Feel free to contact me or ask me in person if you have any questions about DHA Resistance.
Thanks
Georgie
