How to use Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)?

The DHA is a sugar found in plants such as sugarcane or sugar beet. In skincare and haircare, it can be of synthetic or natural origin. When it is naturally derived, it is extracted through a biotechnological process involving microorganisms. Indeed, it is obtained through the fermentation of glycerol, which is itself extracted from plants such as rapeseed, corn, or beet.

From an organoleptic perspective, DHA is an odorless, crystalline white powder that is hydrophilic (water-soluble). This coloring agent interacts with the amine functions carried by the amino acids of dead cells in the corneal layer or keratin proteins present on the surface of hair through the Maillard reaction. This reaction leads to the formation of melanoidins, heterogeneous polymers responsible for the brown color.

In topical application, DHA is present in self-tanning products to provide a tan to the skin without having to expose oneself to the sun. You can find this active ingredient in our self-tanning serum DHA 10% + carob pulp extract, as well as in our body self-tanning gel DHA 5% + aloe vera. In hair application, this molecule is part of some natural dyes to darken hair and/or conceal the white hairs that appear over time.

DHA is used as an active ingredient in self-tanning products. This type of care is applied periodically, meaning each time you want to have a sun-kissed complexion, whether it's in the summer or in the dead of winter.

When it comes to the face, take a small amount and spread the serum, milk, or self-tanning cream using a brush or directly with your fingers by making circular motions. The treatment should be applied starting from the T-zone towards the extremities. Two to three drops of the treatment are enough to cover the face. Do not forget the ears and the neck. Allow the treatment to dry for at least 1 hour. Wash your hands immediately after.

Do the same for the body, this time using a larger amount. As with the face, you can apply the DHA-rich care with bare hands (don't forget to wash them well afterward) or with the help of latex gloves or a special self-tanning mitt. You can apply two successive layers of the self-tanning product on the legs, arms, décolleté... being lighter on the second application. The second layer enhances the tan in areas of the body that retain more light: the décolleté, the shoulders... Be sure to blend the product well in the body's transition areas such as the ankles, wrists, knees, or elbows (remove any excess with a tissue if necessary). Before getting dressed, wait at least one hour for the product to dry and not stain your clothes. Wait 3 hours before going under water or even 24 hours if you want a quick tanning effect.

Tip : To achieve an even tan, it is recommended to exfoliate the day before. This step helps to remove dead skin cells and optimize the duration of the tan. You can, for example, use the nourishing scrubfor the body and the brightening scrubfor the face. If you prefer a solid soap, the exfoliating cleansing carewith poppy allows you to gently exfoliate the skin while nourishing it. Made with 100% natural ingredients, it contains poppy seeds, cornmeal, organic olive oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil.