Consumer Perspective—Self-tanning and Skin Cancer Prevention

By: Katerina Steventon, PhD, FaceWorkshops

Posted: June 4, 2012, from the June 2012 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

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Self-tanner Challenges

The challenge for the skin care industry lies in formulating self-tanning products that deliver tanned, glowing skin. Self-tanning products enhanced with strong moisturizing benefits and low levels of DHA in the formulation, i.e., 2%, allow the tan to be lighter and build gradually. However, DHA presents formulators with issues in terms of long-term stability and evenness of color. A combination of strategies including the use of erythrulose, troxerutin, cyclodextrin and nanosphere encapsulation have been used to ensure slow and controlled release and to prevent skin irritation that can occur with free DHA.

The successful marketing of self-tanners should entail a mix of motivational messages with regard to skin cancer prevention, images of attractively tanned skin, detailed instructions of how to use self-tanning products, and free samples. To prevent consumer concerns regarding more visible pores, evenness of skin tone and increased skin dryness, self-tanning products should be launched as a part of a skin care routine including exfoliation to achieve an even skin surface and after-care to maintain high levels of hydration. Raising the awareness of good sunbathing habits and the use of UV skin imaging to reveal melanin deposits that are not visible to the naked eye will enable consumers to see the consequences of their sunbathing behavior, strengthening the impact of the preventive communication.

References

Send e-mail to katerinasteventon@yahoo.co.uk.

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