By Shelby Spray, California Tan Sunless

“Hi, welcome to Fact or Cap where we’ll…”

If you immediately recognize that opening, congratulations, you have probably spent countless hours on TikTok like I have over the last year and a half. If you have no idea what I am talking about, allow me to explain. Even the most diehard holdouts have given into the dancing, trending, 60 seconds or less world of TikTok. People from all walks of life, from all over the world, have come together to share their life hacks, personal stories, dance moves, and more.

One of the biggest trends we have seen on TikTok is the absolute explosion of self-tanners and self-tanning tips. However, if I have learned anything in my 29 years of life, it’s that you can’t always trust what you see on a screen. Scores of new self-tanning products have popped up on the app, so I asked myself, are these just a trend or is it worth spending more for these products?

*Lab Coat Shelby enters the chat*

Before I weigh in on whether these products are worth the hype or not, let’s talk about the differences between a “meh” self-tanner and an “OMG when did you get back from vacation?” self-tanner. While DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and Erythrulose are found in many tanning products, it’s important to note how each work. DHA is a clear, sugar-derived extract whose amino acids react with your skin to provide a temporary darkening effect. Erythrulose has a composition like DHA and it reacts with your skin in a similar way. However, Erythrulose takes on average 24-48 hours to develop while DHA can develop in about 2-4 hours. When DHA and Erythrulose are used together, you are left with a darker, natural looking, streak-free, longer lasting sunless tan!

Click here to read the entire article in the latest issue of Smart Tan Magazine online.