Remember when there was just one Jergens self-tanner at the drugstore? Now, shopping for a bronzing solution can be quite daunting with serums, gels, mousses, sprays, and more lining the shelves.
Let's take a step back for a quick tanning history lesson. Dihydroxyacetone (aka DHA) is the ingredient you thank for staining your skin bronze. While it was recognized by German scientists in the 1920s for its skin-coloring properties, it didn't pick up much steam on beauty counters until the past decade. Since then, every brand from drugstore favorites, like Neutrogena and L'Oréal Paris, to luxe lines such as La Mer and Estée Lauder have entered the category. And if you feel overwhelmed about which formula to choose, we get it — and we're here to help. Keep reading to learn about all of the different types of self-tanner, so you can choose the best one for your skin type and needs.