If you are unhappy with your spray tan, bored with it, or its beginning to fade it probably has to go. Whether you want to get rid of your fading tan or remove it from certain areas the solution is easier than you may think.
Spray tan was not designed to stick to you for months anyway and it is very vulnerable to several elements and factors, so its normal that you may want to speed up its removal. If you are wanting to remove your spray tan it is better to do it right, instead of doing a messy job and staying covered in streaks or spots for days.
Here you will find information that will be of use to you. Follow our instructions and you will find the process of removing your spray tan as easy and convenient, as getting your tan sprayed.
How to remove spray tan from skin after application
The easiest way to get rid of your fake tan is do it right after you exit the tan cubicle or put the air gun away. Of course, people do not often grow unsatisfied with their tan right after they get it, but anything can happen. If something bothers you about your tan or you feel that you do not like yourself a few shades darker, just carefully wipe your tan away with a damp cloth or wash rag. Make sure to do it evenly and thoroughly, to avoid having mismatched skin color for a couple of days.
Professional studios usually dry your spray tan after applying it. This makes the task a bit harder for you, but it can still be done. Hop into the shower or bath, make sure that the water is acceptably hot and soapy. Then grab an exfoliating mitt and body scrub. Make sure to be thorough, but not too hard: you just want to get the tan off your skin, not irritate it. One product that can assist in removing a spray tan that has been on your skin for a few days is the Bondi Sands Self Tanner Remover. This remover is applied to dry skin first, followed by a shower with warm water and soap. This product is gentle on your skin and contains a moisturizer to leave your skin smooth and your color more even.
Another new product that is easy to use is Tan Remover Soap by Model Co. This product works quickly to remove any old self- tan or spray tan build up, streaks, or residue. The soap does act as a pumice in order to polish and exfoliate the skin. You can also use this on your skin prior to getting a spray tan in order to remove the dead, dry skin first.
There are plenty of exfoliating gloves that will assist you in getting your skin back to its original color. A good one to use is the Tan Removing and Skin Polishing Glove by Loving Tan. This salon-quality exfoliating mitt will help you reach all the areas that have been spray tanned, and is also machine washable for easy clean up.
You do not always have to buy separate products to get rid of the tan. You can try to create your own tan-removing solution from the things you have at home and they might be as effective or similarly effective. You can try a combination of baby oil and baking soda or a little baby oil mixed with sea salt. Both the baking soda and sea salt may work as an effective exfoliator in helping to remove your tan. However, if your tan is especially dark or has not started to fade on its own you may need the help of some of the products mentioned above. The main thing to remember is to gently scrub your skin and do not use anything that is too harsh or irritating.
Before we present you with the best outdoor tanning lotions, let’s talk about the risks of exposing yourself to the sun. There is a long ongoing debate whether to sunbathe or not. Does it cause melanoma? If so, what about the health benefits of sunlight, like the production of Vitamin D? According to the National Institutes of Health, not getting enough sunlight can even cause a form of depression knows as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
Let’s be honest: We will not stop going into the sun. We love it. We even need it. But, we need to stay safe while doing so.
Minimizing the risks
Delicate touch of the best sun cream for a dark tan provides your skin with a thin layer of protection. Whether you’re staying closer to home this summer or going abroad, please minimize the chance of getting sun burning or provoking skin cancer. Practice sun safety!
What you should know about sun cream ingredients
Using nature-based ingredients is the key to sun safety, but don’t rely on them alone. Sun creams and tanning lotions undoubtedly provide valuable protection against harmful UV rays due to the following components:
Limit the time you spent in the sun; this is crucial! There is no need to spend hours sunbathing. 15 Minutes per day can be enough to give your body the Vitamin D it needs. If you tend to have darker skin that doesn’t burn easily, the best sun cream for a dark tan will fit your particular needs. It can help you achieve gorgeous attractive tan you desire without distressful burning and protect against the sun’s harmful rays. If you use the right tanning accelerator or intensifier, this will also be sufficient to get a nice tan after a few sessions.
Get a base tan. You are at the highest risk of skin cancer when you get a sunburn. So start small with 5 – 10 minutes sunbathing a day and increase in small steps. When you notice you’re getting a sunburn, take a break until the sunburn wears off. It is also advisable to use sunscreen. You can use tan accelerators that come with SPF or just use a sunscreen first and then apply the tanning lotion on top of it. Get a great looking tan and prevent sunburn at the same time, that’s a win-win.
Moisturize! This is one of the best ways to minimize the risk of getting a sunburn. A well-moisturized skin also looks better and slows down the aging process. You don’t want to look all leathery and wrinkled, just because your skin got too dry. The best tanning intensifiers also moisturize your skin very well.
Use the best sun cream for a dark tan before exposing yourself to the sun. The most popular sun creams with SPF30 or SPF50 contain an ultra-light and hydrating formula that protects your skin perfectly from the sun’s rays. It leaves your skin feeling non-greasy and silky. Don’t keep a sun cream for longer than year, as it can make the UV protection ineffective. Remember, even the high-quality sun cream has limited shelf life.
UVA filters: absorb UVA light; sensitise your skin; can provoke allergic reactions;
UBV filters: absorb UVB light; deflect radiation from your skin; are common irritants;
Sunblocks (titanium and zinc oxide): smooth and easy to blend; contain new high-tech formula with fine micro-pigments; are less irritating than most chemical products;
Preservatives (parabens): prevent zinc or titanium oxide from breaking down and not working in a proper way;
Sunburn preventers (aspirin-like chemicals): act as antiseptics; prevent sunburn; allergic to those who are sensitive to aspirin;
Skin protectors: (PABAS, include ethyl dihydropropyl PABA, p-aminobenzoic acid, padimate A, padimate-O, and glyceryl PABA): act as local anaesthetic; can irritate skin, but at the same time prevent skin damage.
You have to keep the lotion on your skin for a couple of hours. With a standard tanning intensifier, you can just wash it off, and it doesn’t affect your tan, as long as you moisturize afterward. A bronzer hast to stay on your skin to develop your tan.
Bronzers can give you streaks if not applied evenly. Tanning lotions without it are move forgiving when it comes to uneven application.
Stains on your clothes can also be a consequence. While tanning intensifiers may leave some color on your clothes, they’re usually washable. A bronzer is made to stick (to your skin!), but because of that it can also stain your clothes and is not so easily removable.
It is also necessary to clean the palm of your hands immediately after applying it. Otherwise, these will stain too. Better yet: use gloves or an application mitt.
It is up to you in the end, which one you prefer. We give you the best sunbathing lotions, whether they have a bronzer or not.
Beware of fake lotions
If you buy on Wallmart and take a look at the reviews, you will sometimes see some negative reviews which mostly state, that the product either doesn’t work and/or smells bad. While the effectiveness of a product may vary on different skin types, there shouldn’t be a big difference in opinion about the smell.
Unfortunately there are some fake products out there. We want to help you avoid buying and using these products. Here is what you can do:
1. Buy directly from Wallmart. Almost always, you will find other sellers who offer the same product on Wallmarts website. For them to get people to buy from them instead of Wallmart, they sell the products at slightly cheaper prices. While there are good sellers out there, we recommend buying from Wallmart directly, even if it costs a bit more.
2. Check if the bottle has been opened before. Some products get delivered with a seal, make sure it is not broken. Some products should come in their own packaging. If you only get a bottle with no additional packaging, you might have gotten a fake product.
3. Smell it. If you buy a tanning lotion that is supposed to have a pleasant fragrance but you get a stinky product, something is not right. Most fake products only use the original bottle and fill it with some cheap, smelly stuff.
Finally: The Best Outdoor Tanning Lotions
Now that we got all the necessary information we can finally talk about the best tanning intensifiers and accelerators for you. It is practically impossible to pinpoint only one “best tanning lotion”. Therefore, we give you a selection of 4 products, which we believe to be the best.
Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion
We just told you; it is hard to pick the best tanning lotion, but if we were forced to give our #1 pick it would be Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion.
This product is very versatile. Not only does it give you a more intense tan if you already have a good one, but it is also totally suitable for beginners with no tan. That means you do not have to switch to another lotion once you get your base tan, and you can even share it with your partner if you have a different tan.
Even if you have a fair skin complexion, this product will not disappoint you. You will achieve a beautiful color, very fast. And all this without any bronzers. So no fear of streaking or ruining your clothes.
Another great thing is that you can use it both for outdoor tanning and indoor tanning as well. So, once summer is over and you have to head to the tanning salon you can still keep using this one.
Every good tanning product must contain a good moisturizer, and Australian Gold made it one of the best in their Hot Maximum Intensifier Lotion. It will make your skin smooth and look fresh while making the tan lasting as long as possible.
Of course, if you spent much time with a product on your skin you want it to smell good. Customers just love the smell and describe it as a yummy bubble gum smell.
There is no doubt that Australian Gold is one of the best tanning product manufacturers in the world. That’s why they have two products on our top list.
The SPF15 Lotion shares a lot of good qualities with the Hot Maximum Intensifier, but there are two major differences.
First, this is, in fact, a lotion and not oil. Some people prefer lotions over oil because they do not like the oily touch on their skin. Also, lotion usually gets absorbed more quickly by the skin. If you belong to this group, the SPF15 Lotion may be a better fit for you.
Second, this one contains a bronzer and is the only product on our list that does so. With a bronzer, you get a tan more quickly, but beware that this is not a real tan and not as long lasting and the actual tan you get from the sunbathing. So, part of your tan will fade away more quickly, the part that was achieved using the bronzer.
The actual suntan will last you a long time though, just as we are used to from Australian Gold products.
Australian Gold signature smell the “bubble gum” can also be found in this lotion and leaves you with a sweet fragrance.
If you are looking for your best bang for buck, look no further. Sunny Day Golden-Glow Self Tanning Lotion Pro is one of the best outdoor tanning lotions out there and for a very affordable price.
Sunny Day Golden-Glow Self Tanning Lotion Pro is now the #1 bestselling tanning product in Hawaii. They do not care for a luxurious looking bottle but rather for the quality of their product. And it works very well.
Sunny Day Golden-Glow Self Tanning Lotion Pro gives you all you want and need from an incredible tanning lotion.
You will get tanned very fast and keep it for a long time, which is what we want most from a product like this. And all this without the use of a bronzer. Talk about quality!
Because there is no bronzer you do not have to worry about staining your clothes. But, this is a thick, brown lotion, and it will leave some residue on your clothes until you wash them. So make sure to rub it in very well before you put on clothes.
The lotion is also water resistant, which is probably a must if you live in Hawaii since you spent more of your day on a surfing board. If you don’t have the luxury of sunshine all year around, you can use this lotion also in a tanning bed.
This lotion contains oil and, therefore, will be oily on your skin. Also, because it is water resistant, you need to make sure to clean yourself thoroughly after your sunbath. A simple jump into the ocean will not get the lotion off your skin.
People like the smell of this lotion, and it can best be described as coffee-caramel.
The last one on our list of the best outdoor tanning lotions is the Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil.
The Dark Tanning Oil will give you exactly what its name promises: A dark (golden) tan, which is achieved through a mix of different rich tanning oils and no SPF. This makes this product not suitable for fair skin, and we recommend one of the other products on our list.
If you just cannot get enough of its heavenly coconut fragrance (which maybe makes it the best smelling tanning product ever), but have pale skin, please apply a sunscreen to your skin and the tanning oil on top of it.
One downside is the use if mineral oil, which makes it unsuitable for long tanning sessions, since mineral oil supposedly damages the skin and accelerates aging. Please keep your sessions to a 30-minute maximum and make sure to get rid of all the oil after tanning.
What makes this product so attractive is the price, as it is the most affordable tanning product on this list.
If you want to give your skin a healthy tan, but are afraid of the harm UV rays may do to you, there is an alternative solution – literally. Fake tan is a spray solution that creates a fine, sun-kissed shade once applied to the skin.
How long do such spray-on tans last? The sceptics usually consider a fake span to be a short-term way to look tanned, which does not cover the expenses. Nevertheless, the length of spray-on tan’s effect differs, according to the solution’s components and type of spray tanning.
Spray tanning in a booth
A quick way to get a great tan in 10 minutes. After walking into a cubicle and standing under nozzles, you will be enjoying your new, summer look. This way is particularly popular among people, who are very serious about their privacy and do not like to be touched by others.
The booth tan will stay with you for 3-5 days, depending on the quality of the solution.
Studio airbrush
It is the most common option for those, who wish to do spray tans that last for long. With skillful hands of professional technicians and their air guns, you will have the tanning solution spread evenly on your skin. In 20-25 minutes, you will walk out of the studio boasting a new, healthy and natural tan. For your comfort, an expert with an air gun and a tent to keep the mess out can come and perform the procedure in your home, however it would cost you much more.
How long do professional spray tans last? For 7-10 days – this is, probably, the most long-term effect that can be achieved.
Home airbrush
Deciding to spray tan by yourself will surely save you money due to availability of spray tanning kits as well as airbrush tanning tips for beginners. However, this way is more messy and time-consuming, Also, it requires some precautions like goggles and face mask to avoid inhaling the spray mist or getting it in your eyes. The longevity of that effect depends on the quality of the tan spray. In average, the tan from home airbrushing remains for 5-7 days.
Spray Tanning Tips
Now, it is important to remember, that it is not normal for a spray tan, even the most natural, to last for months. It will peel off sooner or later, according to the natural exfoliation process, because many spray tans affect only the outer skin layer – and they are not supposed to go any further.
Considering the above-mentioned information, you have 4-7 days in average, before your tan starts fading away naturally. However, it does not mean that you cannot enjoy your tan just for a little bit longer. There are ways to keep your golden, olive and chocolate shade and slow down the fading process and many people have been successfully using them.
It is time for you to know these spray tan tips and tricks.
Take a break in your pool and sea swimming. The pool water contains chlorine, which affects and dissolves the solution, so the tan will fade much faster. Sea salt has the same effect, so if you want to keep your tan, you would want to stay on the shore for a while;
Know your skin type. It is essential for determining how long your spray tans last for. For instance, dry skin is more likely to hold the tan for long, while oily skin not hold the shade for long;
Forget about sponges, scrubs, scrubbing and feeling solutions if you do not want to rub your tan off within the first days. Use soft shower gels and less textured spongers to maintain your shade;
One of the key tips on spray tanning is the professional approach. First of all, experts know how to pick products with the best concentration of DHA – the very chemical that gives you the tan – and how to dry it properly. Therefore, going to a salon will be the most convenient solution.
You can learn more about treating your fake tanned skin and maintaining your spray tan on our Spray Tap Tips page, where even more secrets and spray-on tan tips will be shared with you.
We all love the perfect tan… that wonderful luminous-caramel tone which makes us feel beautiful, look “outdoors-ey” and athletic – and 10-pounds thinner! But few of us have the luxury of lounging at pool-side or flying away to some tropical, pearly-white beach to work on our bronze skin tones. There’s still hope though, even if you did spend the summer in front of the game-console and your vacation helping grandma clean out her garage – and it all begins with the best indoor tanning lotions!
Whether you choose to tan under sunlamps, enwrap yourself in a sun bed or use the best indoor tanning lotion to gain your luscious glow – you need to do a little homework to make sure you’re tanning “healthfully” and in the safest way you can. After all, no one wants skin cancer or wrinkles – premature or otherwise!
To help make it easier for you, we’ve edited the tons of information on tanning best tanning lotion for indoor tanning and the “best” methods to get one, and waded through the misinformation that’s around, too. We’ve even taken on some of the conflicting info and the debates, such as the ongoing one between the American Suntanning Association which supports this billion-dollar industry, and such trusted medical experts as The Natural Institutes of Health.
They both offer good arguments on whether sun beds are “safe” for tanning. (See our article: Are Tanning Beds Safe?) As with anything that’s worth learning, it’s best to start with the basics, leading to the best indoor tanning lotions.
Tanning 101
Your delicate skin is the largest organ of your body. And it is delicate even if it’s calloused and rough. It’s your body’s first line of defense against injury and invading illness – serving a much greater purpose than we typically think about when we perfume it, powder it, wash it or lip-stick it! That’s why, we should protect our skin, especially against the harmful UV rays, and the indoor tanning lotion will help us!
In fact, we rarely think about our skin until an unsightly zit or wart appears or it’s injured and speaks to us through pain. Yet changes in our skin often give us our first indication that something is wrong on the inside. Our skin does a lot for us and we could be kinder to it – especially when tanning, which directly affects it. In case of using tanning bed for gorgeous tan, we can’t do without the best indoor tanning lotion!
All methods of tanning: in sunshine, under a sunlamp or within a sun bed, use ultra violet light to darken our complexions. UV-light affects “melanin” in our skin, a part of the pigment that determines our natural-skin coloring and which helps to determine our tan coloring. This natural substance works to keep us healthy in numerous ways: it can absorb modest amounts of sunlight and turn it into energy, and reduce loss of folate – a Vitamin-B Complex found in green, leafy vegetables and in citrus fruits. One of the jobs of this important complex is to help protect both female eggs and male sperm.
Sunlight, in any form, is a miracle for our bodies! Moderate doses of it reduces swelling and inflammation, fights insomnia and helps us to sleep better overall, promotes skeletal health, and creates serotonin and dopamine which are natural mood elevators. It’s also our only natural source of Vitamin D, which has been proven to be of such benefit to the human body that it can even lower high blood-pressure, reported WebMD in its January 20th issue.
Sunlight is so important to our physical makeup and overall well-being that without we’d all develop serious illnesses and diseases and – of course, die!
At first look tanning seems to supply the answers to all modern-day medical problems! Yet before you go out and invest in a sunlamp or sign up for 20 sun-bed sessions this week, it’s best to get the full story! There are also huge downsides to tanning (Of course! Nothing’s that good!). And by all means don’t forget to use the best indoor tanning products for fair skin, if you have pale and delicate complexion. Your health –as well as your skin – depend upon it.
Unlike lotions you wear at the beach that contain a Sun Protection Factor intended to block out the sun’s most harmful rays, the indoor tanning lotions you use for sunlamps and sun beds are meant to enhance tanning – not to block it, so they usually don’t contain an SPF.
Your tanning lotion with an SPF of 15 or higher that you slather on while playing frisbee in the park or sunning at the beach is exactly what The American Cancer Society recommends. The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency takes it a step further and recommends SPFs of 30 or greater to protect your tender skin. Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the U.S. Almost 3.5 million new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, and the numbers are rising. It affects all skin types: fair and adorably freckled, olive-toned and sexy, and dark and beautiful.
Yet skin cancer is also one of the most easily preventable – so keep slathering! These SPF-saturated lotions are meant to be worn when you’re exposed to the harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun, even if you’re outdoors for only a few minutes.
But these won’t work with sun lamps or sun beds.
SPFs can block tanning under artificial conditions and can damage the acrylic and resin components of a sun bed. No worries, though – as we’ve done the research, and are supplying you with our choices of the best indoor tanning lotions.
Like everything else, there is choice after choice of indoor-tanning lotions on store shelves and in tanning salons, So how do you know which lotion is right for you? Some contain tea oil, copper, even green tea. And what’s an “accelerant” versus a “bronzer?” It’s enough to make you decide to live with skin that’s so untouched by sunlight in any form that it glows in the dark … almost!
First and foremost – no matter which indoor tanning lotion you choose – you need to protect your precious derma! ALL tanning damages the skin to some degree and can quickly dry out your skin, and what good is gorgeously bronzed skin if it looks like worn shoe leather?
Remember, a suntan and a sunburn are only degrees or minutes apart from each other! One minute too long under any UV light can cause a bad burn. And scientists warn that individuals who get sunburned, especially if it’s a bad burn or acquired while young, are more susceptible to skin cancers. Any one, at any age, and of any complexion CAN get skin cancer – so “protect,” “protect,” “protect” cannot be over-emphasized!
Don’t forget that the tanning process for fair skin is quite different from those who have darker colored skin. In order to achieve your desired tan color, you should use the best indoor tanning products for fair skin. Usually, they include the high-quality tanning lotions with hydrates that smooth and soften your skin while darkening it.
And using the right tanning lotion under each condition is a crucial step for darkening without drying, without burning, and without watching your tan simply peel away in 10 days time.
You begin and end with…
The Best Indoor Tanning Lotion
The whole purpose of tanning is to improve how you look, so always choose products which contain good moisturizers! Here are some we’ve selected – in fact, the best indoor tanning lotions! (ALL have received rave reviews.)
2010 Swedish Love Me Tanning Lotion
A great lotion for beginners, 2010 Swedish Beauty Shea “You Love Me” Tanning Lotion is the product for getting your base on – your base tan, that is! Sensually creamy and moisture-intensive, this lotion is hypoallergenic and works well in protecting pale or sensitive skin. Those prone to burns and new tanners especially appreciate this product! It also doesn’t stain clothing or make you smell like a coconut grove! Like all products in Swedish Beauty’s Botnica Collection, “You Love Me” infuses grape-seed oil to tighten and tone skin as you brown, black tea extract, and a booster and enhancer – all to help you get “color” faster. This one of the best indoor tanning products for fair skin also almost entirely “paraben (preservative)- free.” Amazon consumer reviews rate this near-perfect product at just under 5 stars – its highest rating! Comments range from “amazing,” “fabulous,” to “a wonderful mix of quality product and price!” (Really – look it up!) The 8.5-ounce-size offers good value for a this sensible and self-pampering product!
This indoor tanning lotion unleashes the power of Mother Earth to provide one of the darkest, deepest possible tans – without drying skin or leaving it looking aged! Volcanic minerals combine with thermal geo-energy to give you warmth – without the burn – and turns even “plateau-ed” tans into color that the gods of Olympus would envy! One of the best indoor tanning products for fair skin refreshes it to give you a youthful-appearance through Designer Skin’s exclusive SunStay moisturizers. The deep-penetrating system bathes skin in long-lasting hydrators, which reverse and repair the aged-look that tanning can sometimes create. It warms the skin (proof it’sworking), without over-powering sensations, as its ingredients go to work to produce a creamy color that only this combination can produce. Leaves skin feeling moist, smooth and restored! Amazon rates this product at almost 5-stars, as it does allthe products that The Tanning Both recommends. The 13.5-ounce size is perfect for your tanning regimen.
Designer Skin’s Bombshell Lotion 100xx Dark Tanning Bronzer
This indoor tanning lotion is “the bomb!” Users credit the product’s intensive “tingle” action for exploding their color to new depths of richer, darker hues! Bombshell employs multi-layer, deep moisturizers and some serious darkening tools for a tan you can’t achieve with UV light alone. A strong “tingler” puts skin to work in melanin production with action you know is working! A rich accelerator boosts the process – even after you’ve left the sun bed. You spend more time actually darkening, not frying and drying your skin under sun-damaging UV light. Its bronzer is immediate and gives natural-looking color that enhances what you get from a sun bed or lamp. Best indoor tanning lotion for pale skin! No fake yellow or orange tones! Formulated with such natural ingredients as white tea and soy, with CoQ10 – a proven tanner -Bombshell is a great product for you first experience with a “tingler! ” But beware – you should have a good base-coat before you advance to this experienced-tanners product! Smells like bubblegum!
Australian Gold Professional Dark Tanning Lotion Accelerator
This one is perfect for those tanners who are ready for some base-coat color! This A-One product boasts an accelerator, which increases blood flow and oxygen to the outer layers of the skin to boost melanin production – that miraculous natural substance that produces “color.” When exposed to UV rays, this same substance that determines that our “au natural” coloring also helps us turn that luscious brown! The more melanin we create – the better the party for our tans! The accelerant in Australian Gold provides this quicker base tan, to give you that first hint of color that separates you from the rest of the snow-white crowd! Amazon reviewers love this indoor tanning lotion, its price – and its gentleness on sensitive skin while it promotes great color! Even first-time tanners and those prone to fry loved this product – and gave it practically 5 stars!
This indoor tanning lotion contains innovative ingredients that serves two purposes: an accelerator for quicker, darker tanning, with an activator to prolong the tanning process after you’ve completed your indoor-tanning session. Beware, though – this advanced-tanner product may be too strong for sensitive skin or new tanners who are more prone to burns. We recommend the 13.5. ounce.
People are getting more and more aware of the risks that are involved in tanning using traditional methods. Whether from sunbathing or from tanning beds, the harsh UV rays can cause serious damages, if you do not take the right precautions. The threat of premature ageing of skin, sunburns and malicious skin cancer has pushed many sun worshippers to shun the sun and opt for other solutions. So, how to look like a sun-kissed goddess while still avoiding the damage from the harsh UV rays? Sunless tanners or self-tanners allow you to achieve that gorgeous golden glow, eliminating the need to bake yourself under the sun.
There is no need to risk your health anymore. You can still achieve that warm, sunny glow on your skin with a variety of sunless tanners available in the market. What is the best self tanner for fair skin? Are they safe to use? Will they really make you look naturally tanned? Accompany us on this trail to seek answers to all of these questions and find some of the best self tanners along the way. Ready?
What are different types of self-tanning products?
Self-tanners, also known as fake tanners, are available in many forms such as lotions, creams, tanning towels (also called towelettes and wipes), bottle sprays, airbrush spray tan, temporary bronzers and even tanning pills. The primary ingredient in almost all self-tanning products is DHA or dihydroxyacetone. However, other chemicals are also used in some self-tanners. Are they all safe to use? What makes a product the best self tanner? Let us explore in details and find out what experts have to say.
DHA or Dihydroxyacetone
DHA is a colorless chemical that is extracted from plant sources such as sugar beets and sugar cane. When applied to the skin, it reacts with the dead skin cells present in the outer most layer of the skin. This reaction results in a change of skin color, giving it a tanned appearance. DHA doesn’t penetrate the outer layer and its action is limited to the surface only. It is just like when the surface of a sliced apple takes a brown hue when it reacts with air. As the skin begins to peel off or exfoliate naturally within a few days, the tan fades away too.
Tyrosine lotion
There are self-tanners that contain the amino acid tyrosine. This amino acid stimulates the production of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment that gives colour to our skin.
Self-Tanning pills or Canthaxanthin pills
These sunless tanning products are meant for oral consumption and are not applied to the skin directly. These pills contain a chemical called canthaxanthin that is absorbed by the layers of fat in the body, including the layers that are located under the skin. This chemical is commonly used as a coloring agent in food and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But it is important to note that the FDA doesn’t approve the use of canthaxanthin as a skin tanning agent, because as a coloring agent in food, only small quantities are enough. A large amount of this chemical is used in the self-tanning pills. If consumed in large quantities, it is known to cause severe health problems including damage to the eyes, the digestive system and the liver.
Are self-tanners safe to use?
Sunless tanning products are a great alternative to achieve a sun-kissed glow to a traditionally tan you get either by sunbathing or using tanning beds. This helps you to minimize the risks of developing serious skin conditions such as skin burn and melanoma or skin cancer. Self-tanning products that contains DHA as the primary ingredient are considered not only safe but are also recognized as the best self tanners by leading health experts and health policy makers:
Experts from the FDA(Food and Drug Administration) have authorized the use of DHA in cosmetics that includes sunless tanners. However, this use is restricted only to external application, i.e., outside the body. THe FDA doesn’t approve of using products that contain DHA on the areas near the eyes, mouth or any surface that is covered by mucous membranes. It should not be inhaled or ingested. For this reason, DHA has not been approved in tanning sprays. Spray tans covers the body with a mist and it becomes extremely difficult to avoid the small drops getting into your eyes, nose and mouth.
Experts from the Mayo Clinic and the Skin Cancer Foundation also deem self-tanners with DHA safe to use as long as they are used as directed.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the best self tanners are those that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient.
It’s also important to note that these products, even if they contain an added sunscreen, will not protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays. So, it is absolutely essential to use a broad spectrum sunscreen if you are planning to go out in the sun.
While the most self tanners for sensitive skin are quite safe, it is always a good idea to perform a patch test to look-out for any side-effect or allergic reactions. If you feel any itching or burning sensation, or develop a rash, it is advisable not to use the product on your entire body.
How long does a self-tan last?
Every day, our skin sheds millions of dead cells. This is the reason why not only a suntan, but also the tan developed by using sunless or fake tanners gradually fades away with time. You will need to reapply these products in about every three to five days in order to maintain your tan. For how long a tan will last and what is going to be the intensity of the tan depends on many factors.
Our skin is made of various chemicals such as hormones, oil, and amino acids. Since every person’s body has these chemicals in different quantities, every skin reacts differently to these products. It causes us to develop a different color even with the same product. It is similar to how the same perfume smells differently on different bodies.
The intensity of the colour will also depend on the concentrations of DHA in your product. For example, if you receive a sunless tan at a beauty salon, it will last you longer. Over the counter sunless tanning products contain a lesser concentrations of DHA as compared to professionally used products.
The duration of the tan will also depend on your skin’s natural exfoliation process.
If you follow a good skin care routine both prior and after the procedure, it will help your tan to last longer. In most of the self tanners for sensitive skin, it is recommended to exfoliate your skin before you use such products. It is equally important to keep your skin moisturized after you have applied the products.
How to choose the best self tanner?
The best self-tanners are those which are easy to apply, convenient to use and gives an even, natural looking tan. It is great if these products are supplemented with natural moisturizers such as Aloe Vera and Shea Butter. These ingredients nourish and moisturize the skin. You can also find awesome products that contain natural anti-oxidants such as Vitamin E. These anti-oxidants fight free radicals and prevent the formation of wrinkles caused by over-exposure to the UV rays and even ageing.
5 best self-tanners available on the market:
1. Glow 2 Go – Self Tanning Towelettes by Thermalabs
What if you can tan yourself while you are travelling? Would you like to stick a few tan towelettes in your purse or luggage and be ready to get a perfect glow wherever you are? It would be awesome, wouldn’t it? Glow 2 Go self tanning towelettes are cool inventions that would help you develop a natural looking, attractive tan even when you are on the go. What’s more, this product is the best self tanner for your body. The box is designed in a way that it dispenses one towelette at a time. Large towelettes dry out quickly even before you get a chance to use it on your entire body. But this sunless tanning product comes with 20 towelettes, each towelette is 7.5″ x 7.5″, making it super convenient to use. It takes only 2 towelettes to tan your entire body.
The color shows up in only 4 hours. One coat is usually enough but one can go for a second coat to get a deeper tan. The result is a natural, real-looking tan with no streaks. There is only a slight smell that fades away soon after the application. So you don’t have to worry about any tell-tale smell of chemicals that usually lingers on the skin after using self-tanners. Though it dries up quickly and doesn’t stain your hands and clothing, you’ll still want to let the product air dry on your skin for 10 minutes before you put your clothes back for the best results. The tan usually lasts for about 3-4 days.
2. Self-Tan Towelettes by TanTowel
This amazing self tanner for dark skin comes up with dispensable towelettes, making it a great pick even while you are travelling. It is super easy to use and dries pretty quickly. It is ideal for those who have medium to dark skin tones. It is also recommended if you are looking for a deeper, darker tone with just one application. Each towelette is enriched with vitamin E that will help you keep your skin smooth and radiant. It also contains cucumber extract that nourishes and hydrates the skin. Since, the best self tanner builds up a strong tan in only one application, the trick is to continue moving the towel around the entire body and not to focus in one area for a long time. It is best to wash hands immediately. There is a slight smell when you are applying but quickly fades after use. The tan will last for about 2 days.
3. Natural Self-Tanner by Thermalabs
The Natural Self Tanner is another awesome sunless tanning product from the Thermalabs. This one of the best self tanners perfectly suits your skin tone, as it is enriched with organic and all natural ingredients such as Avocado oil, Shea Butter, Olive oil, Cocoa seed butter and juice from Aloe Vera leaves. All these amazing components will pamper your skin, keeping it nourished and moisturized. It will make you feel as if you are using an excellent body lotion rather than a self-tanning product. Gear up to work up a healthy looking tan without any blotchy, streaky effects. The best self tanner leaves no stains on your hands or your clothes and sheets. Since it is a gradual tan, you will need to reapply more layers to develop a darker tan gradually. It has a slight smell but it quickly fades away. It will keep you glowing for about a week.
4. Fake Bake Flawless
Fake Bake Flawless is suitable for all skin tones and skin types. This sunless tanning product is considered as one of the best self tanners for sensitive skin. It comes with a mitt and a color guard that makes sure every inch of your body is covered. The professional mitt helps to achieve a perfectly even tan with easy, gliding strokes. What you get is an even, natural sun-kissed glow. This product has a super drying and fast absorbing formula. This means you don’t have to stand around without clothes forever. It fades evenly, leaving no streaks behind. Now the best part, it gives off a pleasant smell, something like floral or tropical.
Some users have complained that the spray part of the bottle may be a little drippy as the straw that comes along is a little too long for the bottle. However, this problem is quite easy to fix. What you can do is to cut the straw to make it short so that it fits the bottle and prevent dripping. Ready for a beautiful tan that will make the heads turn? Go for Fake Bake Flawless.
5. Tanwise Dark Bronzing Sunless Mousse
A wonderful self-tanner if you are looking for a subtle tan. And if you want a deeper tone, you can apply another coat of this fantastic self tanner for sensitive skin the next day. The lightweight mousse is very easy to apply. The highlights of this product are dark bronzer and a sunless complex. The dark bronzer will give you an immediate dark color, which might look strange at first but looks absolutely amazing once it has worked its way in. The sunless complex helps to transform this dark tone into a fantastic, streak-free bronze tan. The color develops gradually with time, resulting in a tan that looks natural all the way. It will be a good idea to use a glove or mitt as it might leave your hands stained. This amazing product will keep you looking like a sun-goddess for about a week.
Pregnancy can bring conflicting emotions. While you are absolutely overjoyed at the prospect of being a mother and nurturing a new life inside you, it might also bring on some not-so-pleasant changes in your body. There is no wonder that pregnancy is a time when women would want to pay more attention to how they look. And what’s more attractive than a sun-kissed skin? It can do wonders to your confidence and the way you look and dress-up. There are many ways to get that super bronze look. You can either sunbathe, apply self-tanning lotions and creams, or use a tanning bed. But is tanning while pregnant really safe?
Tanning while pregnant may not be the best thing for you. Why? Let’s explore.
Soaking up the Sun:
Relaxing in the sun and enjoying the warmth sounds like a wonderful idea, especially for pregnant women. After all, it is just not about that sun-kissed skin that will do wonders for your looks, you are also getting the much essential Vitamin D, which is also called the sunshine hormone. While it is okay to sunbathe for brief periods, getting a tan means exposing your body to sun for a prolonged time. And before you think this natural way of getting a tan is absolutely safe, it is advisable to read through the effects that sunbathing may cause:
Lying in the sun for prolonged hours can raise your body temperature to a level that may be dangerous to your baby, especially during the first 3 months. Studies say that an increased body temperature can lead to defects in spine development (called spinal malformations) in developing babies.
Some studies suggest that prolonged exposure to UV rays may be linked with folic acid deficiency. It is because UV rays can break down folic acid. We all know that folic acid plays an important role in the development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord, which are formed during the first trimester of pregnancy.
While pregnant, your body is going through a lots of hormonal changes. These changes not only cause emotional upheavals, but are also responsible for making your skin more sensitive than usual. As a result, when you expose your skin to the sun, the chances of getting hives, heat rashes or chloasma also increase. It is a condition where dark blotches show up on your face and sometimes on the arms during pregnancy. Sometimes, these patches may not disappear even after delivery.
Sunbathing can also cause dehydration, which may cause pre-term contractions in the pregnant body.
Well, pregnant or not pregnant, prolonged exposure to UV rays puts all of us at risks. It can increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma. Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening. In addition, the sun’s UV rays can cause excessive dry skin, burning and lead to premature ageing of the skin. So even if you are tempted to soak-up the warmth and achieve that perfect tan while pregnant, try to take these basic precautions to minimize the risks:
Apply Sunscreen of at least SPF 30.
Stay hydrated, even if it is with plain cool water. It will also help prevent overheating.
Wear large brimmed hat and sunglasses. This will help you to reduce the damage to the eyes and also protect your face, shoulder and neck area from getting exposed to the UV rays.
It is best to avoid the sun between 10am and 4pm. This is time when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.
Tanning while Pregnant with Tanning Lotions:
So, here are some good news. It is harmless to use self-tanning lotions, tanning towels and creams to achieve that super sun-kissed look. These products don’t penetrate deep into the skin. These fake tans contain an active ingredient, called DHA or dihydroxyacetone. It is non-toxic and it has been found that it reacts with cells that are present in the skin’s outermost layer. Since it doesn’t permeate into the skin, it can’t harm your baby. It surely helps you to avoid harmful UV rays, thereby protecting you from the adverse effects they have on your body such as overheating, skin-burn, skin-cancer, hives and chloasma. What’s more, the good quality lotions and creams have minimal smell and they provide fast and fantastic results.
Sounds like it is the best option for tanning while pregnant? Well, almost! Even if there are no known risks from using self-tanning creams and lotions, health practitioners encourage pregnant women to not use fake tanners in the first trimester, just as a precaution. Also because your skin is already more sensitive than normal, you should first do a patch-test on a small area of the skin to ensure that it will not cause any allergic reaction.
Health care providers recommend not to use spray tans while pregnant, because the spray tans contain aerosol fumes that are not safe. When inhaled, they enter the lungs and eventually enter your blood-stream. This can potentially cause damage to the developing baby.
Using a tanning bed:
Tanning beds presents the same dangers as sunbathing. Tanning beds operate by emitting ultraviolet light (UV) , which can cause serious skin-conditions and over-heating. And as we already know, increased body temperature can cause spinal malformations in the developing babies. So, getting a tan using a tanning bed is not actually safer than getting a suntan. For a more in-depth article, look at the safety of tanning beds.
We all love to bask in the bright sun. It brings warmth, joy, a golden tan…and sometimes wrinkles, sunburns and sunspots.
Sunspots? What are those?
First of all: no, they are not freckles.
While freckles appear and disappear from time to time, sun spots (a.k.a. solar lentigines, liver spots, solar keratosis and age spots) tend to stay once they appear. Looking like flat brown patches of skin, they usually pop up on the parts of your skin that are over-exposed to the UV rays.
It happens, due to the reaction of melanin-producing cells, melanocytes. Their function includes protecting your body from harmful UV rays. Once your body is over-exposed, melanocytes consider it a threat and increase melanin production to put up defenses against the UV rays effect. Normally, it results in tan – evenly spread skin darkening.
However, sometimes, extra pigment gathers in just one area.
This is how you get sunspots.
The most common area for sun spots are forehead, nose, cheeks and hands. Sunspots’ color ranges from brown to black. Sometimes, there are exceptions like red or white spots.
Sunspots and Skin Cancer?
While sunspots do not harm your health in any way, many types of skin cancer start from one brown spot found somewhere on your body. It is easy to confuse sunspots with melanoma and vice versa.
The main distinction between sunspots and melanoma is the following:
Sunspots are the result of excessive melanin production. While the pigment production is increased, number of melanocytes remains the same;
Melanoma is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of the melanocytes, which happens when the UV rays damage the very skin cells’ DNA;
So, while sunspots have no connection with cancer, they are a warning: time to limit sun exposure. If you have many sunspots all over your body, consulting your dermatologist or signing up for skin examination will be the best solution.
Why remove sunspots?
Sunspots are mostly painless, but can sting or itch, especially if they are under direct sunlight. Also, they are not always smooth in texture – they can feel scaly, rough and start looking like warts in time.
Some people are more sensitive to sunlight than others and may get sunspots even after being exposed to harsh sunlight for a short time.
Moreover, discolorations on the face, neck, and chest won’t fade over time. Most likely they will continue to worsen with age and may negatively affect how one feels about their appearance. The good news is that most of these discolored spots on the skin are treatable.
So why not get rid of sunspots, when it is possible?
There are treatments directed at removing sunspots from face and body as well as aid in the prevention new sunspots. They include both natural and clinical procedures.
Let’s take a closer look at the treatments, solutions and ways to deal with sunspots – from the most common and over-the-counter methods to highly advanced technologies.
Natural remedies
Lemon juice
Citric acid found in lemon is a universal stain remover and lightener. It is mild enough to be safe for your skin and delicate fabric. At the same time it stimulates skin cell regeneration.
Squeeze lemon juice on a cotton ball and softly apply to your sunspot area for 15-20 minutes. Then, wash off. As lemon juice tends to dry skin and make it more sensitive, we recommend you to moisturize it after the procedure and avoid sun exposure for a while.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a primary component in all skin healing, softening and moisturizing solution. It is also efficient at removing sunspots, boosting cell regeneration and reducing the size and color of sunspots.
Aloe Vera can be found in many herbal creams. Also, you can squeeze the juice from the plant. There are no precautions about using Aloe Vera due to its mild and healing effect.
Milk
Lactic acid is yours safe, organic bleaching agent. Milk and butter milk are widely used as components for organic skin lightening masks, so making and applying one will help you to fade the sunspots without damaging your skin.
Vitamin E (capsules)
A powerful source of skin-repairing anti-oxidants, Vitamin E can be used as a component of a sunspot-removing solution. Mix the capsule’s contents with honey and apply to the damaged area. Wait for a few minutes, then wash the paste away.
How to minimize the effects of sun damage on the face with professional and over-the-counter products
You do not believe in home remedies? Then you can turn to expert brands that offer sunspot-removing treatments. Look for special creams that contain the following ingredients:
If you want to help minimize the appearance of spots and discolorations you can try using tinted moisturizers, creams, and make-up. Look for some that also contain sunscreen to help in the prevention of more spots. Clinique Redness Solutions Makeup (with SPF 15) and the Clinique Redness Solutions Daily Relief Cream are both helpful in covering up and reducing the appearance of brown and red spots on the skin.
Remember, that it takes time for the creams to show positive effects. Also, do not forget to moisturize your skin and stay away from UV ray exposure during treatment.
Medical removal of sunspots
When you have to deal with incredibly persistent sunspots and discolorations there is no need for despair. Consulting a medical expert, such as a dermatologist, will help by offering a range of treatments directed at repairing the damaged skin. They will not only remove sunspots from your face, but can improve your skin’s overall look and condition by creating a more even skin tone and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and unwanted spots. However, keep in mind: each type of procedure has its own pros and cons. Remember to consult your dermatologist before you make a decision in favor of a certain treatment – it will help you minimize risks and consider all benefits.
Laser skin resurfacing
Lasers are very popular in dermatology and are usually one of the most common tools for removing sun spots on the face. For example, PicoScure is one of the latest models, approved by FDA and considered to be highly efficient. The concept of the procedure is the following: layers of dead skin cells are vaporized via powerful and precise light beams. It is usually a quick procedure that is very kind to the skin.
Microdermabrasion
This technique is based on a local dead skin cell exfoliation and suctioning via aluminum sand, salt crystals and abrasive tools (a diamond want or a wire brush). This procedure is very efficient, but leaves a small wound in a place of a sunspot, which is replaced by a smooth skin after healing.
Cryosurgery
Like warts, sunspots are frozen with liquid nitrogen and then easily removed.
Chemical peels
A chemical solution is applied to your face, exfoliating and peeling off the upper layer of your skin to reveal the new, healthy skin layer. Although, this is one of the most efficient ways to get rid of sunspots, it is not recommended for people with sensitive skin due to the strength of chemicals. Also, it is common for your skin to remain raw and red for a couple of days.
Naturally, it is better to try and prevent sunspots and discolorations, rather than have to worry about ways to remove them. There are simple ways to avoid getting sunspots and keep your skin smooth and unblemished:
Be careful with the sun. This is the primary cause of sunspots and other dark pigmentations. Limit your sunbathing, do not forget to wear a cap or carry an umbrella around to provide you with a much necessary shadow. If you can, put on a visor before you head outdoors. A good one to try is the Under Armour Fly-By Visor for women. And if you want added protection for your neck and chest try the Coolibar Women’s Novara Wide Brim Hat.
10AM – 4PM is the period of the most intense UV rays. If you like to go to the beach, better do it before or after this time.
Sunscreen is your friend. Do not rely solely on moisturizers and foundations to shield you from UV rays. Apply your sun protection 30 minutes before going under the sun. Do not forget to reapply it every two hours later. A good one to try is Elta MD Broad Spectrum SPF46 Facial Sunscreen. This one even comes in a tinted version to help cover up any unwanted spots. This brand is also recommended for skin types prone to acne, rosacea, or any other type of hyperpigmentation. However, be careful when swimming. Not all facial sunscreens are water-resistant so be sure to apply one that is if you plan on getting wet.
It is widely accepted that a ‘tan’ look is one of the must-have accessories for everyone who wants to be hot, desirable and in. And for a good reason! Everyone looks better with a bit of color on them! But, we’ve all heard about how dangerous it is to hang out in the sun all day – worst case scenario: you get skin cancer. The same goes for tanning beds. That’s why more and more people are turning to spray tanning as an alternative. Before we give you the spray tan tips, a word of caution: although this sunless tanning method is mostly safe, the FDA warns to neither ingest nor inhale the chemicals that come with. Please also avoid contact with the eyes, nose and lips.
We all know what spray tanning is – the spraying of a fine mist of colour to the skin. But, a lot of people don’t really know all the tricks to achieve that perfect bronze glow. That is why we will be presenting you with all the spray tan tips and tricks, do-s and don’ts-s for getting tanned the right way!
For an alternative way to sunless tanning see the best self tanners.
A lot of people simply get a tan, without preparing for it properly. Here are some of the things you should do before getting sprayed. If you follow these spray tan tips, you are sure to get the most out of your tanning appointment!
Nail polish
Putting on nail polish before getting a tan is crucial. Even if it’s just a clear polish, it will prevent stains on your fingernails. With polished nails you will be able to simply wipe the spray off and another good thing is that the spray will not damage your nails if you got a gel manicure or acrylic nails.
Waxing and shaving
If you wax your lips and eyebrows, make sure you do it before spray tanning. This way you can make sure you won’t have any light patches afterwards. Since shaving is a form of exfoliation, it is advisable that you don’t shave heavily after your tanning appointment.
Exfoliating
It is advisable that you exfoliate before you get your spray tan. By doing this, your tan will look better and last longer.
Remove your makeup/Shave your beard
Girls – It is very important that you remove your makeup before the appointment. This also goes for lotions, sunscreen or oil based substances. It is ok to have lip balm, deodorant and mascara on.
For guys, it’s important to shave your beard before tanning, but only if you were going to shave it off a short time after getting a tan. If you usually grow a beard, then there is no need to shave.
Brush your teeth
This is something a lot of people forget to do. Brushing your teeth before your appointment is important because brushing them later might cause water to drip on your skin and leave streaks, or leave a light spot around your mouth.
Some tips especially for guys:
Body hair
It is not necessary to do anything with your body hair before or after spray tanning – in most cases it will not affect the process.
Baldness
If you have a bald spot, remember not to wear a cap – you are going to want to get that spot tanned as well. This will result in an even color and make you look natural.
Post-tanning Spray Tan Tips:
After getting your perfect tan, you want to make sure it looks great and lasts for as long as possible. Here are some post-tanning spray tan tips to make that happen.
Showering
After tanning, you will feel sticky. This will last until your first shower. It is recommended that you wait at least 10 hours after your appointment before showering. It is important that you don’t get wet before your first shower because it might cause streaking – no sweating, swimming or exercising!
Be careful with your palms
Your skin will be sticky on the day of your tanning. If you touch it with your palms, you have to remember to wash the insides of your hands. The palms are not supposed to get tanned, so it would be best to have some wipes or hand sanitizers nearby.
Exfoliating
This one is simple – NO exfoliating. That means:
No rubbing down after you shower – pat yourself with the towel instead
No sponges, body scrubs, body washes, etc.
Shave as little as possible – shaving is also a kind of exfoliation
Swimming
It is not advisable to go swimming in pools, the chlorinated water can fade your tan or cause streaks. This also goes for salt water, so no swimming in the ocean either.
Using body products
There are different rules concerning different products.
It is recommended that you use moisturizers and any other hydrating solutions (just make sure that they are fragrance free). You should use them at least once a day. Sunscreen is also a must – use it every time you are exposed to the sun, because a spray tan is no protection for the UV rays.
On the other hand, it is not advisable to use any kind of scented lotions or other body products. It is also not recommended to use acne treatment products or facial washes containing salicylic acid. The same goes for makeup removal products or depilatory creams.
Did you know that self-tanning at home is increasingly becoming trendy these days? Statistics from The Indoor Tanning Association indicate that about 10% of Americans prefer home tanning. So you may ask; are tanning beds safe? This page outlines both the pros and cons of using tanning beds, whether for home use or in a tanning salon.
A body that is tanned looks very beautiful, gorgeous and perfectly toned. It is best at concealing skin irregularities. However, you may want to be extra careful on how you receive the tan in order to avoid risks such as skin cancer. It is paramount that you analyze and understand the type of your skin before you use a tanning bed. In this way, you will be able to determine the amount of tanning that’s best for your skin, the duration you need to stay on the bed and the appropriate lotion you need. Most salons will ask you to fill out a questionnaire prior to offering their services and you should be absolutely honest with your answers. The information you provide will guide them to know whether it is safe for you to tan or not. People with type 1 skin or with a family background of skin cancer are strictly not allowed to use tanning beds.
The following tips will not only help you to get a skin tone that is bronzed and warm, but also to stay safe. Prior to your arrival at your favorite salon, be careful not to already have a sunburn. For best results and a long-lasting tan, keep these tips in mind:
Wax or shave: It is recommended to shave a day before, waxing should be done two days prior to using a tanning bed. Many people have discovered that doing so will create longer-lasting effects.
Build a pre-tan: If it is your first time or you are re-tanning after a longer break, make sure that you tan in short sessions so as to build up tan in a few days’ time. This allows gradual production of melanin in your skin while at the same time minimizing the risks of skin burning.
Plan ahead of time: It often takes one day for your skin to show tan. So, if plan to get tanned for an upcoming occasion such as prom or a party, then you will need to get to the tanning bed at least a day before. A quicker way would be a spray tan.
Before Tanning
In order to get an evenly tanned skin, just follow these easy to follow instructions.
Exfoliate: Use a nice scrub to massage your skin. Do so carefully in order to remove the layer of dead skin. Pay special attention to your knees and elbows. It is recommended that you follow with a warm shower, to get rid of any perfume or cosmetics. Use bathing gel, clear or mild soap for the shower.
Moisturize: After your shower, use a light lotion, especially in sensitive areas such as the buttocks and breasts. Avoid using heavy moisturizers that would block the pores of your skin.
Tanning lotions: Lotions used for tanning beds are often different from the ones used for outdoor tanning, so make sure you use the right lotion for the right occasion. Make sure to apply the lotion in circular, light movements. This is to avoid damage to your skin and prevent patchiness. You might still be pondering the question; are tanning beds safe? Well, read on to find out more.
During the session
Jewelry: Make sure to remove all jewelry and any other accessories to avoid patches and tan lines.
Contact lenses: Remove your contact lenses or regular glasses. They might break due to high temperatures in a tanning bed.
Eye protection: It is a must to use protective eyewear gear. This will help to prevent damage to your eyelids. Remember, your eyelids have some of the thinnest membranes in your body. Ask your salon to provide you with the appropriate options they have, if you don’t have your own goggles. Regular goggles or sunglasses are not recommended because they do not offer effective protection.
Sunscreen on lips: Note that lips are generally sensitive and they don’t not have melanin. Using a Chap Stick with SPF would prevent your lips from burning or chapping.
Exposure: Avoid staying longer than the recommended time in your tanning bed. Overexposure to UV-light can not only accelerate aging and cause skin burning, it also presents the highest risk for getting melanoma. Additionally, try to avoid the sun for that day.
Position: Lie flat on your bed with your legs slightly bent. Swivel around slightly in order to expose most parts of your body. For instance, you may lift up your arms to acquire some color in your armpits. Spread your legs to reveal the inner thighs. Do not rest your chin on your chest to avoid white stripes on your neck.
Safety Considerations
Protection against the adverse effects of tanning ought to be your ultimate concern. Many people claim to understand the adverse effects of using tanning beds but rarely do they seem to know the precautions and safety factors that come with it. If you want a safe alternative for getting a nice tan, take a look the best self tanners.
Types of tanning beds: With a myriad of tanning beds in the marketplace, it might be hard to distinguish a good one from a bad one. Using a good quality tan bed for your indoor tanning is worthwhile your safety. Make sure to carry out thorough research before making your purchase. If visiting a tanning salon, take note if they maintain they beds well. Check to see if they display posters about tanning safety in clear view of their customers.
Tanning lotions: The type of tanning lotions you use determines the level of UVB and UVA rays that reach your skin. You need to use tanning lotions that are specifically meant for tanning beds. This will not only keep your skin safe, but young and luscious. Tanning beds emit Ultra violet rays which may cause your skin to age prematurely.
Duration: The maximum allowable time to expose your body on a tanning bed is twenty minutes per day.
Safety advice: If you are considering buying a tanning bed, get to know your body’s reaction when it’s exposed to sunrays. It is recommended that you wear goggles that are provided by the company.
After tanning
Shower: After tanning, relax for at least half an hour before taking a shower. This would allow the tan to settle in.
Moisturizer: Make sure you moisturize at least twice in a day. A dry skin does not look nice after tanning, but avoid soaps that contain heavy moisturizers.
Schedule: Make sure you tan regularly, but in small sessions. This is much better compared to going for longer sessions.
So, are tanning beds safe?
Tanning beds have the same risk as tanning in the sun. If you take safety precautions and get a professional recommendation based on your skin type in your local tanning salon you can minimize the risks. Don’t forget to moisturize your skin often and the most important thing: do not overexpose yourself. If you are pregnant, this article is a must read.
