Sunless Tans

The market is saturated with self-tanners. In fact, there are so many, that when selecting a brand to purchase on the Internet, it can be confusing. There are many things to look for in a self tanner that will let you know which the better self tanner is.

According to the Mayo Clinic, self-tanners are the healthy / safe alternative to sunbathing. The products boil down to being an artificial sun tan. However, the appearance of the tan is authentic. There is no orangey color as there was when the tans first came out in the 1900s, and today the tanner can choose from various shades of the perfect sun kissed tan.

Sunless tanning products can be used on both the body, and the face. When using the tanning products on the face, the formula should be used a bit more sparingly, as the skin on the face is much more sensitive and absorbs the solution much easier.

Self-tanners vary in price. They range from a few dollars into the hundreds. There are three different types of self-tanners; lotions, sprays, and mousses. Each has their advantage and is strictly the preference of the tanner.

Tans are almost instant. Within 24 hours the full benefits of the self tanner is achieved and the tan is completely formed. The tans typically last around seven days. Application is fairly simple as the only requirement is a private area of the home to apply the lotion, spray or mousse. However, prior to applying the self tanner, the body must be completely clean. Each self tanner should advise the tanner to shower or bath prior to applying the self tanner. The instructions should also instruct the tanner to exfoliate any area of skin that they will be tanning.

Prior to applying a self tanner, it is always recommended to apply a small amount to a part of the body to test the area to make sure that you do not have an allergic reaction to the tan. Also, if applying to the face, it is extremely important not to inhale the product.

Why the self tanner and not sunbath?

The answer to that is simple for many Americans. Self-tanners are safe. There are many harmful effects of the sun that have negative consequences on both our skin and health. Self-tanners do not have the harmful rays that the sun and tanning booths possess. With overexposure to the sun, the individual is not only risking their health to cancers, over time, they are risking the appearance of their skin. Overexposure to the sun carries the risk of the skin becoming leathery and thick. It also thins the skin. White spots, freckles and sun spots are also a result of over exposure to the sun.

As you can see, aside from affordability, convenience and a great, sun-kissed complexion tan that lasts right around seven days, there are many reasons to consider tanning with a sunless tanning product. By knowing a few basic facts, such as the ingredient to look for, choosing the right one will not be difficult.