Instead of heading to the tanning salon or laying in the sun all afternoon, why not fake that sun-kissed glow with sunless tanning? Sunless tanning is the only safe way to tan and there’s no cancer risk involved. Gone are the days with orange and streaky products. Today’s sunless tanning methods are easy-to-use products and methods. We do recommend having a trial run if you plan to use a sunless tanning product for a big event. Different products and application methods work better for some people than others, so give it a try first. The good thing is, sunless tanning only lasts a handful of days so if you’re in crisis mode, a good scrub will leave your orange woes behind. But don’t fret, we’re here to give you the low down on the best way to fake your bake.
Tips: Any sunless tanning product will last longer and come out in an even coat if you exfoliate. By ridding yourself of the top layer of dead skin cells you won’t get varied layers of application, which results in a patchy or blotchy tan, and it should adhere to a fresh layer of skin more evenly. Sunless tanning products also take 1-3 hours to show up, so don’t be fooled into thinking you need more product! Just be patient and your color will gradually turn.
There’s a solution for every budget and every lifestyle so take your pick.
Lotions
One of the easiest ways to ensure coverage is to apply with a lotion. You apply it the same way you would regular body lotion, just make sure to rub it in and apply an even coat of the product. Sunless tanning lotions come in the drug store variety and high end makeup counter brands. They are successful across the board and it really comes down to personal preference when using one brand over the other.
Foams
Foams aren’t recommended for a first time user. It’s more challenging to get an even coat with foam tanners, although many people prefer it’s light application. If you’re a seasoned user the difference between foams and lotions will come down to personal preference.
Gels
Applied the same way as a lotion, a gel product is easy and controllable. The only difference between a gel and a lotion would be the consistency.
Wipes
This sunless tanning product comes in the form of a wipe. A disposable towelette is soaked in the sunless tanner and you simply rub the wipe wherever you want to see some color.
Automatic Spray Booths
Most tanning salons offer an automatic spray booth as an alternative to a tanning bed. The process is pretty simple. You wear a net over your hair for protection, a lotion barrier on your hands and feet (so you don’t end up with dark stained hands), strip down and climb in. In just 30 seconds you’ll emerge with an evenly sprayed tan.
Spray applied by hand (either self or by tanning artist)
The sunless tanning spray for hand held use has gotten a big upgrade. Whether you prefer the experienced hand of a tanning artist (great for body contouring and a natural look) or the privacy of your own bathroom, a self spray is easy breezy.
Bronzer
A bronzer is the least permanent of all tanning products. It’s a form of makeup and therefore washes off with soap and water. With varieties randing from drug store prices to fine designer makeup brands, adding this to a makeup routine is pretty simple.
Pills
Tanning pills contain a food additive called canthaxanthin. The drug is FDA approved for use in foods, but not for use as a tanning product. When used in high quantities it deposits color in the skin but has harmful side effects such as hepatitis and also a disease called canthaxanthin retinopathy, which are yellow deposits that form in the retina of the eye. While possibly successful for getting gradual color, no doctor or dermatologist recommends this as a method for getting a tan. The effects are not temporary and the alternative methods are much more favorable.
More resources on Sunless Tanning:
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