notanning.com

Sunless Tanning Booths

Sunless tanning booths are becoming more popular. With an air compressor and an airbrush delivery system in one of these booths, skin receives a “tan.” What happens is that pistons in the compressor quickly press or force air out via a nozzle in an airbrush or spray head. This air mixes with a tanning solution containing DHA that’s inside compartments within the airbrush, and sprays this in a fine mist over the outer skin layer. Some tanning booths have up to 36 of these airbrushes connected to the compressor and they are all either in fixed positions or moving. Thus tanning clients then either move under fixed sprayers so that skin is covered all over. Or else the tanner parts move to spray the different body parts (these types pose more mechanical maintenance issues though.)
Many report a more professional-looking, smooth and even tanning that even covers hard-to-reach areas like cheeks and shoulders. Note that the tanning solution used in the machine most probably has no sun protection component; so if you are heading outdoors, protect your skin appropriately.

Sunless Bronzers

Some sunless tanning products come in the form of moisturizers (as lotions and crèmes) and powders and are referred to as bronzers. Basically you simply apply these to your skin as you would make up products for a temporary “tan” appearance, similar to the effects of applied makeup leaving a “tint.” Then you just wash the bronzers off with soap and water; the “tan is removed with washing. Caution is needed so that the products do not stain clothing or other fabric. And care needs to be taken so that the applications do not streak or run when wet, similar to the results of mascara running. And finally, make sure that if you wear these products outdoors, they contain sunscreen in the ingredients; otherwise wear protective clothing, eyewear, etc.

Self Tanning Then What

What happens is that you apply a tanner or tanning solution, be it a lotion, crème, spray, towlette or other form, by gently rubbing the product into your outer skin layer. Then those that are most effective, the ones that list dihydroxyacetone (DHA), an isomer of glyceraldehydes, as an active ingredient, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, begin to work within around 40 minutes to an hour. DHA is a dull (in coloring) sugar important in the metabolism of carbohydrates. It interacts with the dead cells located in the stratum corneum or outermost layer of the epidermis. In other words, DHA reacts with amino acids in the epidermis, producing a natural pigment called melanoidin that bonds with proteins in skin cells. And results are a change of color that can last up to about seven days.

A couple things to note here. First is that although melanoidin is produced, and melanoidin and melanin (the dark pigment that enables a “sun” tan to develop via UV exposure) work together in the absorption of harmful rays, a self-tan only provides about a SPF 2, more or less, not high enough to offer enough protection. So take care to wear protective outer garments, eyewear, etc. and / or a sunscreen. And second, note for a quick overview that in general, sunless tanning products that are out on the market today are reported to provide users with pretty much “real” looking tanning results.
From start of application of the tanning product until complete drying time or about three hours, you can have a sunless tan that can last all week. The chemical makeup of the products versus where and how they interact with the different parts of your body can affect tanning results; i.e. some areas may demonstrate different color variations and the tanning may last longer.
Then what? Where does the tan go? Dead skin cells rub and wear off the epidermis, resulting in the fading or losing of the tan. In fact roughly once a month or a period between 35 to 45 days, the epidermis is all rejuvenated. In order to keep a tan going long-term, many companies recommend that you reapply their sunless and self-tanning products approximately every three days. Some products last longer and wear better than others, too. So experimenting, even with products that do not list DHA in the ingredients, might prove to be rewarding.

SUNLESS TANNING METHODS

Tanning products, both sunless and sun, go to work on the epidermis, or the outside layer of your skin, and not the dermis or inner layer. However, the layer of epidermis that is affected by sunless versus the layer affected by sun tanning products differs. Sun tanning lotions, sprays, gels and other assorted items, go to work on the stratum basale or deepest layer. And sunless tanning items go to work on the stratum corneum or outermost layer.
Applying Self-Tanning Product
WHEN – Since most self-tanning lotions have no sunscreen for protection outdoors, the best time to use self-tanners is at night before going to bed. If done earlier, allow a minimum of two hours and test for staining before putting back on your regular clothes. Note that if your lotion contains extra coloring formula or if you’re using a spray, staining could be a major issue and you won’t to go to bed and stain bedding; so use these types of products earlier in the evening or when you have more time to “dry” after applying (at least a few hours).

WHAT – Gather your necessary items together. Choose what you want to wear for tanning lines, whether it’s a swimsuit, undergarments, etc. Use caution in your choices because the product may stain or run so choose old clothing, especially without nylon (permanently stains this fabric), and not loose clothing (to inhibit runny lotions). You will also need to be able to shower or wash beforehand. So round up a cotton washcloth or whatever you use to exfoliate your skin (sponge and other product, etc.), soap, any moisturizer you may want to use, your self-tanning product, disposable clear gloves, a nail brush, a ball cap, hair pins or accessories to keep hair from your face, a sponge roller brush or paintbrush if you will apply product to your back, and access to a clock.
TIMING NOTE: if you are not going to use disposable gloves, you will need to wash your hands and scrub your nails about every minutes while applying the tanning product so that they don’t stain orange. Hence the need for the timer mentioned above.
WHERE – Begin with a shower or washing to remove dead, flaky and dry skin. Wash with your washcloth or exfoliation sponge, gently going in a circular motion. Special areas of focus are your knees and lower legs, your ankles and feet, and your elbows. When finished, dry yourself, including your hair, thoroughly, and get hair up off neck. Let steam out of the room, if you’ll be continuing in there. (Remember: moisture like steam & sweat can cause the self-tanning product to run / wear off.)
MOISTURIZER STAGE– Gently rub moisturizer into the special areas of focus mentioned above (knees, ankles, etc) to prepare (prep) for the self-tanning solution. Some apply this to the face and neck areas, too.
SELF-TANNER STAGE– Now it’s time to suit up and apply your tanning product. Note: beginners should practice on small areas first.
FIVE MINUTE LEGS - Begin by applying the tanning product to your legs. Work with one leg at a time, applying in a circular motion from top to bottom. Don’t rub it in thin. You want a good even coating. For feet and ankles, go ahead and apply a little thinner coating. You can skip sides of feet, toes and heels or go lighter here or mix in moisturizer a little for easier coverage (knees, too). (If you are not using gloves, work quickly and check timer to wash up when finished with this stage).
FIVE MINUTE UPPER BODY – Continue applying product upwards in circular motion. Most prefer to cover the torso first, using the roller brush or paintbrush on the back, then continue with the arms. If it’s taking awhile to cover all areas and you’re not using gloves, remember to check the clock and wash hands and nails thoroughly before continuing. (Treat elbows as you did knees).
FIVE MINUTE NECK-UP – Time to finish up with the neck, face, ears, nose, cheeks. “Go thin” is the motto for these areas.
DRYING STAGE – Now it’s time for drying. Wait at least 30 minutes before coming into contact with anything. Stand and read or sit on the edge of a chair and enjoy computer games, television, a friendly phone chat or something. After the 30 minutes, you can wear loose clothing. Skip the jeans scene, though, and other tighter clothing to allow for around one to two hours. Check your specific product instructions for guidelines.
FOLLOW UP STAGE - Keep in mind different products have different drying times, so you don’t want to get wet, even by sweating, for at least three hours. Depending upon the tanning product and your kin and genetics, you will want to wash, exfoliate the dry, flaky, dead skin cells and re-apply product every few days or so. Check your product for guidelines and monitor your skin for any rashes or other irritations that could develop.

RECIPE TIPS for BETTER HEALTH

- Avoid possible skin allergies by not using sunscreen products with PABA.
- Apply lip sunscreen products approximately 45 to 60 minutes before you head outdoors.
- Apply other sunscreen products anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours before being exposed to the sun’s rays, unless directed differently on the package (check application instructions for each product).

- For people with sensitive skin, choose a product with a chemical-free block ingredient like titanium dioxide.
- For fussy children or even for those who just want to make their outdoor activities more fulfilling, check out the variety of sunscreens on the market that are formulated for children. Products come in scented varieties cherry, chocolate and watermelon, and in easy-to-use forms like in nifty spray bottles.
- Avoid alcohol-based products for children, as they can irritate their young skin.

Sunscreen Ingredients: Recipe For Health

Let’s look at what makes up sunscreen products and how to tell what is best for our health. A sunscreen product basically contains these main ingredients: lisadimate, aminobenzoic acid, padimate O or roxadimate. The other added ingredients tally up a lengthy list, resulting in sunscreen agents being available pretty much in the following varieties, covering products in cream, lotion, gel, spray, oil, lip balm, stick and combination forms across the United States and Canada, with respect to MICROMEDEX Thomson Healthcare’s 2004 research report:
Aminobenzoic Acid, Padimate O, and Oxybenzone
Aminobenzoic Acid and Titanium Dioxide
Avobenzone, Octocrylene, Octyl Salicylate, and Oxybenzone
Avobenzone and Octyl Methoxycinnamate
Avobenzone, Octyl methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, and Oxybenzone
Avobenzone, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, and Oxybenzone
Dioxybenzone, Oxybenzone, and Padimate O
Homosalate
Homosalate, Menthyl Anthranilate, and Octyl Methoxycinnamate
Homosalate, Menthyl Anthranilate, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, and Oxybenzone
Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, and Oxybenzone
Homosalate, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, and Oxybenzone
Homosalate, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, and Oxybenzone
Homosalate and Oxybenzone
Lisadimate, Oxybenzone, and Padimate O
Lisadimate and Padimate O
Menthyl Anthranilate
Menthyl Anthranilate, Octocrylene, and Octyl Methoxycinnamate
Menthyl Anthranilate, Octocrylene, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, and Oxybenzone
Menthyl Anthranilate and Octyl Methoxycinnamate
Menthyl Anthranilate, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, and Octyl Salicylate
Menthyl Anthranilate, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, and Oxybenzone
Menthyl Anthranilate, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, and Oxybenzone
Menthyl Anthranilate and Padimate O
Menthyl Anthranilate and Titanium Dioxide
Octocrylene and Octyl Methoxycinnamate
Octocrylene, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, and Oxybenzone
Octocrylene, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, Oxybenzone, and Titanium Dioxide
Octocrylene, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, and Oxybenzone
Octocrylene, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Oxybenzone, and Titanium Dioxide
Octocrylene, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, and Titanium Dioxide
Octyl Methoxycinnamate
Octyl Methoxycinnamate and Octyl Salicylate
Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, and Oxybenzone
Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, Oxybenzone, and Padimate O
Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, Oxybenzone, Padimate O, and Titanium Dioxide
Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, Oxybenzone, Phenylbenzimidazole, and Titanium Dioxide
Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, Oxybenzone, and Titanium Dioxide
Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, Phenylbenzimidazole, and Titanium Dioxide
Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, and Titanium Dioxide
Octyl Methoxycinnamate and Oxybenzone
Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Oxybenzone, and Padimate O
Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Oxybenzone, Padimate O, and Titanium Dioxide
Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Oxybenzone, and Titanium Dioxide
Octyl Methoxycinnamate and Padimate O
Octyl Methoxycinnamate and Phenylbenzimidazole
Octyl Salicylate
Octyl Salicylate and Padimate O
Oxybenzone and Padimate O
Oxybenzone and Roxadimate
Padimate O
Phenylbenzimidazole
Phenylbenzimidazole and Sulisobenzone
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide
Trolamine Salicylate

Caution is advised with using all tanning agents, both sunless and suncreen types, for possible side effects and reactions when combining with medications, and for using when pregnant, breast feeding or with allergies / allergic reactions to anything. Check with your healthcare provider first even when combining tanning products with over-the-counter medications and other products. Call them for healthcare advice immediately at the first sign of a rash. And also note the following.
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) – Poisoning can occur with the Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) agent found in some tanning lotions. Although most negative reactions are the result of the users’ allergies, and not over use of product, ill effects include slowing and shortness of breathing functions, irritations with eyes, ears, nose, throat, skin, nausea / vomiting, intestinal discomfort, allergic rash, dizziness, and nervousness.
Other Side Effects – Check with your healthcare provider if any of the following rare effects occur for your safety: itching or burning skin, an acne-type or reddish appearance, blisters, pain, oozing, or opposite – dry and tight skin.

Other Tanning Factors

Chosen Activity – Being outdoors is not the only element to take into consideration when factoring in your amount exposure to the sun. You also need to note the intensity with regards to climate, the season, location and time of day. For example, just because you may be hiking in a cool mountain region or snow skiing, doesn’t mean you should through all caution aside. Wind and UV rays still reach you so protection would be wise. And surfaces with reflective qualities; snow, water, sand, etc. can intensify UV ray harm. And activities that make you work up a sweat or that involve water, with a potential to wash off your sunscreen, need to be handled a little differently; like basketball, jogging, sun bathing on a hot beach, biking, water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing and outdoor work and exercise. Choose a sunscreen product for these activities with both UVA and UVB coverage and an SPF of 15 or higher, when possible. And for water / sweat activities, choose a product that offers a waterproof or water-resistant agent. Dress appropriately, too, by covering up as much skin as possible, like wearing long sleeves, a scarf or hat, slacks or jogging pants.
And don’t forget your eyes; the sun’s UV rays can cause cataracts. There are plenty of stylish UV-opaque sunglasses in all price ranges for both genders in a variety of stores, today ranging from the corner drug store to the local optometrist’s office.
Age – There are only a couple words of caution about age. First of all, health care providers do NOT recommend using alcohol-based sunscreen products on children. And they do NOT recommend using sunscreen agents of any type on babies under the age of 6 months. For children older than 6 months, a lotion is the preferred form of sunscreen, over a spray, for example. And the SPF should be a minimum of 15.
Use on Body – Your choice of tanning product also depends upon where you are going to apply the lotion, gel, spray or other form. And it also depends upon the health of the area of the body. For example, there are lip balms with sunscreen, solid or gel-based ones, that not only help the lips but can touch up spots in a hurry. Also if you’re trying to apply protection to fingers, ears, nose and other small areas, a physical sunscreen agent, lotion or gel may be easier than a spray. If you have dry skin, you might want to try a product in lotion or cream form. For oily skin, gel-based or alcohol forms of sunscreen might be better choices. Word of caution: do not use alcohol-based products with inflamed skin or eczematous.

TANNING & SUNSCREEN AGENTS (FOAMS, GELS, LOTIONS)
There are a wide variety of tanning products from which to choose. Here are popular brand name products carried throughout the United States and Canada in multiple forms (sprays, lotions, sticks, gels, etc.):
A-Fil
Aquaderm Sunscreen Moisturizer
Aquaray Sunscreen
Bain de Soleil All Day For Kids
Bain de Soleil All Day Sunblock
Bain de Soleil All Day Sunfilter
Bain de Soleil Long Lasting For Kids
Bain de Soleil Long Lasting Sport Sunblock
Bain de Soleil Long Lasting Sunblock
Bain de Soleil Long Lasting Sunfilter
Bain de Soleil Mega Tan
Bain de Soleil Orange Gelee
Bain de Soleil Sand Buster
Bain de Soleil SPF + Color
Bain de Soleil Tropical Deluxe
Banana Boat Active Kids Sunblock
Banana Boat Baby Sunblock
Banana Boat Dark Tanning
Banana Boat Faces Sensitive Skin Sunblock
Banana Boat Protective Tanning
Banana Boat Sport Sunblock
Banana Boat Sunblock
Banana Boat Sunscreen
Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment for Lips
Blistex Medicated Lip Conditioner
Blistex Medicated Lip Conditioner
Blistex Medicated Lip Conditioner with Sunscreen
Blistex Regular
Blistex Sunblock
Blistex Ultraprotection
Bullfrog Body
Bullfrog Extra Moisturizing
Bullfrog For Kids
Bullfrog Original Concentrated
Bullfrog Sport
Bullfrog Sunblock
Can Screen 400 Sunscreen
Catrix Correction
Catrix Lip Saver
Chap Stick
Chap Stick Sunblock
Chap Stick Sunblock Lip Balm
Chap Stick Sunblock Petroleum Jelly Plus
Chap-et Sun Ban Lip
Conditioner
Clarins Self Tanning Milk SPF 6
Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel
Clinique Endless Summer Self Tanning Lotion, Dark
Clinique Oil Free Effortless Color Light/Medium
Clinique Endless Summer Self Tanning Lotion, Light/Medium
Clinique Sunless Tanner Spray, Dark
Clinique Oil Free Effortless Color Dark
Coppertone All Day Protection
Coppertone Dark Tanning
Coppertone Kids Sunblock
Coppertone Lipkote
Coppertone Lipkote Lip Balm
Coppertone Moisturizing Sunscreen
Coppertone Moisturizing Suntan
Coppertone Sport
Coppertone Sport
Coppertone Sport Ultra Sweatproof
Coppertone Tan Magnifier Gel
Coppertone Waterbabies Sunblock
Coppertone Waterproof Sunblock Lotion
Curel Everyday Sun Protection
Dermsol
DML Facial Moisturizer Cream
Durascreen
DuraScreen
Eclipse Lip & Face Protectant
Eclipse Original Sunscreen
Estee Lauder Sunless SuperTan For Face, Medium
Estee Lauder Go Bronze for the face
Estee Lauder SuperTan for the body
Estee Lauder Self-Action Tanning Creme
Estee Lauder Sunless SuperTan For Face, Dark
Eucerin Dry Skin Care Daily Facial
Formula 405 Solar
Hawaiian Baby Faces Sunblock
Hawaiian Tropic Baby Faces
Hawaiian Tropic Baby Faces Sunblock
Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning
Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning with Sunscreen
Hawaiian Tropic Just For Kids
Hawaiian Tropic Land Sport
Hawaiian Tropic Plus
Hawaiian Tropic Plus Sunblock
Hawaiian Tropic Protective Tanning
Hawaiian Tropic Protective Tanning Dry
Hawaiian Tropic Self-tanning Sunblock
Hawaiian Tropic Sport Sunblock
Hawaiian Tropic Sunblock
Hawaiian Tropic Water Sport
Herpecin-L Cold Sore
Johnson’s Baby Sunblock
Johnson’s Baby Sunblock Extra Protection
Johnson’s Baby Sunblock Extra Protection
Johnson’s No More Tears Baby Sunblock
Maxafil Cream
Mentholatum Lip Balm
Lancome Flash Bronzer Medium Colour Self-Tanning Body Spray with SPF
Lancome Flash Bronzer Medium Colour Self-Tanning Face Gel
Lancome Flash Bronzer Tinted Self-Tanning Moisturizing Mouss
Neutrogena Chemical-Free Sunblocker
Neutrogena Deep Glow
Neutrogena Intensified Day Moisture
Neutrogena Light Glow
Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer
Neutrogena Moisture Untinted & with Sheer Tint
Neutrogena No Stick Sunscreen
Neutrogena Sunblock
Nivea Sun
Noxzema Moisturizer
Oil of Olay Daily UV Protectant
Oil of Olay Daily UV Protectant Beauty Fluid
Oil of Olay Moisture Replenishment
Ombrelle Sunscreen
Photoplex Plus Sunscreen
Pond’s Daily Replenishing Moisturizer
Presun
PreSun Active Clear
Presun Clear
Presun Creamy Sundown Sunscreen
PreSun For Kids
PreSun Lip Protector
PreSun Moisturizing
PreSun Moisturizing Sunscreen with Keri
PreSun Sensitive Skin
PreSun Spray Mist
Presun Spray Mist for Kids
Presun Sunscreen
Presun Sunscreen for Kids
Q.T. Quick Tanning
Ray Block
Shade Oil-Free Gel
Shade Sunblock
Shade Sunblock Oil-Free
Shade UVA Guard
Shade Waterproof Sunblock
Softsense Skin Essential Everyday UV Protectant
Solbar
Solbar Liquid
Solbar PF
Solbar PF Liquid
Solbar PF Ultra
Solbar Plus
Solbar Shield
Solex A15 Clear
Stay Moist Moisturizing Lip Conditioner
Sundown
Sundown Broad Spectrum Sunblock
Sundown Sport Sunblock
Sundown Sunblock
Sundown Sunscreen
TI - UVA - B Sunscreen
TI Screen
TI Screen Baby Natural
Total Eclipse Moisturizing Skin Lotion
Total Eclipse Oily and Acne Prone Skin Sunscreen
Tropical Blend Dark Tanning
Tropical Blend Dry Oil
Tropical Blend Waterproof
Vaseline Baby Sunblock
Vaseline Broad Spectrum Sunblock
Vaseline Extra Defense for Hand and Body
Vaseline Intensive Care Active Sport
Vaseline Intensive Care Baby Moisturizing Sunblock
Vaseline Intensive Care Baby Sunblock
Vaseline Intensive Care Blockout Moisturizing
Vaseline Intensive Care Lip Therapy
Vaseline Intensive Care Moisturizing Sunblock
Vaseline Intensive Care Moisturizing Sunscreen
Vaseline Kids Sunblock
Vaseline Lip Therapy
Vaseline Moisturizing Sunscreen
Vaseline Sports Sunblock
Vaseline Sports Sunscreen
Vaseline Sunblock
Vaseline Sunscreen
Vaseline Ultraviolet Daily Defense for Hand and Body
Waterbabies Little Licks
Waterbabies Sunblock