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Fake a Tan with Sunless Tanning Lotion
by: Lorene Radenz

A great tan is associated with health and beauty. While a bronze look is desirable, especially in the summer or on holiday – we all know the dangers of the sun’s UV rays. Is a temporary tan worth the permanent sun damage, wrinkles, and skin cancer risk? Absolutely not!

You can save time and avoid these risks entirely with sunless tanning lotion. Today’s self-tanners give you a deep golden tan, not the orange look of years ago.

Many new self tanning lotions are tinted and these are the ones I recommend. Not only do they give you an initial tan, you’re more likely to apply the lotion evenly and avoid streaking.

First, take a shower or bath and exfoliate your skin. Pay special attention to your elbows, knees and any other rough spots. These areas will soak up the self tanning lotion and turn darker so you need to get rid of any dead skin.

Pat yourself dry and pin your hair up. Apply regular body or hand lotion to the dry spots you exfoliated. Allow yourself several minutes to completely dry.

You may choose to wear thin gloves to put on the self tanning lotion and avoid getting it on your hands, but applying it with your bare hands will probably result in a more even application. It’s your choice.

Start applying the lotion from the bottom - up, bracing your foot on a chair or stool. Rub in lightly, you can always go back later and apply a second time.

Don’t forget the areas that would tan naturally in the sun, the back of your legs, knees, arms, and neck. When applying to your face, remember to smooth it on your eyelids and into your hairline – avoiding your eyes and hair. For people with sensitive skin, there are self tanning lotions formulated specifically for your face and will result in a more natural look.

If you will be wearing your hair up, don’t forget to apply the self tanner on the back of your neck, and behind your ears to look more natural.

When you’re finished, wash your hands thoroughly if you chose not to wear gloves, so your palms don’t turn an unnatural color. Use a hand towel to dry them completely.

Before the lotion dries, it’s more likely to tan what you’re wearing too, so let yourself dry and put on some loose clothing. If you’re going to be sitting on a cloth chair or couch, sit on a towel to avoid staining.

For a deep, dark tan before a special occasion, apply self tanning lotion before bed, and again in the morning. Before you go out, check yourself in the mirror for any streaks and correct them with a damp paper towel. Apply bronzing powder to your face and shoulders for a finishing touch, and hit the town!

About The Author

Lorene Radenz is a freelance writer and the founder of http://www.beautytipsonline.com and http://www.ibizedge.com - websites for online beauty and business.

How To Establish A Base Tan Without Getting Burned
by: Angela Maroevich

Lets face it. A nice tan makes you look and feel great. Plus, it can hide ugly cellulite and also make you appear thinner!

If you are going on a trip or you simply want to look good for an event that’s coming up, it’s important to establish a base tan.

Here are some 10 indoor tanning steps to help you achieve a nice base tan without getting burned*.

By the way, if you are hesitant about using an indoor tanning bed but want to get a tan, try a UV-free spray tan like Mystic Tan.

Otherwise, the steps below will help guide you through the UV indoor tanning process:

1. Be careful if you are on any prescription medications: blood pressure medications, antibiotics, skin problem medications are just a few categories of drugs you preferably should not be taking if you are tanning or spending lots of time outdoors. Refer to the photosensitizing medication chart in your local tanning salon to be sure the medications you are taking are not listed. These medications can effect the results of your tanning, making it more difficult to tan and you are more prone to burning.
2. Always use a good quality indoor tanning lotion. It will help your skin to absorb the UV, which will aid in the tanning process. There are also special ingredients that stimulate melanin production, such as Tyrosine, which will give you the most out of every tanning session. Your skin tends to dry out during the tanning process and if you don’t use a good quality indoor tanning lotion, your skin will exfoliate faster, become more dry and flaky, and you will lose your tan faster. So the bottom line: for a deeper, darker, longer lasting tan, you need to use quality indoor tanning lotion. It’s best to apply indoor tanning lotion immediately prior to your session or 1-2 hours prior is even better if you can. Applying it ahead of time allows your skin to absorb the lotion better so you will get the best results from your tanning session.
3. Apply after tan lotion as well to take care of your skin and keep it moisturized. Apply it twice daily at a minimum to keep your skin happy, once in the morning and again at night before bed. This also can enhance your tan and make it longer lasting- the key to a great tan is healthy skin!
4. If you are just beginning to tan, remember to start out conservative. Whatever you do, you don’t want to burn- you cannot tan on top of a burn and you will have to start over. The old saying “I always burn first and then I tan” is completely false, it simply does not have to be this way. If you burn, your skin is telling you that it’s getting too much sun, and then you will peel. So start out with a low number of minutes and work your way up. If you have fair skin but do have the ability to tan, you should not go more than 6-7 minutes your first time in a standard 20 minute tanning bed (also known as a Level 1 tanning bed). For stronger beds with shorter tan times, you would go for even less minutes.
5. Go once every 24-48 hours to build your base. Depending on how well your skin is doing, you can decide whether you can go once a day or once every other day. A good rule of thumb is if your skin is not pink within the 24 hours after your session, you can probably go again the next day without any problem. If your skin is pink, feels dry and itchy, or you get a rash, this is a signal that you went for too many minutes and need to take a break until it feels better and then start over again.
6. Once you build up your base, you really don’t need to tan as often. So depending on the type of bed you are using, you should only go 2-3 times per week to keep your tan, even less in stronger beds. This is where I see many people go overboard, tanning every day when it is really not necessary. Many people enjoy the relaxation time that tanning provides, but tanning too often can and will speed up your aging process and potentially cause other skin ailments over a long period of time. Just like everything else in life, moderation is key!
7. Wear eye goggles at all times! Many people think that putting a towel over their face will block the UV rays, but it doesn’t and repeated UV exposure can cause major eye problems later in life. Would you rather be blind or have lighter eyelids? I think I would choose the latter, but that is just me. For your own safety, please wear the eye goggles!
8. Since indoor tanning does not require the use of a bathing suit, use a towel to cover those ‘sensitive’ areas that don’t see the sun very often if you want to tan all over. In the beginning, try covering those areas for half the session and see how it goes. Gradually you can remove the towel earlier and earlier until you don’t need to use one anymore. The towel acts as a filter but won’t completely block the UV rays, so you are still getting the tanning process started.
9. To avoid getting creases or pressure tanning lines, you should move your limbs into different positions during your session. For the first half, try laying down with both arms extended above your head and legs apart. For the second half, bring your arms down next to your sides but away from your body, and re-position your legs by raising one knee slightly for a half of the remaining time, and then the other leg do the same thing.
10. Try to avoid wearing make-up, deodorant, or other perfumes prior to tanning. Some of these things can make your skin more sensitive and possibly have a bad reaction with your skin when exposed to UV. If you wear a lot of deodorant, you may notice that you are not tanning as well around your armpits, and you need to remove this prior to tanning.

When it comes to tanning, every person’s skin type is different and results will vary. Consult with your local tanning salon for a skin type analysis (from a Smart Tan Certified Tanning Consultant) so you can get a good idea of where to start.

* Also, ask your doctor for his or her advice if you have any specific medical questions or concerns.

About The Author

©2005 Angela Maroevich

Angela Maroevich (everyone calls her Angie) is a salon owner, entrepreneur, and athlete. You can review more articles on tanning and skin care for free at http://www.tanning-advisor.com.

angie@tanning-advisor.com

Tanning Resoures & Fun Finds

For some more tanning information and fun tanning solutions, here are some great places to turn, listed in no particular order.
Sunless.com – First head to their free Product Picker “MikoMatic.” You select your skin type from a drop-down menu, and select a variety of other factors that would help to determine your product purchase like price range, fragrance type, if you want sunscreen protection as well and more. When you’re finished with your selections, click on “Show My Matches” for your results with links to products for you to check out further. Go back and tweak your input to see what else is available to compare. The site also offers detailed product reviews broken down by brand name and type of product, like Banana Boat, Sunless Tanning Spray Soft Medium. They also list the Top 20 Sunless Tanning Products, how to handle various application issues, message board and community areas for interaction, photos with contest and some articles.
Tanningsite.com – This site doesn’t offer as much variety, but does share detailed product reviews by product category; Self-Tanners, Moisturizers, Tan Accelerators, and more. They even have a category for Tan Thru Swimsuits.
National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) – Online at http://www.cdc.gov/ChooseYourCover this site has lots of information about sun exposure with resources about skin cancer. Contact them offline, too, for more information at:
CDC/DCPC
4770 Buford Hwy, NE
MS K64, Atlanta, GA 30341
Toll-free information line: 1-888-842-6355
FAX: 1-770-488-4760
E-mail cancerinfo@cdc.gov

U. S. Department of Health and Human Services – Their department of U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has a boatload of information at http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-sun.html . Their up-to-date resources at this site cover Suntan Products, Sunscreens, and Tanning. Find out the latest warning and tips for using tanning products and devices. Contact them offline at:
Food and Drug Administration
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20857
1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)

In conclusion, when looking for a tanning solution, check out the variety of products available. Sunless-tanning products offer safer tanning and many choices of forms and formulas for everyone across the board from young to old. And sunscreen products are definitely needed outdoors and also come in a variety of choices for everyone. So be prepared. Be safe. And have fun in the sun!

Sunless Tanning Product Lines Reviewed

Au Courant - This companies’ Bronze Face Gel, Dark, is a fine lite-scented sunless tanner for the face. Going on easily, drying quick and light, it boasts AHA to help with skin exfoliation while it colors. Their Instant Sunless Tanning Lotion is said to have a slight odor and be a little thick for easy application, but overall helps with good coloring for people with light to medium skin tones.
Bain de Soleil – Their Soleil Streakguarde Tinted Self Tanner Foam rates as a super foam self tanner and sub-par lotion. Great color results, light nice scent and ease of application are other highlights. Many recommend the product for light skin, although there is a “dark” version for those with darker coloring, too. Note that reviewers did not prefer lotions or foams from Bain de Soleil, though. They shared dislikes for the products’ bad scents and too light coloring.
Banana Boat Product Line – Highly recommended line of tanners. Some double as good moisturizers. They boast vitamins A and E and a snappy fragrance of coconut mixed with mandarin. By rubbing their lotion on prior to your tanning sessions can help keep your skin moist, allowing it to tan better. Their crème version is said to go on light and smooth with a good scent, but is not the choice for those wanting darker tanning. When using the instant sunless lotion version, results improved when mixing or diluting it half-and-half first with a moisturizer. And although their so-so tanning accelerator boasts a great coconut oil scent, this product’s SPF 4, not from titanium dioxide, avobenzone or zinc oxide, is not said to be effective against UVA rays.
California North – California North Titanium Self Tanner is a preferred product with a nicer scent than most competitor products, good coloring, fading and good ease-of-application. Not ideal for darker tanning, though.
Clarins – Their gel has reportedly been more like a lotion and their product pricing a little high, application greasy yet quick-drying and lightly fragrant.
Coppertone - Beware permanent fabric stains, color bleeding off on everything, and somewhat strong smell (that fades) reported with this self-tanning product line. Quick, long-lasting and attractive coloring results, though. Great results reported with red heads and exfoliation beforehand. For some products in this line, only a thin application is needed.
Doctor’s Dermatologic Formula [DDF] - This fragrance-free self-tanner applies smooth, easy and even. Very good coloring. Use repeated applications to darken as desired.
Hawaiian Tropic Tan 2 Max Indoor Tanning Lotion – Another great indoor tanner / moisturizer product. Exotic fragrance, non-oil—based, this contains no SPF but absorbs quickly, leaving no unwanted greasy residue.
Jan Tana - A little pricey, messy and smelly, this self-tanner goes on very dark. Lighter-skinned people may prefer an alternative product.
John Abate Babie – This two-thumbs up, somewhat pricey tanning accelerator is toted as being a hi-quality moisturizer. Non-greasy and light, this product tends to stay on longer than its competitors. And the main attraction is its “baby” powder scent! Two other great varieties are: John Abate Mango Flambe and John Abate Titanium.
Lancome - This fast drying self-tanner reportedly has a high alcohol content, so those with sensitive skin need to take note. (Some products in the line carry a flammable warning). Good color. Bad alcohol smell.
Neutrogena – Their self-tanning products come in lotion and foam form. The foams aren’t highly recommended. And the lotion form has been reported to spread easier with a sponge applicator, otherwise patchy spots can result. Both have reportedly light smells that do go away quickly though. And Neutrogena tanning sprays have left many orange-colored.
Philosophy - The self-tanner is known for good average pricing, dark coloring, OK scent. Heavy applications or repeated applications improved tanning results, too.
St. Tropez - Their tanning kit offers a complete line to help with exfoliation, self-tanning and moisturizing products all-in-one package. Products have light, good scent, apply easy and smooth, product overall very good tan. Watch pricing of individual products; some reportedly need heavy applications and carry heavy prices.
Supre Vibe – This medium-priced, fresh-scented accelerator rates well.
Applies smooth with low vibe or tingle feeling.
Tantowel – These easy-to-use, good scented towlettes are super except they will not get you really dark. The lighter your skin the more of a difference they will make. There is a darker formula called Tantowel Plus.

“First Aid” Tips

Uh, oh! Over did it a little? Here are some for you.
Heat Sickness – heat stroke, exhaustion and fainting (syncope)
can happen when a person becomes too heated and dehydrated. Sunburn may be present, too, but not necessarily. For fevers, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, trouble looking at light (possible cornea burn) see healthcare provider or head to emergency room ASAP.

Sunburns – For sunburns, drink plenty of fluids. And make them clear and cool. Either apply cool (not cold) compresses or soak in cool (not cold) water; don’t use soap since it can dry out your skin, causing more discomfort. Do NOT apply butter or grease or anything like similar to burns, even if you think those old wives tales are worth trying; they’re not because they hold in heat and increase pain.

Products for Sunburns – To help with sunburn pain and discomfort, try adding about a cup of baking soda or a cup of Aveeno to bath water. Moisturizers without alcohol can help with itching, especially aloe vera-based products, which are also helpful for either applying directly to burns or adding to water; check product labels and see which can be cooled first in the refrigerator before applying for more soothing affect.

Blisters – For sunburn blisters, use antibiotic cream and sterile gauze wrappings to keep clean and uninfected. Do not burst or force blisters open.
Check Skin - For your safety, regularly check your skin for possible problems areas. If you notice a mole or other spot on your skin with any of the following qualities, contact your healthcare provider for advice and possible testing: bleeding, growth (larger than pencil eraser), uneven edges, flaking or itching.

Uh, oh! Over did it a little? Here are some for you.
Heat Sickness – heat stroke, exhaustion and fainting (syncope)
can happen when a person becomes too heated and dehydrated. Sunburn may be present, too, but not necessarily. For fevers, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, trouble looking at light (possible cornea burn) see healthcare provider or head to emergency room ASAP.

Sunburns – For sunburns, drink plenty of fluids. And make them clear and cool. Either apply cool (not cold) compresses or soak in cool (not cold) water; don’t use soap since it can dry out your skin, causing more discomfort. Do NOT apply butter or grease or anything like similar to burns, even if you think those old wives tales are worth trying; they’re not because they hold in heat and increase pain.

Products for Sunburns – To help with sunburn pain and discomfort, try adding about a cup of baking soda or a cup of Aveeno to bath water. Moisturizers without alcohol can help with itching, especially aloe vera-based products, which are also helpful for either applying directly to burns or adding to water; check product labels and see which can be cooled first in the refrigerator before applying for more soothing affect.

Blisters – For sunburn blisters, use antibiotic cream and sterile gauze wrappings to keep clean and uninfected. Do not burst or force blisters open.
Check Skin - For your safety, regularly check your skin for possible problems areas. If you notice a mole or other spot on your skin with any of the following qualities, contact your healthcare provider for advice and possible testing: bleeding, growth (larger than pencil eraser), uneven edges, flaking or itching.

Tanning Safety Tips
Here are a variety of tanning tips, in no particular order of reference, for you to review at your leisure and share with your friends and family. After you’ve read them, return once in awhile for a refresher so that you’ll keep safety foremost and always in your tanning program.
Shaving – Avoid shaving right before applying sunless tanning products to avoid irritation.
Lighten up – For areas you want to protect from getting too dark, pre-apply baby oil (gel or lotion); i.e. knees and elbows, then use sunless tanner.
Streaking – Getting wet too soon after applying sunless tanning products could result in streaks. So wait after applications, at least two hours or so, before swimming or showering, etc.
Orange – To avoid orange hands when applying products, cheap, disposable elbow from a dime or wholesale store are great to use. Regardless of glove wearing, thoroughly wash hands and fingernails after application.
Expunge – Eliminate dead skin via washing or exfoliating before applying tanning products.
Special Areas – When using self-tanning products with your knees, feet, hands and elbows, either dilute first with a lotion (moisturizer) or use very small amounts when gently rubbing in. Rubbing with a make-up sponge applicator works well for these areas, too.
How-to-Apply – To apply tanning products, begin working on a small area. Gently, in an even manner, rub in the product generously. (Skimping, to make a bottle lotion last all summer, for example, is not a good idea. Instead, go for the protection factor). Reach out to other areas in a swirling, but still gentle and even rub, rather than going in an up-and-down direction. To reach your back, try using a sponge paint roller or sponge paintbrush; a little goes a long way, so slow and steady does it. Do remember to apply protection to: ears, face, lips (lip balms), neck, shoulders, nose and other small areas.
When-to-Apply – Start sun tanning product applications 30 minutes before you head outdoors. Then re-apply every two to three hours (or after you’re wet – showering, swimming, sweating, etc.)
Waterproof – Forget about only applying this once. Still re-apply. It wears off in water / sweat, etc. over time (after an hour or so). So use caution, especially with children using this type product, and re-apply.
Fabric Stains – Caution when using sunscreen agents that list padimate O, lisadimate, aminobenzoic acid or roxadimate in the ingredients. These may cause discoloration, staining fabrics a yellowish hue.
TIME – As you change time zones when traveling, remember to adjust your sun-timing, too, and avoid direct UV contact unprotected during peaks daylight hours. And watch the location change to adjust your clothing, sunscreen products, eyewear and other protective devices. Pack your sunglasses and sunscreen!
Winter – Don’t forget about protection during the cold, winter months, regardless of your location. Make sure to use sunscreen and appropriate eyewear, as UV rays reflect off snow, ice and water, meaning an increased possibility for sunburn.
Limits - Since between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the rays are strongest, don’t over do over door activities during this time period. Establish some limits for sun exposure during those hours.
Inside / Outside – Remember that when you use sunless or self-tanning products, if they list no sunscreen in their ingredients, you will not be protected from harmful UV rays. And even if you are using a sunscreen, it doesn’t last or work beyond a few hours. So take caution running in and out, and be prepared. Either carry along more sunscreen product to reapply or wear, carry or take protective clothing and gear (hat, sunglasses, etc.)
Eyewear – For those enjoying a lot of outdoor weather, check into investing in good protective eyewear. Read labels for 100% UV protection. Check with pharmacist or healthcare provider for help selecting appropriate levels for children and yourself.
Babies / Youngsters – Young children can burn more easily because of their thinner skin and melanin development. And remember to not use sunscreen products on those younger than 6 months. So use caution with these babes and older children, too, when out in the sun. Protective clothing and shade are good rules of thumb.
Re-Apply – Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen products, especially after swimming and on children.
Math – Remember, the high the SPF, the greater the protection! Seek higher than SPF 15.
Cranky Kids – For finicky kids on the go, check for long-lasting sunscreens and fun spritz sunscreen bottled versions with children’s scents (bubblegum, grape, etc.) There are sensitive formulas available, too.

Tanning Lamps / Indoor Tanning Tips

Tanning booths and lamps, unfortunately, can have the same bad effects on the body as direct sunlight. The equipment emits UV rays that are just as damaging as the sun’s. Some measures to take towards safety when using this type of equipment are closely monitor sessions, keeping to the minimum number and timed lengths that are recommended, don’t book sessions closer than every-other day, ALWAYS wear recommended safety eyewear, follow safety and other directions that come with the equipment or are (or should be) posted near it, and do place some sort of protection like a thin piece of acrylic between your body and tanning lamps. (Check for this possibility with booths, too, by asking the host or reading the equipment’s instruction booklet).