Sunless Tanning and Bronzers Tanning Lotion
Sunless tanning products or self-tanners are the products which will give you a tanned look without exposing your skin to harmful radiations. Sunless tanning products are available in various forms like creams, lotions, pills, sprays and bronzers. It is very important to note that these products can only give you a tan look; but it cannot protect you from the harmful effects of the UV radiations which you may be exposed to by going outdoors. Hence, it is highly recommended to use sun screen lotion while going outdoors. Professional spray-on tanning also is available at many salons, spas and tanning businesses.The active ingredient in most sunless tanning products is the color additive, dihydroxyacetone. When applied, dihydroxyacetone reacts with dead cells in the skin's surface to temporarily darken the skin. The coloring typically wears off after a few days. Sunless tanning products might or might not contain sunscreen. If a product does contain sunscreen, it will only be effective for a couple of hours. The color produced by the sunless tanning product won't protect your skin from ultraviolet rays. If you spend time outdoors, sunscreen remains essential.
Sunless tanning products generally fall into two categories: cosmetic bronzers that wash off like regular makeup and sunless tanners that actually stain the skin and fade as skin cells slough off.
What are the different ways to get a sunless tan?
There are many products on the market today that can help you get the beautiful glow you're looking for. There are two main types of bronzers. The first is cosmetic, that can be washed off like makeup at the end of the day. The other is sunless, which "stains" the skin. The latter type of color eventually fades as skin cells slough off. Here's a closer look at the different types:
1. Bronzing powder - Bronzing powder is best suited to give your face a healthy glow, while remaining sheer and natural. You can put the bronzer on your face, cheekbones, forehead, etc. to give your skin a golden color without red or brown undertones.
2. Bronzing gel - This type can be rubbed onto the skin to enhance your tan or add a warm glow to the skin. You can purchase bronzing gel from many department stores in a variety of formulations, many of which include a moisturizer. However, you should be careful when choosing and applying this, as the wrong shade may result in an orange undertone.
3. At-home spray bronzer - This type of bronzer can be purchased at a department store, and should be sprayed over clean skin for a natural look. After you spray, spread it with your hands to even out the color. When you're finished, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly so they don't get an orange tint. Depending on your natural skin and the type of bronzer you use, you may see a difference right away; with others it takes a few hours.
4. Professional spray tan - If you have the budget for it, consider a professional spray tan. This can be done in a salon by a professional technician who has been trained to apply the treatment and can help you find the tone that's right for you. The tan is airbrushed on your skin, with focus given to areas that need extra color detail or sculpting.
Bronzer Tanning Lotions
Bronzer tanning lotions have gained quite a following in recent years. Many people though do not know exactly what a bronzer tanning lotion is. This products is simply a type of lotion that provides a tan in a relatively shorter period of time than other methods and products. They also produce a deeper and more luxurious quality of tan than regular tanning creams and lotions. This is the reason why it is a hot product especially among women who want to have a gorgeous looking skin in the shortest amount of time possible.
There are basically two types of bronzers. The first one helps accelerate the tanning process whether you plan to tan under the sun or artificially through a tanning bed. These kinds of bronzer tanning lotions are usually labeled whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor tanning. The second type of bronzer are called self-tanning bronzers because they can produce a tan even without the help of the sun or any artificial tanning method.
Both types of bronzer tanning lotion helps minimize ones exposure to sunlight and to the dangerous UV rays. But of course, the latter is safer to use and is preferred by more health-conscious individuals. You probably know by now that prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to skin damage and premature aging. It can also cause diseases of the skin such as skin cancer. You should also be wary of tanning beds that are just as dangerous as the sun.
The active ingredients in many bronzer tanning lotions is dihydroxyacetone or DHA. This ingredient produces a chemical reaction to the skin that creates a compound that is very similar to melanin, the substance that is responsible for lending the skin with a golden color when exposed to the sun. DHA is considered safe by many experts.
Choose Your Formula
1. Self-tanning moisturizers: With a lower concentration of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient in sunless tanners, these gradually build a sun-kissed glow with daily use.
Best for: Achieving just a hint of color; a good starting step for novice self-tanners.
2. Tanning Towelettes: Presoaked with self-tanner, these sheets just need to be unfolded and swiped across skin for an even glow.
Best for: Keeping up your glow on vacation. These pads are stress free. "It's almost impossible to apply too much product with tanning wipes," Vezirian says.
3. Self-tanning Lotions and Creams: The workhorse of sunless tanning, these formulas are often tinted so you can see if you've missed any spots.
Best for: Both practiced and beginner tanners alike. Because these formulas don't absorb into the skin instantly, you have a few extra seconds to blend.
4. Sunless Mousses and Gels: Lightweight and fast drying, these formulas are easy to layer, so you can build coverage or customize for contouring.
Best for: Experienced self-tanners. You need to blend fast before the color is absorbed.
5. Do-it-yourself Tanning Sprays: The fastest way to cover large areas. Technique matters: You need to apply evenly from about 6 inches away in a circular motion.
Best for: Hitting hard-to-reach areas like your back. "These dispense just a light mist of color so you can achieve results that are like an airbrushed tan.
How does sunless tanning work?
All types of sunless tanners contain DHA, or dihydroxyacetone. DHA interacts with the proteins in the outer lay of skin to create a darker skin color. During the next 3-7 days, the skin's dead cells will slough off and the tan will fade. To maintain your color, it's recommended that you use a self tanner every week.
Before Applying Sunless Tan:
• Remove dead skin cells - Use a body scrub or other exfoliant to remove existing dead skin cells from your body. Pay special attention to areas like the elbows, feet, and hands - the most common spots for the tanner to turn too dark or orange.
• Wax or shave - If you plan to tan your legs, shave or wax at least 24 hours before the procedure, then shower soon before you apply the product to your skin.
• Skip "the extras" - Skip any lotion, moisturizer, or deodorant after showering, as they can interfere with the absorption of the tanner. However, if there are exceptionally dry areas like your hands or feet, applying a little bit of moisturizer won't hour.
Best way to apply a sunless tanning lotion
• Exfoliate first: Before using a sunless tanning product, wash your skin to remove excess dead skin cells. Spend a little extra time exfoliating areas with thick skin, such as your knees, elbows and ankles.
• Apply in sections: Massage the product into your skin in a circular motion. Apply the tanner to your body in sections, such as your arms, legs and torso. Wash your hands with soap and water after each section to avoid discoloring your palms. Lightly extend the product from your ankles to your feet and from your wrists to your hands.
• Wipe joint areas: The knees, elbows and ankles tend to absorb more of sunless tanning products. To dilute the tanning effect in these areas, gently rub them with a damp towel.
• Take time to dry: Wait to dress at least 10 minutes. Wear loose clothing and avoid sweating for three hours.
Tricks will help your self-tanning experience go smoothly!
1. Try before you apply: If you've ever dyed your hair without testing the shade first (and hated the results), then you know how important it is to do a patch test first! To test your self-tanner, apply it to an inconspicuous part of your body (such as your belly) and wait a complete day or two to see how it looks. A single application of self-tanner will last for a few days, applying the wrong shade everywhere could leave you hiding under long sleeves and pants in the summer heat.
2. Plan ahead:Self-tanners work the best on smooth, well-moisturized skin. They often look too dark and artificial on dry skin (especially knees and elbows), so those areas must be softened and smoothed before you start. Prepare your skin to go faux by moisturizing several times a day, especially after bathing or showering. Exfoliate with a gentle scrub all over your body, a few days prior and immediately before applying the self-tanner. Waiting at least 20 minutes after bathing or showing to allow your skin to dry completely. Applying self-tanner on damp or wet skin can result in unevenly-colored areas.
3. Protect your hands: Self-tanners work quickly and if you’re covering your entire body, your palms may get colored in the process. Wear a pair of disposable gloves while applying the self-tanner to your body, applying the tanner to the tops of your hands last. If you don’t have gloves, wash your hands several times and use some soap and a nail brush to scrub away any residue from your nails and cuticles.
4. Apply quickly and evenly: Whether you select a spray, cream or gel self-tanner, you must work quickly and apply the tanner evenly over a complete area. One way to ensure that you don’t miss any spots is to use a brand with a hint of color that way you will immediately see a bare spot before it’s too late. Use enough tanner to cover a whole area of your body at once (such as your entire arm) using long, smooth, downward strokes for even coverage. Apply self-tanner sparingly on the knees, ankles and elbows, as these areas are typically dry and may turn out splotchy.
5. Wait it out:While you may be tempted to get dressed immediately, wait 30 minutes (or longer) to be on the safe side. Sitting on any light-colored fabrics (including sheets, furniture or towels) during this time can cause color transfer (and stains). Your self-tanner needs time to work its magic, so it has dried, wait at least three hours before bathing, showering or swimming. Afterwards, if you find some areas are darker than you’d like, exfoliate a few times over the next week and the color will fade as your skin cells come off.
6. Make it last: When applied properly, most artificial tans last between three and five days, depending on how fast your skin naturally exfoliates. When you first begin to notice that your color is fading, do another color test and see if you like the shade. If so, go ahead and reapply your self-tanner. Always apply the product in layers, a little at a time, to ensure the most natural looking tone.
Even though you'll be looking sun-kissed, don't forgo the sunscreen. Just as a "base tan" doesn't protect you from the sun, a faux tan doesn't offer any sun protection either. Even though you're sporting golden skin tones, you still need protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Always wear a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher and cover up to prevent sunburn when you're outdoors.
Myotcstore Related Products:
Jergens Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer for Medium to Tan Skin Tones - 5 Oz
Loreal dermo expertise sublime bronze tinted self tanning lotion, 5 oz
Neutrogena Micromist tanning sunless spray, deep - 5.3 oz
Sally Hansen airbrush legs, deep glow for tan to deep skin tones - 4.4 oz