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Self Tanning Tips

Sunless Suntan

Self tanning is your best alternative if you are after a sun-kissed looking skin. Follow these selftanning tips for a tan without sun and avoid the harmful effects produced by ultraviolet radiation to your skin.

There are many choices of sunless tan lotions in the market. The latest will hydrate the skin and the clothes will be free of stains while giving you a perfect tan, how great is that?

They are made of a chemical called dihydroxyacetone(DHA) that colours the skin when in contact with the skin's proteins, giving it a darker appearance similar to a tan. It only reaches the skin's top layer so will last just for few days.

You should know that while the FDA allows DHA to be "externally applied" for skin colouring, there are restrictions on its use. DHA should not be inhaled, ingested, or used in such a way that the eyes and eye area are exposed to it because the risks, if any, are unknown.

Best Sunless Tan

Did you know...?

Sunless tan lotions won't stop your skin from getting the harmful uv rays when out in the sun, so you will still need to use sunscreen . Some may have, but check the label, and if is not sunblock in it, apply one with SPF 15 or higher.

Self tanners come in different forms:

Sprays
Gels
Lotions
Mousse
Towels

Sunless Spray Tan

One of the best choices for a self tan spray is air brush tanning.

Is done by a professional, which can save you a lot of trouble with streaky areas. The skin is sprayed with a liquid product and creates and even, safe and natural looking tan in 15 minutes than can last up to 10 days.

Self Tanning Tips

When looking for self tanners look for one that is closest to your skin tone, and right for your skin type .
Don't forget to test it first, in a small area, for allergic reactions.
Always exfoliate, see best exfoliators , and moisturize your skin, before applying the product. It will help you get an even tan.
Apply slowly and evenly over a dry skin, with the palms of your hands.
Don't forget areas like the sides of the nose, ears and neck.
Avoid areas like hairline, eyebrows and eyelashes.
Wash your hands during and after finishing, or to avoid messy hands use surgical gloves.
Wait for 30 minutes before getting dress, and don't shower for at least 6 hours.
Reapply once a week to preserve the colour.
For streaky or darker areas you can exfoliate over those parts, and apply some lemon juice.
Normally areas like knees, elbows and ankles will end up darker because they absorb more product, so try applying vaseline over those areas before applying the product.

Self Tanning Pills

You may have seen ads that promise to give you a golden glow just by swallowing a pill. This may sound too good to be true, because it is. These, so-called, tanning pills are unsafe, and none are approved by the FDA.

Some pills contain the color additive canthaxanthin. When large amounts of canthaxanthin are ingested, this substance can turn the skin to a range of colors, from orange to brown.

They can also cause serious health problems including:

Liver damage
A severe itching condition called urticaria
And an eye disorder called canthaxanthin retinopathy, in which yellow deposits form in the retinas.

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