Sunless Tanning

The days of basking in baby oil are long gone! The effects of harmful UV rays have been the center of attention in the skin care industry over the last decade and for a good reason: skin cancer is no laughing matter. Protect your skin while you are young, using moisturizer  and SPF lotions  so you can avoid wrinkles and health complications in the future.

Even though tanning is not safe there is still a way to get a healthy "tan" without the health risks associated with the sun and tanning booths.  Sunless tanning  has come a long way over the past few years and has become significantly better in terms of color and ease of application. It now comes in a variety of textures, shades and developing speeds. That means you can find the perfect sunless tanner for your skin type and color so that you can achieve a natural looking sun-free tan without streaks, spots or an unsightly orange glow.

Choosing a Sunless Tanner

1. Match the tanner level (light, medium or dark) to your skin. If you burn easily or have pink undertones in your skin, it is probably "light". If you don't burn often but it takes some time to tan, your skin is most likely "medium". You may have olive or tan undertones in your skin. If you tan easily or have dark skin, your skin is considered "dark".
2. Select an application type. There are creams, sprays, foams and towelettes. Each one has its pros and cons. Make sure though that whichever type you choose you select special tanners formulated for the face when needed since some tanners for the body are not non-comedogenic, thus they may clog pores and cause breakouts on sensitive facial skin.
3. Budget accordingly. If you can spend $30 on tanner and don't mind, go for it. If you are a limited budget, don't worry. The active ingredient in self tanner, called DHA or dihydroxyacetone, is the same no matter how expensive the formula. The only thing to keep in mind is whether the inactive ingredients in the tanner will make application easier and/or more natural looking.

Sunless Tanner Types

Foam Foams  tend to be easier to apply than creams, making even the most flawed application look good. Try St. Tropez Whipped Bronze Self Tanning Mousse System.	Spray Spray tans,  similar to what you get in salons, make for an even tan if you know how to apply them right. Novices beware! Try Au Courant Instant Sunless Tanning Spray.	Towelettes Towelettes  are great for touch ups between applications. Try Estee Lauder's Go Tan Towelettes or the budget priced L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes.	Gradual Tans Gradual tan lotions,  such as Jergens Natural Glow,  are ideal in spring when you want to subtly increase your tan as summer nears. These are also useful for maintaining a tan. Also try Coppertone's Endless Summer.	Lotions Sunless tanning lotions  are very common and best for the face. Fast drying  formulas dry in 5 minutes and are good for people who are used to applying tanners. For the novice though they may dry too quickly, creating streaks.

Application Tips

• Always exfoliate first. Shaving and/or exfoliating should always be done prior to applying tanner to improve absorption and to get an even application. Use a toner before applying tanner to the face.
• Building is better. You can always add color, but once it's there, you're kind of stuck with it. If you are a beginner go light to start and build up gradually to avoid a catastrophe.
• Do not apply tanner over moisturizer. Wait for the moisturizer to completely absorb into the skin before applying a coat of sunless tanner. The skin should be completely dry and cool for the best result. Also note that alphahydroxy complexes help smooth the skin before applying the tanner but if they mix with the tanner itself, it will actually diminish the power of the tanner.
• Avoid dry skin areas, such as knees, ankles and elbows. Because those areas lack moisture they will absorb the tanner into the skin's creases causing a dark lined effect.
• Apply at night. It gives the tanner time to develop completely and should there be any mistakes, you can easily correct them in the morning.
• Use gloves to apply tanner. Plastic gloves  (like those you use to dye your hair at home) are a great investment if you frequently apply self tanner since they will keep the hands from turning orange.
• Try a makeup sponge. Foam makeup sponges  are great for applying tanner to the face or tricky areas such as the hands or feet.
• Get rid of streaks. Use a swipe of lemon to remove a streak or 2% BHA liquid (betahydroxy acid) such as salicylic acid. 

Top Picks

For Face

True Blue Spa Hello, Sunshine! Self-Tanning Face Puff	DiorBronze Self-Tanner	Clarins Liquid Bronze Clarins Liquid Bron	Murad Self Tanner SPF 15	Build-A-Tan for Faces Sunless Tanning SPF 15

For Body

Lancome Flash Bronzer	Fake Bake Self-Tanning Tri-Pak	Sally Hansen Airbrush Sun	St. Tropez Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion	Decleor Aroma Sun Express Hydrating Self-tan Spray

The Truths About Tanners

• Tanners don't ward off UV rays unless they contain an SPF. The SPF must include one of the following to be considered protective against UV rays: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone. See the guide on Sun Protection for more information on keeping skin safe from UVA and UVB rays.
• Sunless tanners naturally fade over time, after shaving, showering or swimming. Exfoliating and shaving after applying tanner will partially remove or fade the tan.
• Tanners stain skin and also clothes. Choose fast drying formulas and always let the tanner dry before dressing. Usually 10 to 15 minutes is enough time to be certain that you won't stain anything.

Related Products

Body Moisturizers	Facial Cleansers	Body Scrubs	Bronzers	Sun Protection

External Links

• CosmeticsCop.com: Tips for tanner application.
• Sunless.com: Advice on applying tanner.