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Sunless Tanning – Better and Safer Than Sunbathing

Sunless tanning is achieving that tanned skin without spending hours under the sun. This is a safe alternative to sunbathing because you are not exposing your skin under the sun’s damaging rays thus avoiding the risk of skin cancer. With this definition of sunless tanning alone, you have already seen how it is safer than sunbathing. But much more than that definition, there are a lot of other things to discover when it comes to sunless tanning.

Sunless Tanning – Helping You Have Naturally Tanned Skin

Sunless tanning is giving your skin a natural tan look by the use of tanning products which are also called self-tanners. This is without exposing the skin to the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Although these tanning products are known to be safe, there are some existing risks depending on how they are used or applied.

Sunless Tanning

Sunless Tanning

Sunless tanning products are being sold in the market in the form of sunless tanning lotions, creams, gels and sprays which are commonly applied on the skin. They contain the active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This active ingredient will temporarily darken the appearance of the dead cells in the outermost layer of the skin. This color will fade out as the dead skin cells cast off. Usually this process will take about five to seven days.

Sunless Tanning – How Long Will It Take You to See the Results?

Effects of some sunless tanning product are visible in an hour. Full color appears in 24 hours, while some products that contain tint darken the skin right away. These sunless tanning products can be used at home but sunless tanning sprays are also available in some salons and spas. Experts on tanning spray can tan the whole body evenly, even in between toes.

Sunless Tanning Products – They Are Safe Because they are FDA Approved

These tanning products are recognized by the Food and drug Administration (FDA) as safe alternatives to sunbathing. This is because their DHA content is guaranteed to be safe when applied on the skin. Although these products are safe to use, improper application can cause some risks.

Like for example the tanning spray which is applied to all parts of the body including the face, is capable of getting into your eyes, inside the nose or even the lips. It is necessary then to close your eyes and hold your breath while tanning is going on. You can also use devices like goggles or nose plugs for protection.

Sunless Tanning Pills – The Only Product not Yet Approved by the FDA

Besides the topical tanning products, tanning pills are also out in the market. But this is not yet approved by the FDA because of its canthaxanthin content. Canthaxanthin can change the color of your skin from orange to brown and can cause formation of crystals in the retina of the eye. Other side effects of tanning pills are nausea, cramps and diarrhea.

Sunless Tanning – Some Tips to Achieve Best Results

Sunless tanning can make the skin look naturally tan evenly on to the body without the streaky appearance. To achieve best results, you have to follow these tips:

  1. Choose light to medium toned product to look more natural.
  2. Use wash cloth or sponge to remove dead skin cells before using any tanning products. Shave legs to achieve even application.
  3. Sunless tanning product should be applied lightly and evenly.
  4. Wash your hands with soap and water after applying tanning products on to your face and body. This is to avoid coloring your palms.
  5. Wait for the sunless tanner to dry for about 15 to 20 minutes before you dress up to avoid staining your clothes.
  6. Be sure to apply sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) at least 15 minutes before going out to protect your skin from sun damage.

Now that you’ve realized how sunless tanning is regarded as a safer and better alternative over sunbathing, it’s about time you give yourself a break and look for sunless tanning products in the market. This page will help: most effective sunless tanning products. A review of two of the best sunless tanning products can be found in here including some tips on how you should look for a product out of the many ones launched in the market today.

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