Is there a difference between having a tan and applying a tanning cream? It’s something that probably average people wouldn’t think about, but there is a difference. For one thing, the skin can tan on its own without using anything to stimulate it.
Granted, it’s difficult to tan yourself without help. However, without the help of a tanning accelerator lotion, it’s nearly impossible to get anywhere near the level of a tan. Sunless tanning is growing in popularity, and so are these products.
Getting To Know Your Skin
Your skin is comprised of many layers. Most of the time, we think of our skin as a uniform color, but it isn’t. Some areas on your body have darker colors, while other areas are nearly white. This is due to the fact that our skin is constantly shedding and producing more new cells. Sometimes, the color we produce is a result of damage from the sun.
This is why sunless tanning products work best in areas where you don’t normally tan. For instance, if you rarely go to the beach or play volleyball, an application tailored to suit your preferences will probably be the best product to use.
Applying Sunless Tanning Products
Applying tanning cream is relatively easy, but the success rate can vary from person to person. Generally, the older the cream the more effective it is.
Your skin will absorb the cream much faster that way. Other tanning products can have the side effect of drying out the skin; so be careful to watch what you do with such creams when you apply them to your face.
If you have dry skin and regularly burn in the sun, be careful with lotions. The constant applying of moisturizers can make your skin look lifeless and parched. Instead, apply a juice of lemon, a bit of apple cider, or even water to your face. This will cleanse the skin and remove any residue that the sun may have left behind.
If you’re going to be spending an extended period of time in the sun, you should also use separate moisturizers for your face and body. While body lotion will be necessary to comb through after the tanning session is over, face lotion will be important for hydrating and protecting the delicate skin after the ultraviolet light process has subsided.
Sunscreen Is A Must
A sunless tanning cream is designed to work in a similar manner as a regular suntan lotion. The active ingredients stimulate the production of melanin in the skin, the same substance that produces darker skin tones. Unlike regular suntan lotion, however, sunless tanning cream will actually show results.
Some face lotions require you to leave it on your skin for a certain time period to achieve a tan. These can be a disadvantage for those who have limited time to get a tan before they need to be out the door. A sunless tanning lotion, however, will give you a natural look regardless of how long you have been sitting in the sun.
Perhaps the most important benefit of a sunless tanning lotion is the ease of application. No messy tricks are needed, and application can be done even by hands if the machine allows it.
Most sunless tanning lotions can be applied in the comfort of your own home, and you may even have kits available that will come with the necessary ingredients. Such kits are inexpensive, and will come with instructions that will explain how to apply the lotion properly.
Generally, sunless tanning lotions work relatively the same way as regular suntan lotions. You apply them directly to your skin after a bath or shower, and they will quickly absorb and create a tan. But you should always take the necessary precautions.
While tanning lotions are considered safe to use, it’s important to remember that there is a certain amount of danger in exposing yourself to the sun for extended periods. When you tan outside, especially in the summer, there is the potential for your skin to get badly burned.
In addition, when you tan indoors using a tanning bed there is the risk of damaging your skin. You should always protect your skin from the damaging effects of tanning by using a good tanning lotion when tanning indoors.
If you use a tanning bed at home, you should make sure that you buy a good tanning bed lotion that is designed for tanning beds. By implementing good old-fashioned common sense, you can ensure the health of your skin.
Don’t ignore the hot lamps. Keep your eyes open when tanning and always turn the TV off when you tan. Also, always make sure to change areas of your skin and take a break from time to time, like every hour or so. If you tan too long without stopping, you can burn your skin.
