Sunless Tanning: Get Sun-kissed Effect The Safer Way

By Author: Billsa Pere
Total Articles: 3
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Sunless tanning is undoubtedly a practical and much better alternative to sunbathing. There are a number of people who don't want to expose their skin to harmful and damaging sunrays, but they also don't want to miss out on a sun-kiss glow. If you are one of such people, consider self tanning an option. These days, it is possible to have glowing and beautiful sun tanned skin without using tanning beds or exposing yourself to harsh UV rays. But before you start, it is important to understand how sunless tanning products actually work and why is it essential to apply these products correctly and carefully.

Working of Sunless Tanning Products

Self-tanners can bestow your skin with a sun-tanned look. These products are easily available in the form of gels, creams, sprays and lotions. Dihydroxyacetone or DHA is the active ingredient in most of these products. When a sun tanning gel or lotion is applied on the skin, the DHA present in these products react with the dead cells that are present on the skin's outermost layer. This reaction produces a temporary darkened skin appearance. You will not be able to wash the coloring ...
... effects, but as the dead skin cells slough off the coloring effect will also fade. Whenever you spend time outdoors sunscreen application is a must because most of these tanning products do not contain a sunscreen.

Sunless tanning pills contain canthaxanthin, which is a color additive. This compound is not very safe. If taken in large doses, it can cause hives and turn your skin orange. Tanning pills also have side effects, such as liver damage and an eye disease known as canthaxanthin retinopathy.

Sunless Tanning - Safe or Not

Topical tanning products are unquestionably much safer alternatives to sunbathing, but they should be used as directed. Mist-on tanning or spray-on tanning are professional tanning products, and they should be applied to each and every part of the body so that the color remains even. It is better to get both these tanning products applied by a specialist since both these products have a potential of getting into eyes, nose and mouth. Ingesting or inhaling DHA also has some risks. It is therefore important to hold your breath while the tanning product is being applied. It is a good idea to use protective devices, such as nose plugs and goggles, while getting these products applied.

Here is the ideal way of how to use sunless tanning products.

* Exfoliate - It is ideal to wash your skin using a sponge or washcloth to remove excess dead skin cells from the skin surface before you apply sunless tanning product.
* Even Application - It is important to apply the topical tanning product lightly and evenly. On elbows and knees, the product can be used sparingly.
* Use cotton ball - This is done to make sure that you do not mistakenly end up coloring your fingernails or palms.
* Wait until the tanning product dries completely.

Remember sunless tanning products generally do not contain a sunscreen, so you must apply one whenever you have to spend time outdoors.

If you too want to have a sun-kissed skin without facing the harmful sun, make sure you visit http://www.sunlabsonline.com/Scripts/default.asp and find an amazing range of Sunless Tanning and sun care products.