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 Sunless tanning lotions are a great choice for tanners who want to avoid too much sun exposure. The American Academy of Dermatology supports the use of sunless tanning lotions as a safe substitute for tanning under the sun.
Self tanning products of old were once laughed at because of its production of a rather orange tint instead of a golden tan. However, the sunless tanning lotions available today can offer more natural looking results if and when used correctly. The best sunless tanning lotions give a natural looking tan and can have either DHA or lawsone as its main ingredient. Lawsone is derived from the leaves of LAwsonia inermis. This chemical substance does not interfere with the natural processes of the skin. Lawsone is naturally brown in color, and when applied to the skin through the tanning lotion, the brown coloring immediately appears. The application of this lotion does not produce a disturbing odor, however, a big disadvantage to lawsone based lotions is that it fades rather quickly. Lotions with DHA or dihydroxyacetone are known to give the best tanning results. DHA reacts with the skins’ proteins and produces an immediate tanning effect that lasts longer. The effects of DHA are irreversible, which is good for a longer lasting tan, but can be disastrous if it comes into contact with clothes since DHA reacts with the proteins from clothes as well. The use of tanning lotions come highly recommended due to its effect on the body’s melanin production. Effective tanning lotions should also be able to provide some form of moisturizing effect for the skin to enhance the skin’s health. The most excellent and superior tanning lotions are those of the non-greasy and enduring variety and can also be slightly expensive as well. Keeping a tan for longer periods of time is important to most tanners, therefore, most sunless tanners prefer using lotions with DHA. Using this type of lotion can produce a tan within 24 hours of application which can’t be removed or washed off with water or other materials for self tanning removal. on the other hand, some tanners also prefer the direct tanning effect of lawsone based tanning lotions which arrests the individual’s worries about stains. To get the most natural looking tan using sunless tanning lotions, keep these tips in mind: Shower. Exfoliate the body thoroughly using a cleanser or sponge. When applying the lotion, use disposable latex gloves or plastic gloves to prevent tanning the palm area and the fingers. When applying the lotion, don’t spread all over the entire body at one time. Instead, spread over small areas of the body to ensure an even treatment. Wait for the tanner to dry thoroughly before putting on any clothes. Use loose fitting clothes after the application of sunless tanning lotions to avoid rubbing off any of the product. Avoid getting the lotion into contact with other mucous membranes. Keep the lotion away from your nose, eyes and mouth. Ingestion of DHA is not recommended. Follow the directions as indicated on the product.
On the subject of the different skin types, individuals with fair skin or skin type I (people with fair or sandy colored hair) should choose a “light” tanning lotion. Sunless tanning lotions also have some disadvantages. Some people might find themselves allergic to some of the components of these lotions. Before applying the lotion over your entire body, try to put a small amount on a small part of your skin and wait for any unusual reactions to occur. If any uncomfortable effects come up, suspend the use of the lotion at once. Dermatologists also recommend the use of sun block. Though some tanning lotions claim to have a small sun protection factor, the amount is still too small to protect effectively against the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Apply and reapply a liberal amount of sun block with an SPF of 15, at the minimum, every time you go outdoors.
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