Top 4 Sunless Tanning Methods
By Tony Newton
Tanning products, both sunless and sun, go to work
on the epidermis, or the outside layer of your skin, and not the dermis
or inner layer. However, the layer of epidermis that is affected by
sunless versus the layer affected by sun tanning products differs.
Sun tanning lotions, sprays, gels and other assorted
items, go to work on the stratum basale or deepest layer. And sunless
tanning items go to work on the stratum corneum or outermost layer.
Method 1 - Sunless Bronzers
Some sunless tanning products come in the form of
moisturizers (as lotions and crèmes) and powders and are referred
to as bronzers. Basically you simply apply these to your skin as you
would make up products for a temporary "tan" appearance, similar to
the effects of applied makeup leaving a "tint."
Then you just wash the bronzers off with soap and
water; the "tan is removed with washing. Caution is needed so that
the products do not stain clothing or other fabric.
And care needs to be taken so that the applications
do not streak or run when wet, similar to the results of mascara running.
And finally, make sure that if you wear these products outdoors, they
contain sunscreen in the ingredients; otherwise wear protective clothing,
eyewear, etc.
Method 2 - Sunless Tanning Booths
Sunless tanning booths are becoming more popular.
With an air compressor and an airbrush delivery system in one of these
booths, skin receives a "tan." What happens is that pistons in the
compressor quickly press or force air out via a nozzle in an airbrush
or spray head. This air mixes with a tanning solution containing DHA
that's inside compartments within the airbrush, and sprays this in
a fine mist over the outer skin layer.
Some tanning booths have up to 36 of these airbrushes
connected to the compressor and they are all either in fixed positions
or moving. Thus tanning clients then either move under fixed sprayers
so that skin is covered all over. Or else the tanner parts move to
spray the different body parts (these types pose more mechanical maintenance
issues though.)
Method 3 - Tanning Accelerators
For a speedier tan, you might elect to try a tanning accelerator.
Generally sold as lotions or pills, these products list an amino acid
called tyrosine in with the ingredients. This amino acid is reported
(but not proven) by some users to increase the production of melanin,
speeding up the tanning process. Again, these are not FDA-approved
solutions or drugs.
Method 4 - Tanning Lamps
Tanning lamps, unfortunately, can have the same bad
effects on the body as direct sunlight. The equipment emits UV rays
that are just as damaging as the sun's. Some measures to take towards
safety when using this type of equipment are closely monitor sessions,
keeping to the minimum number and timed lengths that are recommended,
don't book sessions closer than every-other day, ALWAYS wear recommended
safety eyewear, follow safety and other directions that come with
the equipment or are (or should be) posted near it, and do place some
sort of protection like a thin piece of acrylic between your body
and tanning lamps. (Check for this possibility with booths, too, by
asking the host or reading the equipment's instruction booklet).
In conclusion, when looking for a tanning solution,
check out the variety of products available. Sunless-tanning products
offer safer tanning and many choices of forms and formulas for everyone
across the board from young to old. And sunscreen products are definitely
needed outdoors and also come in a variety of choices for everyone.
So be prepared. Be safe. And have fun in the sun!
Tony Newton publishes the popular health and wellness
website - http://www.1st-for-health.com
With lots of informative articles on low carb diets, hair loss, arthritis
pain relief, obesity and lots more.
