Skin Tanning Precautions You Cannot Ignore

For a long time, having tanned skin was seen as being unattractive. Ironically, now that we know the dangers of skin cancer, many people find having a skin tan desirable. This has promoted the rise of the sunless skin tanning product - products that are meant to tan the skin without any dangers. This article educates you on:

• Know about sun and sunless tanning techniques
• What are the precautions to take while having sun and sunless tanning?
• What are the risks involved in skin tanning?

For a long time, having tanned skin was seen as being unattractive. Ironically, now that we know the dangers of skin cancer, many people find having a skin tan desirable. This has promoted the rise of the sunless skin tanning product - products that are meant to tan the skin without any dangers. However, even these sunless skin tanning products can be dangerous in some cases.

Different Methods People Use to Tan Their Skin

The traditional method of skin tanning is by sun bathing. This was popular in the 1970s, when the skin tan became fashionable, but the risks of skin cancer were not yet widely known. Nowadays, many people choose not to directly expose their skin to UV rays. However, sun bathing is still practiced by those who do not care about the dangers or who use a sunscreen lotion with minimal coverage (or low SPF). These sunscreen lotions claim to block out some of the sun's rays, while allowing the person to get a tan.

Sunless bronzers come in the form of tanning lotions, creams or powders. They are applied to the skin for the appearance of a temporary tan. The bronzers are removed when the skin is washed.

Spray tanning booths are becoming a popular way for people to receive a skin tan. A tan is applied to the skin by means of an air compressor or airbrush.

Tanning accelerators are either lotions or pills that contain tyrosine. The tyrosine is meant to increase the formation of melanin, which accelerates the tanning process.

Tanning pills contain cathanxanthin. The canthaxatin changes the color of the skin.

Tanning beds (also known as tanning lamps) expose the body to UV rays, without the person needing to go out into direct sunlight. As this method still exposes the skin to UV rays, tanning beds can be just as dangerous as sun bathing.

Sunless tanning lotion and sunless tanning spray contain di hydroxyl acetone (DHA). DHA changes the color of the dead skin cells. The tan lasts for about one week.

Sun and Sunless Tanning Tips

Here are some tips and techniques for different skin tanning techniques.

SUNBATHING

The best advice for anyone who wishes to gain a skin tan by sunbathing is 'don't do it'. However, if you are determined to sunbathe, then keep the following tips in mind.

• Read up on the dangers of skin cancer.
• Learn about the effects of the sun rays on your skin. The sun's rays can increase the chance of premature ageing, speed up wrinkles, dry out your skin and become a trigger for certain skin disorders like eczema.
• Have a number of short sunbathing sessions, instead of one long session.
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Wear sunglasses.
• A sunscreen that provides minimal coverage is better than no sunscreen at all.
• Avoid the sun during the hottest times of the day.

BRONZERS

Here are some tips for using bronzing products.

• Exfoliate your skin first.
• Do not apply a bronzer after a bath or shower.
• Apply the bronzer in a circular motion.

SPRAY TANNING BOOTHS

Here are some tips for the use of tanning booths.

• Exfoliate your skin first.
• Moisturize your skin first.
• Wear loose fitting clothing.
• Wipe your skin with a towel after application.
• Protect your eyes and mouth.

TANNING ACCELERATORS AND PILLS

There is no evidence to suggest that tanning accelerators or pills actually work. A lot of people are convinced the possible dangers far outweigh any benefits. Pills, particularly, are considered one of the worst ways in which to get a sun tan. Before taking any pills or accelerators, consider the following tips.

• Consult your doctor on whether the products will have any negative effect on medication you are taking.
• Find out any relevant information about the product you wish to take.
• Ask for a recommendation. Do not choose the cheapest product, as it is may have no effect.
• Be careful in the sun and protect your skin from UV rays.

TANNING LOTIONS

Here are some tips for using a sunless tanning lotion.

• Ask your store attendant for the best sunless tanning lotion. Cheap versions may cause your skin to go yellow.
• Do a skin patch test before applying the lotion to your entire body.
• Exfoliate before using the lotion.
• Moisturize your skin.
• Wear the same thing every time you use the lotion - preferably something dark so that stains will not show.

TANNING BEDS OR LAMPS

Here are some tips for using tanning beds or lamps.

• Protect your eyes and your lips.
• Check with your doctor about the effect of UV light on any medication.
• Moisturize your skin before and after the session.
• Gradually expose the areas that have been covered up.
• Don't over do it and watch the time.