About Self-Tanner
Self-tanner, or sunless tanning, is a type of artificial tan that does not require exposure to the sun or the harsh light of tanning beds. They work by temporarily dying the skin with chemicals, rather than actually darkening its hue with UV rays. There are numerous types of self-tanner on the market and it is fairly easy to apply at home, though precautions should still be taken. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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Self-tanner allows people to have the appearance of a tan without risking sunburn or the other harmful and dangerous effects of UV rays from the sun or artificial tanning bulbs. Self-tanner is also generally a less expensive option than artificial tanning booths or beds. Additionally, self-tanner allows users to apply an artificial tan on their own time, in the privacy of their own homes, though professional application of sunless tans is also an available option.
Types
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The most common types of self-tanner are lotions and sprays. These lotions and sprays are usually considered to be the most effective type of self-tanner, and contain the active ingredient of dihydroxyacetone, which is a colorless sugar that produces a color-changing reaction in dead skin cells. Self-tanner lotions and sprays tend to last for 5 to 7 days on the skin. Bronzer is another type of self-tanner, which is usually sold as a powder, cream or lotion, and easily comes off the skin after a single wash.
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Usage
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Before applying a self-tanning lotion or spray to the face or whole body, try the self-tanner out on an inconspicuous spot to make sure it does not turn an undesirable color or produce an allergic reaction. Wearing rubber gloves is advised to avoid dying your palms very dark. The self-tanner should be applied as evenly as possible to the skin, and a sponge paintbrush is useful for hard to reach spots, as well as for use with spray tanners. All areas should be blended to provide as natural a look as possible, and the results may take up to an hour to become visible.
Benefits
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Prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun or a tanning bed are known to increase the risk of skin cancer, and those with fair skin or a tendency to burn have an even higher risk. Tanning is also known to cause dry skin. Self-tanner allows people who want to have a tanned look to obtain it without putting their skin or personal health at risk.
Warnings
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Though self-tanner has significant benefits over tanning with the sun or in an artificial tanning bed, it does have some downsides of its own. Self-tanner has been known to cause streaks or an orange appearance on the skin. This can generally be prevented by using a high quality self-tanner, or by having the self-tanner professionally applied. The chemicals in self-tanner are also known to cause a strong, unpleasant odor on the skin, which may last for a couple of days. Lastly, some people may experience allergic reactions to self-tanner, so they should always be tested on a small portion of the body first.
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Resources
- Photo Credit BrittneyBush via Flickr
