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Step 1
Lay out in the sun. It's free! Well, almost. You still need to purchase a good sunscreen or tanning lotion and maybe spring for a towel and a bathing suit, but other than that, it's the most inexpensive way to get a tan. It does, however, do the most damage to your skin and takes the longest amount of time. And let's face it; most of us don't have the time to lie around in the sun for a few hours a day. But if you do, and you don't mind a few premature wrinkles here and there--and maybe a little cancer--this plan is for you. The American Cancer Society recommends that you limit the time you spend in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's UV rays are the highest to prevent skin cancer.
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Step 2
Use a tanning bed. They aren't much safer than the sun, although they do put out fewer UVB rays, which are more damaging than UV rays. If you are more likely to burn, tanning beds are the better choice since UVB rays are more likely to burn the skin. The sun, however, does help your body produce vitamin D, which helps prevent other kinds of cancer, which tanning beds do not. Tanning sessions run from 5 to 30 minutes at a time. You'll need to tan at least once a week or more to keep your glowing tan, depending upon how dark you want to be.
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Step 3
Use self-tanning lotions or sprays. They don't damage the skin, and, in fact, most have moisturizers in them. Prices vary, but typically a bottle of self-tanning lotion will cost less than two visits to the tanning bed. Another benefit of lotions is that you can apply them in your own time and don't have to set an appointment. However, you should exfoliate your skin with a natural sea sponge or body scrubs to remove dead skin cells before applying the lotion or spray to minimize blotching. Still, you may get streaking, and some lotions can leave your skin looking orange. Be careful of getting too much around your joints, since this can make them look darker, and on the palms of your hands, which will stain them. Some self-tanning lotions don't smell so hot, either. Reapply one to three times a week, depending upon the product, to maintain color.
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Step 4
Go to a salon for a spray-on tan. These are great because they don't damage the skin, aren't too expensive, don't leave streaks, and leave the longest-lasting results. A spray-on tan will cost about the same as a visit to a tanning bed. You should return once every other week for maintenance.
Comments
Sunset256 said
on 1/6/2009 Tanning in a tanning salon is better, it does filter out, thats how you get more A than B. and it does provide Vitamin D. Doctor's even recommend it. and tanning bed don't go for 30 minutes. you shouldn't give people advise if you don't know all the facts. check out tanningtruth.com and i bet you'll find out some cool things about tanning, the sun, and vitamin d that you didn't know before.
Ally said
on 6/15/2008 I'm telling you right now, going to a tanning salon is more dangerous because the UV light is concentrated, and is not filtered through the ozone. BEWARE!
MantrapBeauty said
on 4/2/2008 Mantrap Beauty, LLC is launching a new beauty product during this month of April 2008! Now you can apply your favorite sunless-tanning lotion with ease. Palm Protectors provide a smooth surface for a streak-free single-application without leaving nasty stains on your palms. Make your next application as effortless as your beauty.
Directions: Cut slits to finger length. Remove film from applicator. Secure applicator to palm of hand. Fold applicator at thumb. Use applicator to apply your choice of sunless tanning lotion. Complete application. Remove and dispose of applicator.
Go to: www.mantrapbeauty.com for more information. The web site is currently under construction, but you can pre-order your Palm Protectors now or order online when the web site is complete. Stay beautiful!
Note: Palm Protectors can also be used during applications in spray-on tanning booths.