How to Tan
You can achieve a deep, dark tan like Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, and you don't even need the sun to do it. There are several ways to achieve a healthy-looking tan that can meet any budget or time constraint. Who wants to look as white as death in their swimsuit this summer? Not you? Then get tanning!
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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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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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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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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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.
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Tips & Warnings
In addition to skin cancer, UV radiation may also damage the immune system and cause premature aging, giving your skin a wrinkled or leathery appearance.
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Comments
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Ally
Jun 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! -
Ally
Jun 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!
