How to Use Sunless Tanning Products at Home

Summer is almost here and after a long winter it is a great idea to update our look by getting a tan. The problem is that sun exposure can lead to serious skin problems and in some cases skin cancer, so the best way to get a great looking tan is to use sunless tanning products. There are a lot of sunless tanning creams available, but by following the steps below you can make the most of any sunless tanning product and get a natural looking tan for the summer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Old towels or sheets
• Plastic Gloves
• Access to the internet
• Body Scrub/Exfoliating Brush or Sponge
• Razor

1. Exfoliate your skin. Sunless tanning products need to be applied to a smooth surface. You must begin by thoroughly exfoliating the parts of your body that you will be applying the sunless tanning lotion to. Exfoliate carefully around the knees and elbows as these are the areas that sunless tanning sprays or cream will stick to the most. Take the time to shave and check the areas that will be tanned before you apply the sunless tanner. Always avoid applying sunless tanning lotion to irritated skin.

2. Do your research. Go to the drugstore or go online to read some reviews on sunless tanning lotions. Check the resource area of this article for some helpful resources. Think about whether you would like to have a dark tan or a light tan. Also, consider how much time you will need each month or week to maintain the tan. You don’t want to end up walking around with an uneven, faded or extra dark tan! Remember that everyone has different types of skin and that you might have to buy several different products before you find the one that you are satisfied with.

3. Test the tanning product. Apply the sunless tanning lotion to a part of your body that you can easily cover up. Some sunless tanning lotions will give you a darker tan as you apply more of the product, so you will need to test how much lotion to apply. The worst mistake you can make is to try out the product on your entire body without knowing whether you will like the results first.

4. Carefully apply the sunless tanning lotion. It is easy to get sunless tanning lotions or sprays on your clothes and furniture during application. The best solution is to give yourself plenty of time to apply it and to cover any areas that you don’t want to get it on. While most products claim to wash off if they are immediately removed with warm water, you will be better off if you use gloves and cover any surfaces that you don’t want an orange stain on. Cover any surfaces with an old towel or sheet. The key to applying these sunless tanning products is to apply them after taking a shower or bath. This way you can exfoliate your skin, towel dry the areas that you want to tan and apply the sunless tanning cream in the bathroom. Remember to apply the cream or spray in long even strokes. Try to avoid putting a lot of cream or spray on your knees, elbows and ankles.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use sunscreen.

Resources

• Your Sunless Tanning Guide
• The Tanning Store

[goodselfme]

on 2/27/2009 Good information with pointers for a natural tan with sunless tanning products. TX