How to Get a Good Tan in the Winter
If you live in a colder climate, the sun is usually scarce during the winter months. As a result, getting a good tan during the winter can be challenging. Fortunately, there are indoor tanning beds and sunless tanning products to make year-round tanning possible. It should be noted that tanning beds carry a considerable risk factor due to the concentrated UVA/UVB rays used to develop your tan. If the health risks are a deterrent, opt for a quick and convenient sunless tanning product instead. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Loofah or sponge
- Moisturizer
- Tanning lotion
- Protective goggles
- Sunless tanning lotion
- Rubber gloves
Instructions
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Tanning Bed
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1
Exfoliate your skin in the shower using the loofah or a sponge. This will help to even out the skin's surface by sloughing off the dead skin cells.
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2
Slather on your favorite moisturizer. Be sure to massage the lotion into every part of your body from your ears to your toes. Dry skin can produce a patchy tan, so ensure your skin is soft and supple before tanning.
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3
Apply the tanning lotion of your choice to your entire body. The lotion should be applied everywhere that the light will touch. Most tanning salons will be able to provide a bronzing lotion tailored to your skin type and desired results. Inquire with staff.
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4
Put on your protective goggles. Tanning beds can cause serious eye damage, so never tan without your goggles.
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5
Set the tanning timer and close the bed. Relax and allow the light to penetrate your skin for the designated time period. Exit the bed when the timer stops.
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6
Avoid showering for at least 8 hours after tanning with an indoor tanning lotion. These lotions usually take several hours to activate.
Sunless Tanning Products
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7
Follow Steps 1 to 2 of "Tanning Bed" Instructions to prepare your skin for product application.
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8
Put on your rubber gloves. Sunless tanning products will stain your palms if you apply them without gloves.
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9
Apply a drop of the lotion to your fingers and apply to your legs. Massage the lotion into your skin using smooth, circular motions. Move quickly to avoid streaking.
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10
Move upward toward your face, massaging the lotion into your skin quickly and evenly as you go. Move lightly over ankles, knees, elbows, feet and wrists as these areas can look darker than others.
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11
Remove the rubber gloves and allow your skin to air dry. It should take about 5 minutes for the sunless tanner to absorb into your skin. Avoid getting dressed or touching any fabrics until the product has been completely absorbed.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Indoor tanning beds are considered among the top cancer risks. Ask your dermatologist about the risks of sun exposure and tanning. Exercise caution when exposing your skin to ultraviolet radiation and never exceed the recommended tanning time.
References
- Photo Credit sexy tanning image by Alfonso d'Agostino from Fotolia.com
