The Difference Between a Glow & Sun Touch Tanning and an Airbrush Tan

Get a healthy glow without risking the harmful rays of the sun.

As the public becomes more aware of the dangers of tanning outdoors, so-called "sunless" tanning methods are growing in use and popularity. Various methods of sunless tanning have different benefits that serve a variety of purposes, and can meet your lifestyle needs. It's always important to make the effort to prepare your skin before tanning no matter what method you use. Exfoliating and moisturizing properly will ensure you get an even, streak-free tan, whether you opt for glow, sun touch, or airbrush application.

Glow vs. Sun Touch Tanning

"Glow" and "sun touch" tanning refer to different tanning "looks" that you can achieve in a number of ways. The "glow" tan effect gives the whole body a radiant warmth, making you look as if you are just returning from a Mediterranean holiday where you spent every minute outdoors. "Sun touch," on the other hand, refers to a more subtle look that many consider suitable during the winter months. A "sun-touched" look is a gentle hint of tan that makes you look healthier and slightly bronze.

Tanning Lotions

You can achieve either a "glow" or a "sun touch" look with the use of tanning lotions. Tanning lotions are found in drugstores and department stores, and enough products are available to suit any skin tone and budget. Tanning lotions are also purchased for at-home application, so if you're new to tanning, it's a good idea to choose the lightest shade possible of tanning lotion to minimize the appearance of mistakes and imperfections. You can also get tanning lotions that gradually "build" a tan look with frequent applications over a course of several days to weeks. Gradually building a tan is a good way to achieve the "sun touch" look.

Tanning Beds

You can use tanning beds to achieve a "glow" look with relative ease. Tanning beds provide an appropriately dry and warm location to build your tan without having to rely on the fickle weather outside. Because they are designed to tan your whole body, tanning beds work in much the same way as the sun to give your skin an even-looking, warm, deep tan. Tanning beds are available at tanning salons all over the United States. You can also buy your own tanning bed for home use if you're committed to properly maintaining it.

Airbrush Tanning

Airbrush tanning is another method that is available at tanning salons. Airbrush tanning does not require the UV light that tanning beds use. It is effectively a tan that is applied to your skin using an airbrush, which distributes the pigment evenly and does not require any blending or rubbing in, as with sunless tanning lotions. Airbrush tanning can be used to get either a "glow" or "sun touch" look depending on the shade you choose and how much skin you decide to darken.

References

• What Are the Different Sunless Tanning Techniques?