The Best Self Tanning Lotions Give You Great Results Without The Risk

By Haywood Hunter


While most everyone wants to have a gorgeous, bronze tan in the summer, the sun's powerful UV rays can be very destructive to the skin, causing age spots and wrinkles as well as increasing the risk of skin cancer. The best self tanning lotions for sale on the market today offer those who long for a tan a safer alternative than lying in the sun.

It can be confusing for someone who has never bought such a product before to pick one since more companies than ever before have jumped on the sunless tanning bandwagon and are all claiming that their product is better than the rest. Searching for some online reviews of various self tanners is a good way to get some idea as to which are worth trying and which ones are not. Sticking with natural formulas that moisturize and nourish the skin while producing a lovely, natural color is the best bet, as no one wants to look "orange".

These products are available in various forms including sprays, mousses, and lotions, but the latter are generally easiest to apply, especially for those using them for the first time. Lotions tend to go on more smoothly and is not as difficult to apply them evenly, thus preventing streaks. Whichever type is used, it's best to wear dark colored clothing following application in case some of the product wears off onto the fabric.

The active ingredient found is the majority of these formulas is known as DHA or dihydroxyacetone. A naturally-derived substance which comes from sugar, DHA creates the appearance of darker pigmentation by reacting with the skin's uppermost layer of cells. This tan usually lasts as long as one week. Products claiming to produce a darker tan normally contain a greater concentration of DHA.

Before applying the tanner, doing a full-body exfoliation is recommended for several days. Any areas of tough, dry skin should be given extra attention, sloughing them off will prevent darker patches from forming when the tanning lotion is applied. This will ensure an even, natural-looking coat of color throughout the entire body.

Many of these lotions contain a darker tint that is added for the purpose of making it easier to apply. This way the user can see if he or she has added too much of the product to one part or another and it can be corrected before it creates as spot or streak. However this effect is temporary and will rinse away after a shower, the tan develops gradually due to the action of the DHA.

It looks strange if the color is absorbed by the palms of the hands, so either use plastic gloves or to wipe off and wash the hands promptly afterwards. One will likely need another person to assist when it comes to applying tanner to the back, and the face should either be avoided or a special tanner made for facial use applied with care.

Some of the more chemical-based products have a strong scent that does not appeal to most users, but those which are largely natural in composition have a light, pleasing scent which fades quickly. The artificial blends tend to stronger-smelling, with some users claiming the odor hangs around for days.




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