Sun Tanning Lotions, Oils and Gels

Sun Tanning Lotions, Oils and Gels

Some people think having a tan gives them a "healthy glow." But a tan really shows that the skin is trying to protect itself from sun damage. Sun damage can lead to premature aging (wrinkles!), eye damage and skin cancer. During the spring and summer it is a common sight to see people tanning themselves on their lawns and at beaches, but a healthy tan can be achieved anytime a person is outside and has exposed skin. Even playing, camping, and yard work can add to a tan – and without the added risk of falling asleep and getting more sun exposure than is healthy.

Sun tanning is the act of spending time in the sun for the express purpose of darkening your skin which is considered healthy looking. The ultimate is an allover tan with no tan lines. The process is most often a result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from artificial sources, such as a tanning bed. People who deliberately tan their skin by exposure to the sun engage in sun bathing. Some people use chemical products which can produce a tanning effect without exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Tanning lotions and oils make it easier and more convenient for people to get a tan. First of all, you need to know that the active ingredient found in some of the best tanning lotions and oils available is Dihydroxyacetone or simply DHA. This ingredient creates a chemical reaction with the keratin in your skin which in turn creates a compound that is very similar to melanin called melanoidins. Like melanin, this compound can darken the skin when exposed to sunlight. The whole process is safe and painless and the result is a an even-looking coloration that is similar to the results produced by natural tanning.

For most tanning lotions and oils to work, you need to wait for 2 to 4 hours. Results usually last for up to ten days. After this period, the tan will simply fade off naturally. You must avoid cheap products that use dyes to color the skin. These products usually leave an uneven orange tone to the skin that is hard to get rid off.

If you can find tanning lotions and oils that contains moisturizers and ingredients that nourishes the skin, then good. Products like these provide good value for money since they do not only provide a safe and effective way to get a tan but also the added benefits of caring for the skin. Keep in mind that not all tanning creams, lotions and oils are the same so choose well. Tan Lotions can give you a perfect tan without having to spend hours in the sun.

What is your skin type?
There are 3 major skin types to be aware of when choosing a tanning lotion. Fair, Medium/olive and Dark.

Fair Skin
Fair skinned individuals have the highest risk of burning and doing serious skin damage when traditional or indoor tanning and it is usually advisable to use a sunless tanner with an SPF built in.  If you burn easily, or have pink undertones, you want to be especially careful when it comes to sun exposure.  When choosing a tanning lotion, find something with a bronzer in it, it will give you a hint of color without looking like a mob of orange markers attacked you.  Stay away from anything that says tingle, or heat…this is meant for people who are already dark and even then it’s only meant for the hard core tanners.  Trust me , unless you like feeling like someone just lit your entire body on fire, then by all means slather on the tingle lotion!

Medium/Olive skin
These lucky people tan instead of burn.  On be half of all my fair skinned brethren … :p  Enough of that, just because it is harder to burn though doesn’t mean you can't burn so you still need to take precautions if you have this skin type.  Watch the time and use an emollient oil or tanning lotion when tanning.  You can use lotions that say tingle, or heat on them but use sparingly until you are used to the feeling of it.  Many people swear by the “tingle” to give them a deep color quickly but lots of people can’t handle it on their skin so keep a watchful eye.  And if you go from a tanning lotion without tingle to one with tingle, scale back your time a little bit as you are going to be a little more likely to burn when you first start using it.  It is better to go under than go over when it comes to tanning.

Dark
Darker skinned people usually have the least to worry about when it comes to burning or skin conditions, but they are by no means impervious so I still say, use tanning lotion!  It will help you stay even and keep your skin hydrated which prevents ashiness which can be more of a problem with darker skinned individuals.  A good exfoliation once a week will also help keep your skin looking it’s best.  You can go right to the front of the line and start with the dark tanning lotions and oils, lucky you!

Sun Tanning Tips :
1.If beginning your sun tanning routine during peak summer, begin with only 10 or 15 minutes of exposure to the sun or a tanning lamp to acclimatize your skin to the heat and gradually increase the time as your body becomes more tanned.

2.Remember to choose the right sunscreen with an SPF factor of under 15, but no less than 8 so that you get the minimum necessary protection while taking care not to de-limit your bodily benefits from being sunny side up!

3.Take care to ensure that your skin is moisturized with after-sun lotion; opting for a lotion that contains aloe will help make your tan last and also cool the skin since aloe is rich in skin soothing properties.

4.If you are on acne medication, do consult your health care provider before venturing out for a sun tanning session as certain types can lower your resistance to sun.

5.Those with a fair complexion are more prone to sunburn than people with darker complexions and therefore must avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours of 10:00 to 2:00, when its rays are the most harmful and can penetrate the light skin most.

6.Remember to wear sunglasses while tanning in the sun or in a tanning bed as your eyes are precious and can be easily damaged by the scorching rays of noonday sun.

7.The cream or spray-on tanning lotion is the best variety for optimal sun tanning. However, skin care experts advice that one must always test the product on a small area of skin to check for any signs of adverse reactions.

8.Prepare your skin before applying sun-tanning lotion. This can be done by scrubbing away dead skin with a loofah pad before rubbing the lotion on thoroughly. Sun tanning lotion must be applied in slow, deliberate movements to the back of your knees, elbows, ankles and tan lines.

9.Wipe away extra lotion so you do not become a victim of ‘creased tan’ and get the bronzed look evenly-and compliments about your sunny disposition too.

10.Do remember to wash hands or gloves thoroughly with soap and water after applying sun tanning lotion and wait at least 15 minutes before getting skin wet.

11.Find out about the option of using tanning pills, which contain color additives, before trying them out.

12.If there are certain areas you’d rather keep light, you can pre-apply baby oil or lotion to such regions like the knees and elbows, then use sunless tanner on them to keep them from getting too dark.

Tips during tanning:
• Wear different bathing suits when you tan, this way the sun can cover your whole body
• When you go swimming, make sure your sunscreen is waterproof

After tanning tips:
• Having a bath after a full day of sun can be relaxing and refreshing but is also the best way to remove all lotions and oil from your skin!

Myotcstore Related Products:

Coppertone tanning sunscreen lotion SPF 15, classic scent - 8 oz

Banana boat deep tanning oil spray, spf 8, 8 oz

Fruit of the earth 100 % pure aloe vera gel for sunburn - 12 oz

Ocean Potion Skincare, 100% Pure Aloe Gel - 20.5 oz

Solbar Zinc Sun Protection Cream with SPF 38 - 4 Oz

Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight and Fade Gel - 0.5 Oz