Sunless Tanning Lotion: What You Should Be Considering
Provided by: Jorbins.com
As you probably know, sunless tanning lotion has been around for years. Back when these lotions were young sunless tanners were limited to just a products offering very little color variety. Depending on skin type, these sunless lotions either provided decent results or you were left with horrible looking skin color, streaks, and blotching.
Due to increase in demand and advances in sunless technology, you can easily find a wide range of tanning lotions that can provide high quality results resembling that of a natural tan. Since there is a WIDE range of products, various colors, and scents to choose from, you will most assuredly find one that works best for you. Yet that is also the downfall! Which sunless tanning lotion is the best?
There is no quick and easy answer to this question. What works for one person may not work well for another. The trick is to find the one that works best for the individual tanner.
With the various skin types as well as product formulations it would be difficult to recommend just one particular tanning lotion. So instead, we've made this general list of things to keep in mind while shopping for tanning lotion, gel, and mousse.
Skin Type
When looking for a tanning lotion the first thing sunless tanners should keep in mind is skin type. This means oily skin, dry skin, combination skin, skin tone, and natural tanning ability.
There are a variety of products on the market for different skin types. With each of these products there will be differences in the way it reacts and looks on your skin. Because of this, most tanners will have to test a variety of products to find the best one for them.
DHA - Dihydroxyacetone
DHA is the most common ingredient found in sunless tanning products. After application, DHA simply reacts to the amino acids and protein found in the outer layer of the skin. This reaction in dead skin cells produces a change in skin color that can last for days. The amount of DHA applied will determine how dark the color gets.
DHA is the only tanning additive approved by the FDA for external cosmetic use. It has been used for years without any known toxic effects other than allergic reaction by a select few users.
There are some alternatives that are being devloped for and used in sunless tanning lotion. All of them are yet to be approved safe by the FDA and may have toxic effects.
Bronzer and Tints
A bronzer or tint is nothing more than a temporary coloring. It instantly colors the skin rather than producing a chemical reaction as DHA does. Some lotions are strictly bronzers and some contain both DHA and bronzer.
Most sunless tanning lotions will be DHA and bronzer mix. This is done to give the tanner an immediate tan since the DHA tan may take an hour to even start appearing and up to 24 hours for it to deepen. Bronzers also acts like a guide so the tanner can see where and how the lotion is applied helping to eliminate mistakes and flaws.
Most tints and bronzers will wash off in after your first shower. Usually this is done after the DHA waiting period has ended.
Clear Lotions
When shopping for sunless lotions you will come across some that are clear when applied. Usually these are for tanners who are not in a rush for a tan. The major downfall is the inability to judge where and how heavily the lotion is applied. More experienced tanners have learned to manage with these types of lotions.
UVA and UVB protection
Most sunless tanning lotions do not contain any UVA and UVB protection. Some lotions do have slight protection but usually it is inadequate or lasts very long. It is recommended that you still apply a sunscreen to protect your skin.
Face Safe
Although, DHA has been approved by the FDA to be safe for cosmetic use, the question still remains when it comes into contact with eyes, lips, mucus membranes, and inhalation. Before you slap on any tanning lotion to your face it is wise to make sure it is safe. Even if the manufacturer claims that their lotion is safe for the face, if it contains DHA it would be wise to take precautions. The FDA recommends that you do so.
Scents
Tanning lotions just do not smell all that good. Actually, they stink unless some sort of scent inhibitor or cover is added. Be careful because some lotions cover scents can also be quite overwhelming! Just keep in mind that if it contains DHA it will have an odor and most of the time the smell just can't be covered no matter if a fragrance has been added.
Added Moisturizer
There are many tanning lotions with added moisturizer. This moisturizer is especially helpful due to the fact that the DHA can dry the skin. The color from DHA tans resides in dead skin cells. When this dead skin dries it becomes scaly and sheds very easily reducing the tan length as well as appearance. Tanners with chronic dry skin may appreciate this benefit from added moisturizer.
Oil-Free Lotions
Usually tanners with very oily skin will want a sunless lotion that contains no added oil. Most tanning gels are noted for being oil-free and it may be wise to take a look at these.
Antioxidants and Vitamins
Some brands may contain added antioxidants and vitamins to their sunless products. This is to help protect and nourish the skin.
Drying Time
Some tanning lotions seen to take forever to dry while others dry in the matter of minutes. Sometimes it is difficult to wander around half-naked waiting for the lotion to dry. Usually if they remain wet you will not be able to put any clothing on as the clothing may rub off some of the tanning agent as well as stain.
All Natural
For those who prefer not to use any synthetic chemical and ingredients there is hope! There ARE sunless tanning lotions on the market with all natural ingredients.
Kits
Lotion kits are a combination of tanner and maintenance and pre-treatment products. Usually in these kits you will fin a pre-treatment that typically exfoliates the skin and help moisturize as well as lotions and sprays to help maintain the sunless tan.
Just a Few Sunless Product Brands To Get You Started:
- Coppertone
- Neutrogena
- Jan Tana
- Cellex-C
- Banana Boat
- Alba Botanica
- Australian Gold
- No-Ad
- Fake Bake
- Dr. Michelle Copeland
- Arizona Sun
- Panama Jack
- Pro Tan
Since sunless tanning products have improved and are continuing to improve, it is well worth picking up a product and just experiment. Follow the instructions! When you do find the right one your skin will look absolutely amazing!
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