Tanning products, both sunless and sun, go to work on the
epidermis, or the outside layer of your skin, and not the
dermis or inner layer. However, the layer of epidermis that
is affected by sunless versus the layer affected by sun
tanning products differs. Sun tanning lotions, sprays,
gels and other assorted items, go to work on the stratum
basale or deepest layer. And sunless tanning items go to
work on the stratum corneum or outermost layer.
Method 1 - Sunless Bronzers
Some sunless tanning products come in the form of
moisturizers
(as lotions and cremes) and powders and are referred to as
bronzers. Basically you simply apply these to your skin as
you would make up products for a temporary "tan"
appearance,
similar to the effects of applied makeup leaving a "tint."
Then you just wash the bronzers off with soap and water;
the "tan is removed with washing. Caution is needed so that
the products do not stain clothing or other fabric. And
care
needs to be taken so that the applications do not streak
or run
when wet, similar to the results of mascara running.
And finally, make sure that if you wear these products
outdoors, they contain sunscreen in the ingredients;
otherwise
wear protective clothing, eyewear, etc.
Method 2 - Sunless Tanning Booths
Sunless tanning booths are becoming more popular. With an
air
compressor and an airbrush delivery system in one of these
booths, skin receives a "tan." What happens is that pistons
in the compressor quickly press or force air out via a
nozzle
in an airbrush or spray head. This air mixes with a tanning
solution containing DHA that's inside compartments within
the
airbrush, and sprays this in a fine mist over the outer
skin
layer.
Some tanning booths have up to 36 of these airbrushes
connected to the compressor and they are all either in
fixed
positions or moving. Thus tanning clients then either move
under fixed sprayers so that skin is covered all over.
Or else the tanner parts move to spray the different body
parts (these types pose more mechanical maintenance
issues though.)
Method 3 - Tanning Accelerators
For a speedier tan, you might elect to try a tanning
accelerator.
Generally sold as lotions or pills, these products list an
amino
acid called tyrosine in with the ingredients. This amino
acid
is reported (but not proven) by some users to increase the
production of melanin, speeding up the tanning process.
Again, these are not FDA-approved solutions or drugs.
Method 4 - Tanning Lamps
Tanning lamps, unfortunately, can have the same bad effects
on the body as direct sunlight. The equipment emits UV rays
that are just as damaging as the sun's. Some measures to
take towards safety when using this type of equipment are
closely monitor sessions, keeping to the minimum number and
timed lengths that are recommended, don't book sessions
closer than every-other day, ALWAYS wear recommended safety
eyewear, follow safety and other directions that come with
the equipment or are (or should be) posted near it, and do
place some sort of protection like a thin piece of acrylic
between your body and tanning lamps.
(Check for this possibility with booths, too, by asking the
host or reading the equipment's instruction booklet).
In conclusion, when looking for a tanning solution, check
out the variety of products available. Sunless-tanning
products offer safer tanning and many choices of forms
and formulas for everyone across the board from young to
old.
And sunscreen products are definitely needed outdoors and
also
come in a variety of choices for everyone.
So be prepared. Be safe. And have fun in the sun!
About the Author
Tony Newton publishes the popular health and wellness
website - http://www.1st-for-health.com
With lots of informative articles on low carb diets,
hair loss, arthritis pain relief, obesity and lots more.