Self tanning is meant to be an easy method of slightly darkening the color of your skin. This type of tanning usually involves many different methods by which one can achieve their goal of a tan, without involving the sun. Some of these self tanning methods are much more preferred than others because they are safer than the sun and a lot more convenient in many cases.
Of the many self tanning methods, the most popular ones involve the use of: lotions, pills, air brushes and tanning beds. It is important to remember that although these self tanning products are widely used, they are not necessarily safer than the sun, nor are they always recommended. Of all the self tanning methods; lotions and air brushing are probably the two safest methods while the pills and tanning beds often come under fire. Use the information below about the different self tanning methods to make an informed decision about the best self tanning agents and procedures for you.
Lotions: these come in the form of bronzers or gradual skin darkeners. The bronzers add a light temporary film over the skin, while the lotions penetrate the epidermis. They stimulate the increased secretion of melanin in the epidermis of the skin and thus cause darkening.
Pills: the pills also work to increase melanin production. The mechanism by which they do this is unclear and thus it is not advised by doctors. It is also important to note that self tanning pills are not recommended or approved by the FDA.
Air brushing: this is one of the best ways to tan. An air brush is used to spray a light layer of self tanning lotion or solution on top of the skin. The result is a smooth, bronzed look.
Tanning beds: these are the most unsafe to use for self tanning. They cause the emission of ultra violet rays much like the sun and thus are just as unsafe. Many people hence do not recommend their use.
Numerous self tanning methods exist. It is ultimately up to the consumer what method they will use. However, one must take into consideration that not all the self tanning methods are safe. Choose the safest method, they work just as well as other, less safe methods and will have you looking just as good.
While there are a lot of different self tanning methods available to you, you need to make sure you don’t look like you have a fake tan – you need to do your research and find the best tanning method.
