Self Tanners Are A Good Way To Get Tan

By Haywood Hunter


People are becoming more aware of the threat of skin cancer and the harmful ultraviolet rays that deliver it, thus many are discovering the use of self tanners. As opposed to traditional sun bathing, self tanners are a safe method to deliver a bronzed summer look. The market is currently bursting with different varieties of self tanners, each promising consumers a darker, deeper coloring with no pain involved.



The main ingredients in self tanners are dihydroxyacetone, also known as DHA, and erythrulose. These chemicals are completely harmless, with the only disadvantage being that they smell somewhat unpleasant. They work by dying the outer-most layer of your skin, the dead skin cells at the very surface which will gradually flake off.

Dihydroxyacetone is a derivative of sugar. When applied to the skin, DHA dyes skin cells at the surface of the body and will keep color for about a week. As you continue showering and exfoliating throughout the week, you will lose color gradually and will need to apply more self tanners. Self tanners can be applied several times throughout the week without harm.



There are many different types of self tanners on the market today. Lotions, foams, towelettes, sprays, gels, and misters come in all shapes and sizes from many different brands. Individuals must find the right product for their skin type and situation. Some may find that a mist works better than a lotion or a gel. These choices are unique to every consumer. Over-application of a tanner can be easily remedied with several baking soda baths.

Self tanners are very inexpensive and easily acquired. Lotions with added color enhancers, meaning they build a gradual tan with each application, start at four dollars for a six to seven ounce bottle. Slightly higher quality and beginning at eight dollars for the same size bottle, are gels and sprays. These self tanners lay an immediate foundation of color. Self tanners can be bought in the cosmetic section of a local department store or pharmacy.

There are more expensive products by higher end labels. Some of these applications can cost as much as one hundred dollars a bottle depending on brand and location. For many consumers the price is worth the quality and the lowered risk of exposure to harmful U. V. Rays. Some consumers do not wish to apply these products at home or even themselves. There are many who visit tanning and beauty salons where a spray tan is applied to their body by a professional or by a standing booth.

The advantages of having a professional apply the misting spray is the even coverage they can provide, with the exception of the areas under your bathing suit. Whereas the spray tan booth allows the privacy to disrobe completely, but due to the inaccuracy of the spraying jets on automatic cycle, consumers may not get even enough coverage.

With little or no risk, self tanners are a small but great investment to make. It is recommended that consumers do a sensitivity test on a small area of their skin to test for any reactions prior to large applications. Choosing a particular self tanner to use might take some experimentation. In the long run, by using self tanners one can avoid dangerous ultra violet rays and still sport a deep summer tan year round.




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