Sunless Tanning Lotion
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Sunless tanning lotion and self tanning lotion, self
tanning spray, and sunless tanning foam have been
available in one form or another since the early 60’s.
However it's only been in the last couple decades that
the quality of these sunless tanners has really improved.
No longer is it easy to identify the difference between
a natural tan and a
sunless tan.
Nor do you need to
worry about realizing an off-color orange glow with these
products. Instead a quality self tanning lotion can give
you a healthy, natural-looking fake tan.
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Self tanning lotion, self tanning spray, and self tanning
foam work best on freshly cleaned, exfoliated skin. I apply
these lotions on one area of my body at a time, applying
the lotion smoothly and evenly. I like starting with my legs
then working up to the face and finishing with my arms. I
avoid streaks by blending thoroughly and using less lotion on
my joints such as the knees, elbows, and tops of the feet. I
don't apply any lotion to the bottoms of the feet or into the
hairline. When finished applying the lotion I carefully wash
the bottoms of my hands using the
three-towel method.
Depending on the amount of self tanning lotion applied and
the product used, the drying time varies from 5 to 45 minutes.
During this time you'll want to minimize contact with pretty
much everything. The chemicals, particularly
DHA,
in self tanning lotions have been known to stain clothing and
furniture if not given sufficient time to dry. Also be sure to
avoid any contact with water, as it will
leave unattractive blotchy spots on the skin. In general your
fake tan will begin to develop 2 to 3 hours after applying self
tanning lotions.
As with other
fake tanning methods
the tan resulting from self tanning lotions generally lasts
for five to seven days after application. Sunless tans fade
as dead skin cells are naturally sloughed off. To ensure you
don't lose your self tan, reapply the sunless tanning lotion
regularly, at least every three to four days depending on the
shade of tan desired.
Sunless tanning
products, including sunless tanning and self
tanning lotions, do not protect against UV exposure, nor aid
in the production of vitamin D. Prior to any UV exposure it
is recommended to use a quality
sunscreen,
sunblock, or
SPF moisturizer
before venturing outdoors.
