A Guide to the Basics of Self-Tanning

With frightening reports of skin cancer and sun damage all over the news, it's easy to understand why more people are turning to indoor tanning. Gone are the days when people would bake their skin in the sun for hours and end up looking like the back of an alligator, or worse, ending up with irreversible skin damage or cancer. Today we know it's not necessary to sacrifice our health for simply getting a nice tan.

Tanned skin was not always in vogue. The ancient Greeks and Romans used to apply paints and chalks to their faces in order to get the exact opposite effect, snow white skin. The whiter the better, and considering they were generally darker skinned to begin with, this was no easy feat. People began to die from lead and other poisonings simply from trying to whiten their skin. Fortunately word caught on that this was no longer a good idea.

Fast forward to Elizabethan England and the story is the same, except at least now women are reverting to using parasols to avoiding the sun as opposed to painting themselves with harmful substances. Ah, progress. Then, in 1923 French designer Coco Chanel returned from a European vacation with a deep, dark tan that she claimed was unintentional. Whatever the case, news of the look swept through the United States and people slowly began their quest for tanned, healthy looking skin. If only they knew about UV rays back in the '20s.

So before you're faced with the many methods and variations of self tanners, you should know a little about your skin. Human skin is made up of two main layers, which in turn are made up of thinner layers. The epidermis is the outer portion and this is the part that tans. Melanin is the natural substance in our skin that causes us to turn us that brownish color we call a tan. Melanin is produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight or UV rays. The darkening is actually a way for the skin to protect itself from more exposure. There are a few different types of UV rays, some harmful, some not. Some are absorbed in the atmosphere before we even have to worry about them; it's the ones that reach our skin that we do have to worry about.

Our skin is a living thing and is constantly shedding and growing new cells. In fact, it completely regenerates itself every month or so which is where exfoliating becomes important. Before using a self tanner it's always advised to thoroughly exfoliate the skin and always moisturize. Moisturizer is critical to maintaining a healthy tan as well as preparing the skin for the tan in the first place. Well-hydrated skin is able to absorb color better and will help the tan remain visible longer. It's recommended to exfoliate the day prior to using a self tanner and also to shave as well. The less wear and tear on your skin and its new tan the longer it will last. Gently exfoliating every few days after tanning will help it fade evenly. Follow up with the moisturizer that's best for your skin and its particular needs. And it's also not a good idea to go scuba diving or soak in the hot tub after a self tanning session of any sort. Chlorine and salt water, actually water of any kind, can fade your tan before its time.

The advent and progress of tanning beds have made it possible for people to strive for a "safe tan", but some are finding that UV rays are still UV rays. It's true a tanning bed offers a controlled environment in which one decides on the amount of exposure time and can adjust accordingly. Sunbathing outdoors where factors such as cloud coverage, time of day and pollution are not possible to control which makes the risk of sunburn quite possible. Besides the obvious cancer risks, damage from UV rays also cause our skin to wrinkle and age considerably faster. If you aren't willing to take better care of your skin for health reasons, then consider the vanity factor. In any case, a tanning facility will have trained employees who can answer your skin care questions and steer you in the right direction if tanning beds are the route you choose.

Most salons also offer a newer method of achieving a tan, and often a flawless one. Spray tanning can be the answer for you if you're not comfortable with applying tanners yourself and want to have a UV free tan. Spray tanning eliminates streaking and uneven discolorations, on properly prepared skin of course, and is quick and easy. Usually in less than 10 seconds you can be on your way out of the booth and admiring yourself while you dry. Most people spray tan in the nude since the booth is completely private, others wear undies or bathing suits, but that's up to you. Just remember that the bronzers used may stain your clothing, so wear something dark, skimpy and made of a material such as cotton. A consultant will guide you on how to protect your mouth and nasal passages from inhaling the mist, while not poisonous; it's still a good idea not to breathe it in. They'll also provide a shower cap of some sort for your hair and eye protection. Color can be seen instantly, although some will fade and wash off as the true shade should appear completely within 24 hours, as is with most self tanning products. The number of sessions should be based on the darkness desired. Keeping in mind that less is sometimes more in more instances than not. A gradual, natural tan is more believable than showing up for work 10 shades darker today than you were yesterday. Or worse, risking looking silly in your wedding dress the next day.

And lastly, you should know that there are literally hundreds of self tanning products that you can give a whirl right there at home. Sprays, lotions, creams, gels, wipes and towelettes are the most popular ways to apply self tanner. Tanning accelerators and pills however, have not been scientifically proven to be safe, or to even work effectively. The American Association of Dermatology advises against tanning pills as they have been linked to cases of eye and liver damage to name a few.

DHA, or dihydroxyacetone, is a harmless, non-hazardous substance derived from sugar cane that interacts with your skin and its natural proteins and amino acids to create the brownish color. You will notice that this ingredient is present in all effective indoor tanners, along with vitamins, moisturizers and aloe vera. Scary sounding name, harmless component that's essential for darkening the skin without the sun. DHA has been regularly used in self tanning products and cosmetic bronzers since the 1970s and has long been deemed safe for use.

Whatever method you choose of tanning, make the best choice for you and your needs, your budget and its needs and always remember to take care of your skin if you want it to look its best.