Sunless Tanning - Tanning Bed vs.Tanning Lotion

Who doesn't want a nice sun kissed glow? Who does? Well, if you do, you are probably being faced with many questions like everyone else.

Should I go with a tanning bed? Should I go with a tanning lotion? Will I look orange and fake if I tan with a tanning lotion? Will I get skin cancer if I tan in a tanning bed?

It is my personal goal to help you make up your mind by the time you reach the end of this article. Before I start, though, you should know that I'm pro tanning lotion and con tanning bed. This will be explained more as you read on.

Pro's to tanning beds:

You, of course, get a faster tan than tanning outside. Lay down pail in one of those light filled beds and emerge healthy glowing, right? Not always the case. You will find out more in the con's section.

The big pro's to tanning in a tanning bed is the fact you don't have to lie outside for hours in the sun. You don't need to get naked and bare and worry about your neighbors seeing you while sunbathing. You can lie down and relax without the sun glaring harshly down on you, and you'll have a tan within 20 to 30 minutes.

Now remember that everything seemingly good thing has its bad sides.

The Con's of tanning beds:

Just like tanning outside, tanning beds still have the same side affects and you can get skin cancer. You are exposed to many harmful UV rays while tanning in a tanning bed. Not only will this cause you to get skin cancer, but it will also help premature aging. Ew! No one wants to age before their time.

Pro's to tanning lotions:

Tanning lotions can offer a healthy glow to anyone of any skin color without the cruel side affects that sunbathing and tanning bed tanning have to offer. There have been no reported cases of skin cancer caused by tanning lotions.

The lotions are easy to apply; just like an everyday moisturizer. Your sun kissed glow will come gradually, which will look way more natural rather than lying down in a bed white and coming out looking like you were just in a toaster (which in a way, you were.)

Con's to tanning lotions:

Tanning lotions can look very fake if you don't get the right kind and do not apply it properly. This can all be avoided though by knowing what to buy and how to apply it.

The best brand of sunless tanning lotion is Jergens. You can buy Jergens sunless tanning lotion at just about any multi-purpose store or drug store. You may even be able to find this brand of sunless tanning lotion in beauty salons. Depends on where you live.

Another con can be how long it will take to get the tan you are wanting. Many people who want a tan want it and want it now. Sunless tanning lotions generally take a couple days to take affect. Any sunless tanning lotion that turns you tan on contact will make you look very orange and fake. Avoid these types of sunless tanning lotions.

When you apply a sunless tanning lotion, rub in as you would body lotion. Avoid extremely dry areas because these tend to come out darker. Make sure to wash your hands after applying the sunless tanning lotion or they will tan, too. When applying the sunless tanning lotion, make sure to get it in between your toes and bottoms of your feet so you are not tan in some areas and white in other.