Tips on Tanning — Going for the Gold Safely and Effectively

Tanning has come a long way since the days of slathering on baby oil for outdoor tanning and using dangerously hot sun lamps indoors. Now there are several ways to achieve a beautiful and safe tan. Before you choose your preferred weapon against white, please review our special tips on tanning. These sun-tanning tips will help you achieve the sunless tan you want—from sun-kissed honey to deep, rich bronze—and avoid the pitfalls of burning, streaking, fading, and needless expense and mess.

No matter which method you choose, remember these tanning facts:

• Sunlight and the tanning lamps used in tanning beds, booths and canopies emit ultraviolet, or UV, rays that stimulate the production of melanin, which causes the skin to darken.
• Self-tanning lotions, foams, sprays (air-brushing and misting) and towels contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a safe colorless chemical that interacts with the skin’s amino acids to produce a color change.
• Heat has nothing to do with the tanning process; “the hotter the better” is not true.
• Makeup and tanning by any method just don’t mix; nor do deodorant and tanning.
• Tanned skin requires frequent moisturizing to retard drying and flaking and to keep looking healthy and supple while promoting a longer lasting tan.
• All tans fade. Depending on your skin type, color, and frequency of exposure to soap, water and chlorine, they usually last from three to 10 days.

Let’s start with tanning bed tips:

• As with the sun, it is entirely possible to burn your skin with prolonged exposure to tanning bulbs.
• Tanning with or without swimwear is a personal preference, depending on the level of privacy available.
• Commercial tanning bed surfaces should be cleaned between users
• The space available will help determine whether tanning beds, booths or canopies are the wisest purchase for commercial and home use.
• Home tanning beds, booths and canopies vary in price, from the basic no-frills design to full loaded, with extra amenities. There’s a UV tanner for almost every budget.

Sunless spray tanning can be done at home, in a commercial misting booth, or by a spray tan technician in a salon. For spray, mist and airbrush tanning, keep these points in mind:

• All spray tans contain the same essential components: DHA, moisturizers and a temporary bronzer to facilitate better coverage. Some makers add other ingredients like antioxidants and oils.
• The day you plan to tan, exfoliate—meaning, wash before you tan to remove dead skin, so that your tan doesn’t flake off within a few short days.
• Pay special attention to knees, elbows and ankles
• Avoid scrubbing because tiny scratches can cause streaking
• Consider purchasing special exfoliating cleansers for best results
• Shave the usual areas before tanning. If your skin is sensitive, wait a few hours after shaving before spray tanning.
• Wear something that you don't mind gets stained.
• After spray tanning, avoid bathing and showering for several hours, minimum 6.
• Apply moisturizing lotion regularly in the days following your session
• swimming pools and hot tubs, because chlorine accelerates fading and flaking; and avoid prolonged contact with soap and water for the same reason.
• If you are doing it yourself, realize that practice makes perfect. It may take a few sessions before you get the hang of it. Don’t give up!

Want to go the self-tanning route using lotions, foams or tanning towels? Like spray and airbrush tanning, the active ingredient is DHA. “Suntan lotion” can be an ambiguous term. To clarify:

• Products called “sunscreens” or “sunblocks” are lotions that offer varying levels of UV protection. Experts recommend SPF levels of 15 and higher to prevent burns that may have long-term consequences. Sunscreens do not usually accelerate outdoor tanning or have any self-tanning ability.
• “Suntan lotion” usually refers to a product that accelerates tanning with a substance called tyrosine, or a combination of tyrosine and DHA, along with moisturizers and antioxidant vitamins. Suntan lotions and creams can be used with tanning lamps as well as outdoors.
• Self-tanning lotions and foams, like spray solutions, contain DHA as their active ingredient. Many kinds contain a temporary bronzing agent as well, so that you can see where the self-tanner has been applied. Self-tanning does not make use of tanning lamps or sun.

For self-tanning, follow the same tips as for spray tanning preparation and maintenance.