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Tips for the Perfect Sunless Tan

However, despite all the research that has been done and the discoveries that have been made, one thing has remained the same: people like the look of a tan and don’t want to give that up.

Luckily for all of us, the world of sunless tanning has come a long way. No longer simply thick, harsh-smelling lotions that give skin a bright orange, streaky appearance, sunless tanners are now easier to use, better for skin, and create a more even, natural appearance than ever before.

Sunless tanners rely on a chemical called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, to cause a tanned appearance. Within about an hour of application, DHA triggers melanin to the top layer of the skin, the same reaction the skin has to UV sun exposure that causes the tan. Creating the perfect sunless tan can be tricky, but by employing a few simple tips, you can safely look like you just spent a week in paradise.

Always exfoliate before using a sunless tanner
Applying self tanner to dry, rough skin will cause those patches to become darker than the rest of your skin. The best way to create an even, streak-free appearance is to exfoliate before applying. Ideally, begin the exfoliating process several days before you plan to tan to give yourself time to make your skin as smooth as possible. After each exfoliation, liberally apply moisturizer to your whole body. Waiting until immediately before sunless tanner application to exfoliate and moisturize may not eliminate the uneven texture of your skin, causing a streaky appearance. Applying moisturizer right before tanning also may interfere with the absorption of the sunless tanner.

If you have sensitive skin, be aware that exfoliating scrubs can be too harsh and may lead to a stinging sensation during the sunless tanning process. To avoid this, either use a product designed for sensitive skin, such as Pevonia Botanica’s Seaweed Exfoliating Soap or an exfoliating cloth like the Cactus Cloth by Bioelements or Dermalogica’s Ultimate Buffing Cloth.

Choose the type of self tanner that’s right for you
These days, sunless tanners can be found in a plethora of formulas, including creams, lotions, sprays, gels, foams, mousses and towelettes. Each of these types has its own advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to pick the one that’s best for you.

Creams and lotions are good for individuals who tend to have drier skin. And because they don’t dry as quickly as some gels and foams, creams and lotions may be better for those who have trouble evenly applying self tanners and may be prone to streaks. Sans Soleil Sunless Tanning Lotion by SkinCeuticals contains a unique DHA enhancer called Erythulose, which helps to ensure a more even, streakless tan without causing increased dryness.

While sprays may seem like an easy option, they in fact can be a bit tricky to apply evenly, so they may not be best for beginners. If you’re more of a veteran, check out Decleor Aroma Sun Express Hydrating Self Tan Spray, which uses nourishing essential oils like geranium, rose and chamomile to provide long-lasting hydration.

Gels, foams and mousses dry quickly, which can be both good and bad. While quick-drying products cut down on the time you have to fix any uneven application issues that can cause streaks, they also decrease the overall tanning time and reduce the chance of the tanning product staining your clothes. Try Cellex-C Bio-Tan Sunless Tanning Gel, Exuviance Sunless Tanning Mousse or ProCyte Ti-Tan Foaming Self Tanner.

Towelettes are best for small areas such as the face or for touching up blotches or streaks, but because of their size, they can be cumbersome for use on the whole body. TanTowel comes in individually sealed packets for on-the-go convenience.

Don’t get stuck with orange palms
Aside from streaks, orange palms are one of the clearest and most tell-tale signs that you’ve been self tanning, but there are a number of ways to avoid this. One of the easiest ways is to wear non-powdered latex gloves, but other options are wooden handled sponge paintbrushes or sponge paint rollers (both of which can be handy when working on hard-to-reach areas).

Mistakes happen, so be prepared to fix them
Regardless of how many precautions you take and how carefully you apply the self tanner, blotches and streaks happen. If and when this happens, don’t panic—there are things you can do to fix these mistakes. Lemon juice applied with a cotton ball or swab is excellent at toning down streaks. Sunless tanning towelettes such as TanTowel also are helpful at filling in blotchy areas.

Finally, always remember: a sunless tan is never a substitute for sunscreen.

Sunless tanning is a fun, safe alternative to lying in the sun, and by using just a few handy tips, you can create the perfect tan—without harming your skin.

Article posted 8/27/2007.

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Aroma Sun Express Hydrating Self Tan Spray by Decleor $35.50

TanTowel - Half Body Classic by TanTowel $21.00

Cactus Cloth by Bioelements $20.00