Sunless Tanning
Find out how sunless tanning products work and the way to get a natural-looking tan.
Tanning Sun-Free: a safe way to create natural looking color without going into the sun sunbathing.
You might think you have to choose: Expose your skin to the sun's damaging rays to get a coveted tan or avoid the sun and miss out on that sun-kissed glow. But you have another option - Sunless Tanning Products. Sunless Tanning Products, also called self tanners or tanning extenders, can give your skin a tanned look without exposing it to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
How do sunless tanning products work?
The active ingredient in most sunless tanning products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA).
Sunless tanning refers to applying chemicals on the skin to produce an effect similar in appearance to a traditional suntan. Sunless tanning also refers to not using UV rays in order to create a tan. It is considered one of the safest ways to get a tan without exposure to UV rays. There are a several forms of sunless tanning products. One of the most common ways is to use sunless tanning lotions, sprays, or towelettes. You can find the best sunless tanning products at www.GibraltarProducts.com
Is sunless tanning safe?
Sunless tanning products are generally regardeded as safe alternatives to sunbathing. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers DHA safe when applied to your skin.
Self Tanner Active Ingredient: DHA
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most effective products available are sunless tanning or self tanning lotions, creams, gels, wipes, and sprays that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient. The tan is not a dye, stain or paint, but a chemical reaction between the DHA and the amino acids in the dead layer on the skin surface.
It does not involve skin pigmentation nor does it need UV exposure to initiate the color change. The reaction is non-toxic and skin safe, without the damage associated with UV exposure.
The effects are temporary as your skin cells fall away naturally. You'll loose the color before long, usually in 5-7 days depending on the product. You'll be able to renew your tan if you continue to reapply the sunless tanning product. People like this process as they believe it is safer than using UV rays to tan.
Products that are not Self Tanning
Some people might think that it is difficult to pick out a sunless tanning lotion or product. Some products that sound like sunless tanning products may include tanning enhancer's, tanning pills or bronzers. All of these products do not tan your skin but may enhance a tan you already have or may give you a "tanned look". Instant bronzers for instance color the skin like make up but does not tan the skin. If a product does not have DHA or dihydroxyacetone, it is not a self tanner.
Control your tan
You can take control of your tan with sunless tanning products. Sunless tanning lotions and sprays offer you the ability to get a nice tan without repeated visits to a tanning bed or laying out for hours in the sun. Self Tanners have a special ingredient to stimulate the top layer of skin to create a darker color. You will be able to get a deep tan and you'll be able to control how tan you would like to be. Keep in mind that having a sunless tan is not replacing your need to get some sun. You may need vitamin D or other benefits the UV rays from the sun can give you.
Sunless Tanning Maintenance
Your tan will naturally fade as your skin cells falls away. Since sunless tanning lasts about a week, you will need to re-apply your sunless tanner in order to keep your tan. The effects of the sunless tanning will also be shortened by exposure to water or if you are highly active. Water in your skin cells will dilute your tan.
To keep your tan looking great, reuse your sunless tanner consistently. The more you use the sunless tanning lotion, the more saturated your skin will be. Just don't reuse too often or you'll make your skin too dark, unless you need a competition ready tan.
Skin Preparation
Sunless tanners can be used all year long and can quickly add a realistic glow to pale skin. They're also a great way to temporarily cover tan lines. However, they are not always easy to apply. Experts say the best way to achieve an even, sunless tan is to exfoliate and be sure skin is smooth before applying the sunless tanning product. Rough skin attracts uneven color, but smooth skin provides a good base for a natural-looking sunless tan. For best results shower and exfoliate the night before. Showering right before eliminates natural oils in your body that could help your sunless tan. Also, the day or night before you are ready to tan, shave any areas that you normally do -- legs and underarms -- instead of the same day you tan. Have nice clean exfoliated skin, free from lotions, etc., before you apply the self tanner to help you achieve the best tan possible.
Protect your skin
Using a sunless tanner is a safe, healthy alternative to tanning in the sun. Most sunless tanning products do not have sunscreen. But remember that having a sunless tan does not protect your skin from sun damage and UV rays. Always use the proper sunscreen if you want to spend time out in the sun. Use at least an SPF of 15 or more. And don't forget your face! Protect your face from the sun's harmful rays everyday using a gentle sunscreen lotion with an SPF of 15 or more providing UVA and UVB sun protection.
Improvements in Self Tanners
Most sunless tanning lotions and products are now easier to use. Some come with a light tint to the lotion color so you can clearly see where you have applied the lotion. This prevents streaks or splotches with areas you may have missed.
Today's sunless tanning products give a more natural color to the skin and are convenient to use. The DHA-containing products are the best we have ever had! Thanks to the new high-tech self tanners, getting a faux glow is faster and easier than ever!
Best Sunless Tanning Products
| Photo | Item Code | Description |
Our Price |
Buy Now |
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T2 | Puttin' On A Tan! Sunless Tanning Spray Salon Formula Self Tanner 6-oz |
$23.95 |
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T20 | Quick 'n' Easy Tan DHA Self Tanning Wipes - 20 Soft Sunless Tan Towelettes Retail $18.95 |
$15.95 |
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T34 | Sun Sauce Skin Firming All-Day Moisturizer with a Touch of Sunless Tanning Lotion 18-oz Retail $25.00 |
$19.95 |
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T30 | Sun Sauce Skin Firming Sunless Tanning Lotion 12-oz Retail $28.00 |
$21.50 |
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J5 | Fast Tan Instant Bronzer & Sunless Tanning Lotion 8-oz *Includes Bonus Tanning Puff |
$29.99 |
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J19 | Tanning Puff (For use with self tanning lotions.) |
$2.49 |
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MM1 |
Daily Hydra Protect SPF 15 Sunscreen UVA/UVB Ray Sun Protection for the Face |
$29.95 |
