Sunless Tanning Helpful Tips
Sunless Tanning
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 great sunless tanning products at www.GibraltarProducts.com
Self Tanner: DHA
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most effective products available are sunless tanning or self tanning lotions 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. This tanning agent is inside good self tanning lotions and sprays.
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". 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
The night before you are ready to tan, women should shave areas of their body -- legs and underarms -- if they prefer. Men and women should shower and exfoliate the night before. It is best not to shower the day of your tan. Showering before eliminates natural oils in your body that could help your tan. Have nice clean exfoliated skin, free from lotions, etc., before you sunless tan to help you achieve the best tan possible.
Protect your skin
Most sunless tanning products do not have sunscreen. And remember that having a sunless tan does not protect your skin from 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.
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!
Best Sunless Tanning Products




