A Healthy Glow

Keep your Sun-kissed Color without Sacrificing your Skin

By Stephanie Jimenez

Southern Californians are notorious for that beautiful sun-kissed glow, but with the sun’s rays being so damaging now a days, how do we keep our perfect complexions without harming ourselves? Consider striking a compromise with sunless tanning products. Start by understanding how sunless tanning products work and the importance of applying them correctly and carefully.
Sunless tanning products, also called self-tanners, can give your skin a tanned look without exposing it to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunnless tanning products are sold as creams, gels, lotions, and sprays you apply to your skin. Professional spray-on tanning or airbrush tanning is availible at many salons, spas, and tanning businesses.
The active ingredient in most sunless tanning products is dihyroxyacetone (DHA). When applied to skin, DHA reacts with the dead cells in the outermost layer of skin to temporarily darken the skin’s apperance. The coloring doesn’t wash off, but gradually fades as the dead skin cells slough off. Most sunless tanning products don’t contain sunscreen, so if you spend time outdoors, sunscreen remains essential!
Sunless tanning products typically go on clear and it usually taks about an hour to see results. Full color typically appears withing eight to twenty four hours. People who have medium complexions with no freckles often see the best results, but based on their experience with the product they use, your airbrush artist is always the best person to consult.
Typical sunless tanning products are generally considered safe alternatives to sunbathing, as long as they are used as directed. Keep in mind that spray-on tanning or airbrush tanning from a salon or spa is typically applied to all parts of your body, including your face, to ensure even color. This creates a potential for the product to get into and around your eyes, near your nostrils or onto your lips. The risks, if any, of inhaling or ingesting DHA are unknown, so close your eyes and hold your breath while tanner is aplied. Your professional tanning artist will go over the concerns with you at your appointment.    
Sunless tanning products can provide an even, natural-looking tan if it is applied correctly. For the best results, if you are applying the product yourself, you misy follow the directions carefully. If you have made an appointment with your salon, your tanning artist will go over them with you.
In general:
•Exfoliate first. Before using a sunless tanning product, wash your skin with a washcloth or sponge to remove excess dead skin cells. If you typically shave your legs, do so before to ensure an even application.
•Us a light touch. Apply the sunless tanning product evenly  and lightly. use sparingly on dry or thickened skin, such as over your ankles, knees and elbows. If necessart, ask someone to help you apply sunless tanner to hard-to-reach spots.
•Save the tops of your hands for last. After you apply the product to your face and body, wash your hands with soap and water to avoid coloring your palms. Be sure to remove and product from under your fingernails. Then use a cotton ball to apply the sunless tanner to the top of each hand.
•Take time to dry. Wait to dress until the tanner dries completely. If you are unsure what to wear to the appointment, feel free to ask your tanning artist.