Smart Shopping for Sunless Tanner
It can make you look thinner and healthier, and has become a staple in the aesthetic ritual of Hollywood and Anywhere, USA. It's a tan - and everyone wants one. Yet sun exposure can cause wrinkles, skin damage and put you at risk for various cancers. Thus, the advent of the sunless tanner. At the root, all sunless tanners are the same--they contain a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which paints the skin a tan color and fades as the skin cells die and fall off.
What to Look for
Beyond their shared chemical root, the tanners distinguish themselves with various characteristics. When you shop for sunless tanners, it's these characteristics you should consider: Do you want to be tan this instant, or can you wait a few days? What is the complexion of your natural skin, and is there a tanner specific to your shade? Gradual tanners, for example, stain your skin via multiple applications over about a week. With these, you lessen the chances of streaking and that "orange" look. If you need a quick tan, you can select an instant tanner, but will need to decide whether you prefer a spray, cream or something in between. A new trend in the tanner business is self-tanning and moisturizing lotion. If you're willing to pay a little more, you can kill two birds with one stone and purchase your tanning lotion and moisturizer in a single bottle.
Common Pitfalls
Despite the breadth of selections when it comes to sunless tanners, there are some potential pitfalls you should keep in mind. First, sunless tanning lotion does not protect you from the sun. If you're going to be in the sun, you should wear sun block. Also, with the low levels of DHA in gradual tanners, some studies showed no developed tan at all. All sunless tanning products can be difficult to apply, too. Experts say the best way is to clean and exfoliate the area to be treated first, and then apply evenly to the entire area. If you don't, your tan will be spotty and streaky. The most common complaint, however, is the smell. If you have a sensitive nose (or if those around you do), you may find the chemical undertones are too much.
Member Comments
by mymandy14 on July 11, 2008 at 1:13 PM
I use sunless tanner all the time and really like Loreal and Jergens. I like this article, but I would like some comparisons between different brands and how they work and what it does to different skin tones.
by natalia77 on July 11, 2008 at 9:30 PM
I have to share the best self tanner.
I found it on drugstore.com it's called Radiance Bronze by Radiance NY. Wonderful skin care, fragrance and color. So happy to find this site, lots of great information.
by natalia77 on July 11, 2008 at 9:32 PM
My Husband uses NY Choppers Self Tanner. Injected & Blown with a kenneth cole fragrance. Really great for the guys.
by Tara77 on July 12, 2008 at 7:21 PM
If love self tanner or are looking for a great one, then you HAVE to try The Body Shop's new sunless tanner: Cocoa Butter Everyday Summer Lotion! It has a light fragrance & gradually builds a beautiful, natural-looking sun-kissed glow. see link
http://www.thebodyshopathome.com/web/torlick/products/overview.do?catalogId=tbs_cocoa_butter_summer_lotion&attribName=KEYINGREDIENTS
by KirstenH on July 12, 2008 at 10:22 PM
The best sunless tanner I've used is Aveeno Continuous Radiance. It doesn't have a strong smell and gradually builds up a tan that looks real, not orange. I've also had very little problems with streaking.
by TriHK on July 17, 2008 at 2:01 AM
St Tropez is the best, do try it gal!
Not to mention some of their products also carry with "toning elements & Vit E to nourish your skin"
Been using it in the last 2 years!
Once you started you gone addicted to it! Trust me
by jperceval on August 5, 2008 at 4:00 AM
I swear by the sunless tanner from Just for Redheads (http://justforredheads.com) -- it's easy to apply, doesn't smell bad, and gives me a natural and healthy-looking color for my skin tone.
by redbirthmark on August 12, 2008 at 6:21 PM
I like Neutrogena as my personal "tan in a can" preference. I always wash my whole body with a face cloth to exfoliate first, then I apply the cream. I wear gloves and do my hands last. It doesn't smell that bad - certainly not as bad as I used to smell from spray tanning or from booth tanning.
by jaz5802 on August 19, 2008 at 6:05 PM
I have tried so many brands, most with disappointment until I found Arbonne's "Made in the Shade" sunless tanning lotion. It is awesome. I also enjoy Arbonne's "Glow With It" after sun lotion and of course their "Before Sun SPF 30: lotion. I highly recommend their products and you can get info from my friend, Grace at Grace_Arbonne@yahoo.com.
No streaks....... no orange........ silky skin!
by kalilaurie on September 10, 2008 at 12:33 PM
I like Jergens glow tanner i get lots of compleiments when i use it, it looks natural
by JPrince27 on September 19, 2008 at 4:09 PM
Neutrogena spray tan in a can is the best one I've tried. Although it is not the best for tanning your legs, it works the best for getting your back and everywhere else. The KEY is to obviously exfoliate, but to also use a body wash beforehand that has no oils and no moisturizers...otherwise there is no point to spray tanning. I like this one because it dries pretty fast! I will use a hairdryer to dry off and then dress in loose clothes....I always try to do spray tanning before bed. I think it works best because I'm not up and moving around/sweating it off :-)
by dwilliscroft on October 13, 2008 at 5:21 AM
Sublime Bronze from L'Oreal is my favorite... it doesnt streak and it doesn't smell nearly as bad as the rest. I recommend it to everyone.
by chippererica10 on November 17, 2008 at 10:49 AM
The only sunless tanner I will use is Banana Boat Summer Bronze. It's a spray, and it gives even coverage, even for people like me who can't ever apply is properly.
People at work complement me all the time on my "tan", even during the fall and winter...They assume I go to a tanning salon..
by mommadunkadunk on November 18, 2008 at 8:35 PM
I second the Neutrogeana one. I like the color it gave me. I spent a lot of money on a spray tan, only ot have it leave me orange. I used the Neutrogena one and it looked way better and it was fraction of the price. The only thing is the scent is strong :(