We are quite lucky to live in an age where eating arsenic to make our skin fairer is not de rigueur. Granted, in some parts of the world, paper-white is still the ideal complexion to have. But at least in Hollywood, we have the likes of Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson, and so on, to thank for flaunting their golden glow. Best of all, these celebrities are no advocates of baking under the sun or using tanning beds, which have been linked to skin cell damage that could progress to melanoma or skin cancer. For these gorgeous ladies, it is all about the best spray tan products. And if you also want to glow a la J-Lo, then all you have to do is find a self-tanner that applies like a dream, goes on flawlessly, and gives you a radiant, bronzy skin tone.
Go for sexy, not scary.
The thing you need to remember about tanning is that it would be so easy to look like an Oompa Loompa if you do not use the best products. It is really best to leave that orangey glow to things that are naturally orange such as pumpkins, carrots, marigolds, yams, and well, oranges. You also need to stay away from lotions, creams, foams, gels, or sprays that leave you with streaky legs or make you look like you have a weird skin disease. The good news is that out of the many -- and we mean many -- choices that consumers have when it comes to tanning products, there are some winners out there. And you will be happy to know that with some research, you will find that best spray tan solution that will give you the most natural-looking results.
But before you buy a tanning product€¦
€¦make sure that you are not allergic to DHA. Not to be confused with docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that supports nervous system functions and cardiovascular health, the DHA in sunless tanners is derived from sugar beets and sugar cane. Also known as dihydroxyacetone, this primary ingredient in most tanning products, may cause allergic reactions to hypersensitive individuals. If you are using a new brand, try to do a patch test first at least 24 hours before application. You should also avoid shaving or any activity that may irritate the skin, as you would not want to apply a tanning solution on red or inflamed areas. Other tips to remember include: exfoliating prior to application to prevent splotching; moisturizing dry areas such as knees, elbows, and heels; and using gloves to avoid colored palms.
Some notes on glow maintenance
Of course, you want your tan to last, especially since there is some effort involved when it comes to building that beautiful glow. Since you don't want your tan to fade in less than a week, try to dry your skin gently after a shower instead of rubbing vigorously. Another thing you can do is to skip the heavy moisturizer and go for a lightweight lotion. When you reach the fourth day, you can start exfoliating so that the color does not fade in patches. As a last resort, you could invest in a gradual tanner so you can extend your goddess glow.
Go for sexy, not scary.
The thing you need to remember about tanning is that it would be so easy to look like an Oompa Loompa if you do not use the best products. It is really best to leave that orangey glow to things that are naturally orange such as pumpkins, carrots, marigolds, yams, and well, oranges. You also need to stay away from lotions, creams, foams, gels, or sprays that leave you with streaky legs or make you look like you have a weird skin disease. The good news is that out of the many -- and we mean many -- choices that consumers have when it comes to tanning products, there are some winners out there. And you will be happy to know that with some research, you will find that best spray tan solution that will give you the most natural-looking results.
But before you buy a tanning product€¦
€¦make sure that you are not allergic to DHA. Not to be confused with docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that supports nervous system functions and cardiovascular health, the DHA in sunless tanners is derived from sugar beets and sugar cane. Also known as dihydroxyacetone, this primary ingredient in most tanning products, may cause allergic reactions to hypersensitive individuals. If you are using a new brand, try to do a patch test first at least 24 hours before application. You should also avoid shaving or any activity that may irritate the skin, as you would not want to apply a tanning solution on red or inflamed areas. Other tips to remember include: exfoliating prior to application to prevent splotching; moisturizing dry areas such as knees, elbows, and heels; and using gloves to avoid colored palms.
Some notes on glow maintenance
Of course, you want your tan to last, especially since there is some effort involved when it comes to building that beautiful glow. Since you don't want your tan to fade in less than a week, try to dry your skin gently after a shower instead of rubbing vigorously. Another thing you can do is to skip the heavy moisturizer and go for a lightweight lotion. When you reach the fourth day, you can start exfoliating so that the color does not fade in patches. As a last resort, you could invest in a gradual tanner so you can extend your goddess glow.