First off... Tanning beds are a big NO NO. Research shows that even short term use of tanning beds can cause molecular and genetic damage, pre-mature aging of the skin, and skin cancer. And if your tanning for vanity know this; pigmentation, age spots, dryness, wrinkles and changes in the skins texture are not sexy.
SELF-TAN!
I know self tan is SUPER scary to a lot of you out there that have maybe experienced the old ways of orange, streaky, smelly self tan. But those are the stone ages people! So many of my clients feel like they cant figure it out, or that it looks fake... but there are brands out there that are pretty fool proof. And with my instructions its a sure thing--- here's what you do.
1: EXFOLIATION :
It's very important to get rid of all your dead skin cells before you start. This makes your self tan last a lot longer, and you wont get dark spots where dry skin could have been. The best thing to do is have a really warm shower or bath to help soften up the skin. Then take a body scrub and lufa or exfoliating gloves and scrub your entire body... especially feet, knees, elbows, wrists and any places you tend to be dry. DON'T use scrubs that contain any type of oil as a moisturizer. This will make your skin nice and soft but will prevent your self tan from absorbing into your skin.
2: Moisturize:
The next thing you need to do is apply moisturizer to all areas that tend to attract more moisture. Feet, Knees, Armpits, Elbows, Wrists, Hands. Also apply a face moisturizer to minimize the strength of the self tan. Your face shouldn't be as dark as your body. This will just make you look dirty. (try not to apply self tan to close to your hair line, or around your nose.)
3: SELF TAN!!
The best brand on the market right now is ST.TROPEZ. It has many types of self tan... from a gradual every day body moisturizer, a light-weight mouse, a moisturizing self tan lotion, a mist and even a instant wash off color. The product has a floral aroma and doesn't smell like baked goods like many self tans available today. It also has more of a green undertone so you wont pick up any orange pigments:) Its also fool proof in the way that, if you see any streaks after application, they will disappear after you shower. I recommend that you leave the self tan on for at least 12 hours before showering.
4:AFTER CARE
Once you have applied your self tan wait a few minutes before getting dressed. Try and wear dark, loose fitting clothing for the first few hours if you can manage. This is why i recommend doing it a couple hours before bed... then you wont get any white marks from where your bra strap rubs for example. I also recommend moisturizing every second day to keep your skin cells healthy and preventing them from drying out. This slows the natural exfoliation process and will make your tan last longer. It should last 5-10 days depending on your skin type. I always do a couple applications during the week to strengthen my color if i have an event or a holiday coming up.
Hope you guys think about your health when it comes to getting a tan!!
Now for some frequently asked questions:
Why do I get white spots when i tan?
It is very common for people who tan frequently, or for people that use the tanning beds to get small white spots.. usually starting on their stomach, lower back and buttocks. This is most likely a type of skin fungus called Tinea Versicolor. You can either contract this fungus from the tanning bed or since yeast is natural to have in the body it can flare up from being in a humid, warm and sweaty environment. The more you tan the more you will notice the discoloration. It can be treated by applying an over the counter anti-fungal creme to the cleaned area twice a day or by using an anti-dandruff shampoo that has anti-fungal properties. I do not recommend to continue tanning while treating the area... as it will provide less then ideal conditions for it to clear up. Also you wont notice it going away until your skin evens out in color anyways...
Tanning beds are extremely addictive, and people can become dependent on them to feel good about themselves. Tanning beds have a psychological effect on a person... linked to the vitamin D found in UV rays. Try using self tan to get color, and working out to feel good! Double health without the damage!!!
Why do I get darker areas on my upper lip when i tan?
This is hyper-pigmentation... areas of skin become darker due to an excess of melanin. It is often blamed on hormones in the body... most frequently linked to birth control pills or pregnancy. But most of my clients that experience these areas of pigmentation are quite young and have been exposed to a lot of sun or UV rays in their lifetime. The more you tan the more pronounced these areas become. There are a few ways of treating this... most people use lightening creams or serums. THIS IS NOT TO BE DONE WHILE EXPOSED TO SUN OR TANNING!! If you try and treat this area during summer the condition is most likely to become worse. I recommend to use extra sunscreen and protect those areas during the sunny months and then go on a intensive skin care regime during the winter. These areas will always need extra protection, if not they will most likely re-appear each time you get a nice tan :( Other areas of pigmentation or age spots should be treated in the same way.
When do I need to use sunscreen??
There are really no excuses when it come to protecting your skin in this day and age. Most moisturizers or make-up lines contain products with a SPF of 15 or higher. I recommend using a minimum factor of 15 on a daily basis. Even when its not sunny you should be giving your skin that basic protection from any rays that could be coming through. This won't effect any 'glow' you would be getting without the SPF and still helps prevent premature aging. Always apply to areas that are exposed. Your face, neck and decollete should always be protected.. and try getting a hand cream to protect your hands from age spots as well :) You need to think ahead and not just in the here and now. During the summer, or while on vacation I would say SPF 30 would be you minimum factor.
I use bare minerals foundation which has SPF 15
Also as a light moisturizer MD Formulations has an SPF 20 great for people that experience break-outs
MD Formulations has a great Sun Protection line, including sunscreen with a tint for when your on holiday. No make-up but a nice and even complexion :)
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