A Safer Alternative to Tanning - By: Amanda Stone

When applied correctly, sunless tanning products will give your skin a beautiful, healthy glow. Your body will look like you just came back from the beach, but your skin will be healthy and without damage from the sun's rays. The application process is easy and just requires a small amount of preparation. There are several recommended guidelines when applying sunless tanning products. To achieve a flawless, streak-free tan, be sure to read through all the suggestions before starting the sunless tanning application process.

Preparing your skin is the first step to becoming bronze. In preparation, use a body scrub to exfoliate your skin. Pay special attention to extra dry areas such as elbows and knees. It is best to exfoliate the day before you apply the sunless tanning lotion. You can also exfoliate the same day. It is important to be sure all the scrub is washed off, and there is no oily residue left on the skin from any other soaps or lotions. Residues may interfere with the sunless tanning lotion and leave streaks or patches. Also, if you have sensitive skin you may want to avoid shaving your legs just prior to applying the lotion.

It is always best to wear gloves to protect your hands from staining. The active ingredient in the sunless tanning lotion will stain your hands if you do not use gloves. Using gloves will keep the palms of your hands stain free. A snug fitting disposable glove works best. You may have difficulty applying your tan evenly if your gloves do not fit well. Another suggestion is to try using an applicator sponge for those hard to reach areas. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly if you decide not to wear gloves.

Apply your tanning lotion in sections to make the application process easier. Start at one end of the body and work your way over the entire body. For example, start at the legs and work your way up the body. Applying your sunless tanning lotion in small sections will help you avoid streaking and help avoid missing any areas.

You will not need a huge amount of lotion for the sunless tan to work. The lotion may be used sparingly. Once you get started with the application process, you will have a better idea of how much lotion you need for each section. To start off, apply a small amount of lotion in the palms of your hands and rub your hands together before you apply the lotion on the skin. You can always add more lotion if needed, but extra lotion left on the skin can leave streaks or dark splotchy areas. It is best to spread the tanning lotion on the skin and let it thoroughly dry. Apply the lotion quickly but thoroughly, and spread in a circular motion.

If you are unable to have someone assist you with your backside, you may use a sponge on a stick to cover the hard to reach places. Apply the lotion to the backs of your hands last. Be sure to wash off any residue left behind from the gloves. Avoid your palms and the bottoms of your feet. When tanning the face, it is recommended to use a sunless tanning lotion made especially for the face. These products are gentler alternatives to sunless lotions for the body.

Use a damp towel or sponge to wipe off any excess lotion from your skin. Also, use a damp towel to wipe off areas of the skin that do not normally achieve a dark tan naturally. These areas include the soles of the feet, the underside of the wrists, the under arm area, the palms of the hands, ankles, etc. Be sure to wipe off any excess lotion from dry skin areas such as the knees and elbows. Doing this will help you achieve a dark, even, natural looking tan to the body.

It is best to wait until you skin is completely dry before getting dressed. This should take about fifteen minutes. Avoid tight garments and wear looser clothes for a few hours to let the lotion completely absorb into the skin and dry. Avoid any activities that make you sweat for one hour.

Reapply the sunless tanning lotion as needed to achieve your desired shade of tan. When applied several times over several days, your tan will darken. The typical sunless tan will last about 5 to 7 days before it begins to fade. Simply reapply the sunless lotion to maintain, or increase, your desired level of color.

Sunless tanning products can give your skin a beautiful, flawless tan when applied correctly. The application process is easy and only requires a small amount of preparation. You can have that sun-kissed healthy glow, without any damage from harmful sun rays. Have that summertime look any time of the year!

About the Author

Renaud Professional will help you look and feel fabulous using all natural, organic products. To learn more about natural skin and body care, visit http://www.RenaudProfessional.com . Renaud Professional "Where Science and Nature Become One"

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