Guide To Buying Sun Tanning Lotion
What sort of sun tanning lotion should you use? That primarily depends on how long you're going to be in the sun, and what type of skin you have, and whether you have a base tan already. If you have a base tan, you are going to burn less easily than if you didn't, because your skin has already produced enough melanin ton protect your skin from the sun's UVB rays, which cause burning. For more information on how we produce melanin, and its' protective effects, this is a great article.
Of course, if you have naturally darker skin tones, you will already have a significant amount of melanin, and therefore, built-in sun protection. Those lucky folk can just get on with tanning!
The length of time you spend outdoors, and the type of activity you will be doing, are important. As we sweat, the tanning lotion we've applied will wash off. So, if we'll be outdoors for hours, either on a boat, sightseeing, or working, we'll need a tanning lotion with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor). And it's a good idea to reapply the sunscreen regularly, particularly after you go swimming.
Sun Tanning Lotion Guide By Skin Type
Very Fair Skin - People with very fair skin tend to burn quickly. Unfortunately, they rarely tan - think Nicole Kidman. It's recommended that people with very fair skin use sunscreen products with SPF 20 to 30 or above.
Fair Skin - Fair skinned people usually burn easily, though some tanning can occur. If this is your skin type, you should use sunscreen that contains SPF 12 to 20.
If you have fair and very fair skin, and you want a tan, your best bet is to try a spray-on tan at a salon. There are self-tanning products designed for this skin type which are much less orange than they used to be. Whilst they won't give you a dark tan, you can at least get a light tan.
Light Toned Skin - People with light toned skin burn in the moderate range. You tan, but gradually, and the color you become is a light brown shade. Recommended sun tanning lotions should contain SPF in the range 8 to 12.
Medium Toned Skin - People with medium tone skin do burn, but not much. You tan most of the time, and go a moderate shade of brown. Try sun tanning lotions with SPF 4 to 8.
Dark Toned Skin - Dark toned people rarely burn. These people tan easily, and go a rich, dark brown. You can use tanning lotions in the range SPF 2 to 4.
Of course, if you have moles, or a family history that includes skin cancer, you should use the highest SPF possible, and rely on self-tanning products for your tan.
Understanding SPF
The SPF listed on moisturizers and sunscreen refers to the minimum amount of time exposed to UVB sunlight before your skin goes red, after that product has been applied. This is in contrast to the length of time it would take bare skin to go red in the sun without any protection.
As an example, say Milly, a 23 year old receptionist, would normally burn after 12 minutes of being out in the sun. If she applies a sun tanning lotion with sunscreen, with an SPF of 15, she would be fine in the sun for 15 times this length of time. Doing the maths, she would be protected for up to 3 hours.
We use this simple formula for calculating the time before sunburn would occur:
12 minutes x 15 SPF = 180 minutes (3 hours).
Indoor Tanning
If indoor tanning is your preference, you may not want a lotion with SPF because the amount of time you spend tanning is controlled. For indoor tanning you will find all kinds of lotions offering various benefits. For example you will find lotions that claim to enhance your tan and make you even darker. There are tan accelerators that help you get a darker tan more quickly. There are also tingling lotions that cool your body upon contact, and heating lotions that do the opposite. It all depends on the effects and results you're looking for.
The vast majority of suntan lotions on the market contain ingredients designed to nourish your skin and help it look and feel healthier, softer and more beautiful. These ingredients may include natural oils like hemp or coconut that soften and soothe. Many lotions also feature shimmering particles that impart a sexy glow to your skin. These shimmering lotions are all the rage with celebrities on the red carpet, how else do you think they get that dewy look? There are all kinds of suntan lotions available to meet any tanning need.
Sun tanning lotion can be purchased from any tanning salon, however you will find the prices are somewhat inflated. A good solution is to shop for your tanning lotion at a drugstore or discount store rather than the tanning salon. Or, you could try shopping online. There are all kinds of specialty shops online that sell tanning accessories including name brand lotions. You can also get great deals on Ebay. Yet another option would be to shop at a beauty supply store like Sally Beauty which is where many professionals shop.
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