Have you ever wished that you could develop a tan without having to go outside and stay under the sun? Are you one of those who does not like the idea of going to the beach to sunbathe? Have you ever tried to create a fake tan?
If your answer to any of these questions is a YES, then you will most probably like the concept of sunless tanning.
Sunless tanning started back in the 1960s when reports from health authorities indicated that UV (ultraviolet) exposure could increase one’s risk of skin cancer. People used tanning beds to get the silky bronze skin they want, so the concept of tanning without sunbathing and being exposed to UV rays was most welcome. Check out homemade tanning oil here.
Sunless tanning can produce a healthy tan or suntan despite the fact that it does not expose you to the sun’s harmful rays. Sunless tanners can come in the form of sprays, creams, and the best sunless tanning lotions, so aside from being the safer alternative, they are also easy to use or apply.
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Who Needs the Best Sunless Tanning Lotion
People who quickly burn when exposed to the sun are the ones who most need to use the best sunless tanning lotion. These are the individuals who cannot stay under the sun for long periods. Additionally, those who have sensitive skin are better off using the tanning lotion instead of going out and sunbathing under the sun.
There are also others who use the best sunless tanning lotion as an alternative to sunbathing because of the high risk of cancer. Does indoor tanning lotion work? Find out here.
What Is the Best Sunless Tanning Lotion?
If you do not want to or cannot stay under the sun for long periods, you can use the best sunless tanning lotion to get the tan or bronze complexion you want. Using the cream will keep you protected from the sun’s UV rays.
Topical sunless tanning products are approved and considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Its primary ingredient, dihydroxyacetone or DHA, is safe for use on the skin (externally). DHA is a color additive and is the one responsible for creating the tan.
DHA provides the tan color to the skin when it reacts with the dead cells found in the skin’s surface. This action turns the skin a bit darker, thereby creating a tan or bronze. This color will only last for a few days though.
DHA’s browning effects were discovered in the 1950s by accident. Eva Wittgenstein of the University of Cincinnati was doing a study using DHA as an oral drug for glycogen storage disease affecting children.
DHA’s browning effect is non-toxic, which is why it was approved for topical use by the FDA. It is considered the most popular and most efficient sun-free, UV-free tanning additive. Some manufacturers use a replacement agent like a black walnut shell, but most use DHA – alone or in tandem with another tanning agent.
Many of the best sunless tanning lotion available in the market do not come with sunscreen or sun protection factor. The ones that do have only very minimal amounts, so there is no guarantee that your skin will be protected from the sun’s UV rays. So in case, you plan to go outdoors after applying or while wearing the best sunless tanning lotion, it is recommended that you still use sunscreen with an SPF at least 30.
There are different types of sunless tanning products aside from the lotion. While many people prefer the best sunless tanning lotion because it can also work as a moisturizer, there are some who like to use the sunless tanning foam. This sunless tanning product is ideal for people who want to cover all parts of his/her body equally.
Another type of sunless tanning product is the spray. Although this is a widely popular alternative, dermatologists require users to exercise extra caution in using the product.
When using sunless tanning sprays, there is a tendency for users to spray (accidentally) sensitive areas like the eyes, nose, and lips. These areas are covered by mucous membranes, which can be quickly exposed to DHA when you inhale the spray. Sunless tanning sprays are also not intended for people with dry skin.
Additionally, there is a proper way to apply the best sunless tanning lotion. The first thing to take note of is the fact that it is best to use creams or lotions that the spray or foam. It is also important to exfoliate the skin before applying the best sunless tanning lotion.
Exfoliating is the best way to remove dead skin cells. Be sure to exfoliate usually neglected areas like the knees, ankles, and elbows. The areas with thick skin should be thoroughly exfoliated. Do not forget to dry your skin afterward.
When you apply the best sunless tanning lotion, do so by massaging it into your skin in circular motion. Also, use it in sections: legs, torso, arms, and the like. Do not forget to use some on your ankles, feet, hands, and wrists. Wash your hands after applying the lotion. Let it stay for about 10 minutes.
Although the best sunless tanning lotions have been declared safe for use by the FDA, you need to be extra careful and wear loose clothing so that you will not sweat out.
What Are The Benefits Of Sunless Tanning
Now that you know what the concept and purpose of sunless tanning are, and since you are just about ready for your first application of this UV-free tanning product, it is time to talk about the benefits of using this FDA-approved tanner.
Sunless tanning products are UV-free and produce UV-free color. The best sunless tanning lotions allow you to get the tan or bronze you want more safely and healthily. Even if your skin is the type that does not tan easily, you will be able to achieve the natural glow without the need to stay under the rays of the sun for hours. The tan you will get will be healthier and more natural.
Sunless tanning products allow you to get the tan you want anytime of the year. For example, you are going to a party or event somewhere near the beach, and it is winter season. You can apply the best sunless tanning lotion before you head off there. Once you get your flawless tan, you will be able to wear whatever outfit you want and show off your beautifully-colored skin.
Since it is the middle of the winter season, you will most probably get envious glances from some of the guests at the event. This is the advantage of the best sunless tanning lotions; you can get your skin tanned anytime and any season of the year!
Sunless tanning products do not wipe off easily. Because they contain DHA, the best sunless tanning lotions will give you tans or bronzes that won’t easily wipe off or smudge. Your tan will not even stain your clothing! This is because the DHA colors only the dead skin layer. Of course, the color will fade, but not right away. You will enjoy your tan for around three to 10 days.
Sunless tanning products can moisturize the skin. There are sunless tanning products, specifically creams or lotions, which contain moisturizers. So you are guaranteed to get not only a good tan but also healthy skin hydration. A soft, glowing tan will make you look even better!
Sunless tanning products are easy to use and apply. The steps you need to do or follow when using a sunless tanning product are simple. There is no complicated equipment needed. All that you need to do is apply the cream or lotion evenly on your skin, let it absorb, and then voila, you are done!
Sunless tanning products are FDA-approved. Unlike tanning beds, which can cause harm or burn the skin if not used correctly, sunless tanning products like creams or lotions are approved and afforded with the safety seal by the FDA. As such, you are guaranteed that no harm can come to you.
What Are The Precautions Of Using the Best Sunless Tanning Lotions?
DHA is the only color additive or agent that got the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration. Dermatologists consider it as safer than achieving a tan through sunbathing or via tanning booths. However, the FDA is strict in its warning that DHA should only be used topically, meaning as a cream or lotion.
The best sunless tanning lotions should in no way be ingested or inhaled orally. This is one of the primary reasons why sunless tanning sprays are more dangerous compared to lotions. You can inhale or ingest the DHA (as you spray the tanner) through the eyes, lips, and nose as the fumes can pass through the mucous membranes.
Additionally, although the best sunless tanning lotions are verified to be safe, sensitive or allergy-prone skin can still have adverse reactions. As such, it is important for you to consult your dermatologist first before using any of the best sunless tanning lotion.
You can also spread a small amount of the lotion on your skin before you apply it on your entire body. This will help determine whether you have an allergic reaction to the tanner or not.
It is also essential to remember that not all of the best sunless tanning lotions come with sunscreens or sun protection factor (SPF). Therefore, you should not consider it as a sun protector. Do not go out into the bright sun wearing your tanning lotion because the harmful rays of the sun can seep through your skin. If you plan to go out though, apply a broad spectrum sunscreen, preferably one that has an SPF of 30.
Finally, always follow instructions on how to properly use the best sunless tanning lotion. Avoid using too much of it at one time.
What Are The Best Sunless Tanning Lotions in 2017
To help you choose the best sunless tanning lotion, here are five of the top options this 2017.
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Svelta: Tan Skin-Perfecting Skin Tanner
Overview:
The Svelta Tan Skin-Perfecting Self Tanner is one of the best sunless tanning lotions that contain potent natural ingredients. It boasts of an Eco-Cert certified DHA that’s also natural and botanically-derived. If you want a healthy, even, streak-free tan, this is the right tanner for you. You will get a long lasting tan in just a matter of hours, perfect for when you need to go somewhere where you can show off your glowing bronze skin.
This one of the best sunless tanning lotion is safe for all skin types as it does not contain paraben, sulfates, and phthalates. It is made with 100% vegan ingredients. Use this tanner if you want a healthy and glowing tan that can last for 4 to 8 days.
Vita Liberata: pHenomenal 2-3 Week Self Tan Mousse and Tanning Mitt Kit
Overview:
This tanning duo is perfect for those who want a longer lasting tan; this one of the best sunless tanning lotion is formulated with pHenO2 technology and is made of organic botanicals. Likewise, it has a moisture lock technology that will hydrate your skin for more or less 72 hours.
It is also the ideal tanning product for people who are sensitive to scents as it is equipped with the Odour Remove technology. This means you will not smell anything when you apply the lotion. In addition to this, the tanner dries and absorbs into the skin in a matter of seconds so that you will not feel uneasy or greasy.
This one of the best sunless tanning lotion is paraben, sulfate, and phthalates-free. It comes with a training mitt that allows you to apply the tanner evenly.
Tanceuticals: CC Self Tanning Body Lotion
Overview:
This one of the best sunless tanning lotion is a dual purpose product. First, it gives you even, flawless tan. Then it will help make your skin look and feel better. The tan that it will give you is an ultra dark shade. In other words, your skin will become bronze and glow!
This tanner will give you a natural-looking tan that will not only make you look and feel good but also healthy. Moreover, the best thing about this is that it dries up in a matter of minutes – five minutes, to be exact. This means that you do not have to wait long to show off your beautiful and healthy tan!
Tanceuticals CC Self Tanning Body Lotion will not create streaks or produce a strange smell and orange color. One kit includes a face tanner, body tanner, and a mitt.
Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion
Overview:
If you are looking for an efficient, safe, and the best sunless tanning lotion, Banana Boat’s Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion should be your number one choice. There are three reasons why: it gives a realistic tan (golden brown), it also acts as an oil-free moisturizing lotion that comes with vitamin C and aloe, and it does not smell bad at all.
Another feature of this one of the best sunless tanning lotion is the fact that it is tinted. This means that you will not have problems with having an uneven color when you apply this tanner. Additionally, this tanner will make your skin softer, healthier, and more radiant.
Sun Laboratories: Ultra Dark Self Tanning Lotion
Overview:
This ultra dark self-tanning lotion from Sun Laboratories is guaranteed to give you the tan or bronze glow that you want for your skin. In a matter of hours (3 hours at the most) after application, you will have beautiful, healthy, and rich brown color that can last for around seven days.
Sun Laboratories’ best sunless tanning lotion is also a moisturizer, so you will get skin that not only glows, but also one that’s soft, smooth, and radiant. Users also love the fact that even if you apply only one coat, you can already get a tan. If you want a Brazilian glow, though, you can do for two coats.
This one of the best sunless tanning lotion is perfect for all skin types, as well as for those who are light skinned (as some users guarantee).
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Our Choice for the Best Sunless Tanning Lotion
For us, the best sunless tanning lotion in 2017 is the Svelta Tan Skin-Perfecting Self Tanner. This natural botanicals self-tanner is an all-in-one product as it does not only give you an instant bronze, it also has ingredients that can help fight against premature skin aging.
Additionally, this best sunless tanning lotion has natural antioxidants, skin-soothing ingredients, and healing extracts, so you are guaranteed that your tan
will look good and your skin will be smoother, healthier, and more radiant. As it contains botanicals like aloe, camu camu, olive, guarana, and sacred lotus, your skin will be properly nourished. Your skin will glow healthily!
This all-around and best sunless tanning lotion comes with a tanning mitt, which makes the application process effortless. Because of this mitt, you will not have a difficult time applying the tanning lotion evenly. Thus, you will be able to cover every part of your body.
Aside from effectively tanning your body, Svelta Tan can also be used on the face. Moreover, it is safe even for those with sensitive skin. Users swear that they did not experience any breakouts when they applied the tanner on their face.
Lastly, this best sunless tanning lotion will not make your skin orange. Nope, not at all. After a few hours, your skin will turn golden brown – or bronze. Just the kind of tan that you want!
