Indoor tanning sessions are often incomplete without tanning lotions. The products are said to be a better alternative if you don’t want to expose skin to harmful ultraviolet rays. Go, take an indoor tanning bed, apply some lotion, and have fun! This is what you all requirements for safe tanning. Well, you should understand the science behind their working process and efficient application.
These self-tanners are commonly sold as creams, lotions, and sprays for even application on the skin. However, a professional spray tanning facility is also available in salons. The right amount of tanning lotion will help stimulate the biological process for the skin’s natural and healthy tanning. It amplifies tan by which you can observe results in a significantly shorter period as compared to natural tanning under the sun.
How Do Tanning Lotions Work?
The time to bake your skin under a heat lamp to get that golden-brown tan can even take your weeks. It may be a significant problem people stick to tanning lotions. Well, you should not forget about harmful UV rays as another factor. In this section, we’ll look at a kind of biological process that works behind the tanning lotions.
Firstly, consider a quick fact of men’s tanning in the USA. According to a recent survey, almost 2 million US men tend to self-tan indoors. It’s the main reason men’s tanning lotions are quite popular here.
The most active ingredient in every tanning lotion is called DHA or dihydroxyacetone. This active ingredient is the primary factor behind the skin’s surface tanning. The reaction with amino acids will cause your skin to get dark and provides an ultimate tan effect. It’s generally known as Maillard reaction. The reaction works similarly when roasting and baking foods such as meat reacts while cooking.
The resultant melanoidins produced after its application on the skin will cause the tan to occur. FDA (Food Drug Administration) has mentioned that DHA is safe for external applications. Instead, you should avoid using it over mucous membranes like areas around the nose, eyes, or lips.
How to Apply a Tanning Lotion?
You have to keep in mind specific points to apply tanning lotions effectively. Get the best results after following the general instructions given below.
Exfoliate
You can either use an exfoliating product or washcloth to remove dead skin cells. Consider investing more time in congested areas like elbows, knees, and ankles. After that, wipe out softly and let your skin dry.
Section Application
Take your lotion and massage it in a circular motion over the required area. You can mainly use leg tanning lotion in specified areas. The idea is to make sure that you are applying lotion in sections such as legs, arms, and torso. Remember to wash hands with soap after application on each section. It will prevent the discoloring of palms.
Furthermore, you can lightly extend the lotion from wrists to hands and from ankles to feet for smooth application.
Clean Joint Areas
The joint areas like elbows, knees, and ankles absorb lots of sun tanning products. So, you should wipe out those areas and dilute the tanning effect. Softly rub them with a damp towel and apply little lotion over the skin’s top surface.
Let It Dry
Let the lotion dry out and leave it for 10 minutes before you are being dressed. Wear loose clothes and try to avoid sweating as possible.
Conclusion
All in all, you can protect yourself from premature aging with the help of tanning lotion. Getting tanned without lotion can even make you wrinkled. These products are further preferable as anti-skin cancer agents. So, you don’t have to worry about any such side effects. Be worry-free and look sun-kissed instantly!