Best sunless tanners

Unfortunately, some self tanners overvalue (or lie about) their UV protection, check on the list of ingredients for titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Helioplex or avobenzone (or Mexoryl SX or Tinosorb outside the U.S.). The whole point here is to get a tan without the UV damage.

Even the best sunless tanners fade like a suntan, when those layers of skin fall off, and need to be reapplied every three to five days. Shower and shave before applying sunless tanners; doing so afterward will remove the colored skin cells, lightening your tan.

Smooth skin is suggested to provide a more even coverage. Exfoliate if you like before applying sunless tanners, and only apply to bare skin that has no moisturizer or sunscreen previously applied. Apply less self tanner to elbows and knees, to prevent darker looking areas.

All the best sunless tanners can stain clothing so give yourself time to dry before dressing, or use foam or spray formulas, which dry faster than lotion. Remember to wash your hands after application to avoid dark palms or wear gloves or use an applicator to keep hands clean. Don't forget to apply self tanners to the backs of your hands after removing the gloves.

If you're pregnant or nursing, experts recommend checking with your physician before applying sunless tanners, especially salon sprays. According to the American Pregnancy Association, DHA is considered safe for pregnant women. However, editors also say, "The only concern is whether the active ingredient, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), is able to penetrate the skin. Studies do not confirm that it can, but some healthcare providers encourage women to wait until after the first trimester, just to play it safe."

After lots of research, the reports don't agree on which is the best sunless tanner. But there are lots of suggestions and helpful hints below:

Sun exposure is a sure way to develop wrinkles, skin damage and a greater risk for skin cancer, many are curious about getting the best sunless tanners. These products give users a natural-looking simulated tan without any sun damage. All sunless tanners, or self tanners, contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which temporarily stains the skin surface and fades like a suntan does as skin cells are shed naturally. DHA is considered by experts to be completely safe for skin. DHA gives no protection from the sun or from UV exposure in sunlight. If you're going to be in the sun, you still need to wear sunscreen.

Daily self-tanning moisturizers are becoming more common; these claim to combine a daily moisturizer with low-strength tanning ingredients. Reviewers call these gradual tanners "goof proof" because the diluted DHA formula tans over time and will not streak. Still, it may take a bit of trial and error to find the perfect match with these mild self-tanners. One person reported that choosing a shade that is too dark for your complexion can turn your skin orange. As with the best sunless tanners and all other self-tanners, it is best to test daily sunless tanning moisturizers in an inconspicuous area before using it all over your skin.

(indigo earth notes: There is more than a tan going on with the above image. Figure on left: hair not flowing, hands on hips, back not arched. Figure on right: hair flowing, no negative hand placement, back very arched. I tried self tanners before and they didn't make my hair flow and back arch).

These daily self-tanning moisturizers are so popular that skincare companies have taken the idea even further. The latest variations are supposed to not only moisturize and tan the skin but also help reduce the appearance of aging, give the skin a firm and taut appearance and even, in some cases, slow down hair growth. These moisturizers are meant to be used daily or every other day like a regular body moisturizer, and your tan, as well as other benefits, is supposed to develop gradually.

According to user reviews at Drugstore.com and other opinion sites, Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer (*Est. $7.50 for 7.5 ounces) is an excellent moisturizer and self-tanner, but it may not do much to actually firm up your skin. Very few users say they noticed any difference at all. However, the moisturizing and tanning aspects of this product are well liked overall, and we found very good reviews for Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer (*Est. $7.50 for 7.5 ounces), which doesn't claim to have firming benefits. We came across some interesting reviews for another combination product, Sally Hansen Smooth Glow Stubble Reducing Daily Moisturizer (*Est. $12.50 for 8 ounces), which is supposed to retard hair growth. Many users state that there was an obvious reduction of hair growth in addition to the tan, although the moisturizer itself is reported to be very thick and greasy.

Another new trend in finding the best sunless tanner is the "adjustable" self-tanner. These sunless tanning products let users turn a dial to adjust the amount of DHA in each application in order to create the desired tan color. The packaging is divided into two chambers, one holding the self-tanning ingredients and one holding the moisturizer. The ingredients are activated with the turn of a dial. However, we haven't yet seen many reviews for this type of product, notably the Banana Boat Every Day Glow Sun Dial (*Est. $12 for 6.7 ounces) or Aveeno Continuous Radiance Moisturizing Lotion for All Skin Tones (*Est. $14 for 7.5 ounces).

Of the reviews we did find, most users had positive comments for Banana Boat, complaining only of the strong smell. The reviews for Aveeno, on the other hand, are more mixed. Some users complain about streaking, while others comment on a natural-looking tan. Most, however, like the smell of Aveeno.

The best sunless tanners can be used all year long and can quickly add a realistic glow to wintry white skin. They're also a great way to temporarily cover tan lines. However, they are not always easy to apply. Experts say the best way to achieve an even, sunless tan is to exfoliate first and be sure skin is smooth before applying the product. Rough skin attracts uneven color, but smooth skin provides a good base for a natural-looking sunless tan.

One prevailing complaint about all tanners, including the best sunless tanners, is the smell. DHA has a definite odor, and despite manufacturer efforts to minimize the chemical smell of DHA, most users say they can still smell it. Some don't mind the smell, while it's a deal breaker for others. If you haven't yet tried a self tanner, you might sniff one in a store -- you'll smell the DHA, a chemical-like undertone, immediately.

From "best sunless tanners" to making sugar scrubs . . .

Coconut oil, a great tropical butter to care for your skin . . .

the indigo earth - real natural for real life