Suntanning: This is, by far, the most dangerous way to tan if certain precautions are not taken, namely sunscreen. A sunscreen lotion of at least SPF15 must be used to protect your skin. Protection is paramount. While you may achieve a lovely sunkissed glow today, do you really want wrinkles and dry skin tomorrow? You will be old much longer than you will have youth and who wants to look dried up at 40?Tanning booth: A tanning booth is not much different from sunning out on the sandy beach. In fact it may be dirtier as several consumer reports show the booths are not always thoroughly cleaned. At least sand is sanitary by nature. However your exposure is lessened, and hence your damage somewhat lowered, because you have a limited amount of time on the tanning bed. As opposed to the beach, hours pass as you're usually distracted by, you know, fun. Relaxation.
Self-tanner: The best bet by far. No damage and the lotions have gotten more sophisticated in recent years. They last longer and soak into the skin deeper.But before you go bounding off to the beach the skin must be prepped. Most women know this but many don't. Exfoliation and moisturizing is the key.
EXFOLIATION
Exfoliation should be a near daily event. Gentle or soft exfoliation with a more abrasive exfoliant once every two weeks or maybe more depending on your skin condition. The most popular exfoliants are salt, sugar and ground fruit pits like apricot. In prepping the skin for tanning I recommend a sugar scrub because it helps to trap moisture in the skin. That is the key to a lovely, long lasting tan. If the skin is dry then the tan will not be even and wow, that's scary.
There is concern post-tanning that constant exfoliation will shorten the lifespan of the tan. To avoid this exfoliate every other day or every two days. If you use an exfoliant on a daily basis in the form of a bath puff or bath gloves, use a soft cotton washcloth if you are comfortable with that. Otherwise use a puff that has very soft netting because those are not as abrasive as others. Whatever you do, do not cease to exfoliate in order to prolong your tan. It'll just backfire. As before, a lack of exfoliation will cause the skin to look splotchy. Continuing to occasionally exfoliate will help the tan (if you do not extensively tan again) fade naturally and beautifully.
MOISTURIZING
Moisturize to prevent that scary "sun-cured leather" look. I remember seeing this one tragic woman at Express one day. Her skin had the look of one who made a habit of suntanning all day, everyday in the summer months using Crisco as a 'moisturizer'/'non-stick solution'. She looked like creased, orange leather and topped this off with blonde hair bleached within an inch of its life. But the coup de grace was the silver, sequined halter top and white capri pants she put on in the dressing room. I do believe I cried.If you use a sunless tanner, more than likely it has a built-in moisturizer courtesy of cocoa butter or shea butter. For those using a tanning bed, your minimum SPF15 sunblock will probably also have built-in moisturizers. But for you brave/foolhardy souls tanning au naturel, use some sort of quality
moisturizer after tanning. Clinique has their excellent After-Sun Rescue Balm, perfect for cooling down the skin and helping to prevent any lasting damage. I used it once after waiting for a city bus for 45 minutes in the blazing hot sun.While tanning can definitely enhance beauty, don't undermine that very beauty by not protecting your skin in the long run.
