Safely Tan: Sunless Tanning Alternatives to Harming Your Skin

Although we love being warmed by the touch of the sun, we all know the harmful side effects its dangerous rays can bring us. Even some of the sunscreens we use to protect ourselves only defend our skin against the sun's UVB rays and leave us to the mercy of its UVA rays. Overexposure to the sunlight can lead to eye damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.

Don't get me wrong. I love spending afternoons basking in the sunlight and being outdoors in general. The sun does have some positive effects too. It has been shown to reduce depression, aids in the production of Vitamin D in our bodies, and helps some skin conditions. It also makes for a great day at the beach!

The sun isn't evil. We just have to moderate our time spent in direct sunlight. Luckily, sun-bathers have some safer options to get their desired glow from other sources.

There are now hundreds of options to choose from at your local beauty store when looking for a safe, sunless tanning lotion. Our options include powders, lotions, mousses, gels, and sprays.

Powders allow you to brush on your glow without having any fear of leaving unwanted, uneven streaks on your skin. They are very easy to use and give you immediate results that are easily washed away if you put too much on or mess up in any way.

Lotions, mousses, and gels can be a bit trickier. You have to make sure you are applying an even layer to your skin or unnatural colors and streaking will be your result. They have improved these products so much over the last couple of years that applying them has become much easier. You just have to make sure you are paying attention and being careful during the application process.

DIY spray-on tanners are similar to the lotions, mousses and gels but are a bit easier to apply. With a spray can you are able to mist your skin evenly...just don't miss a spot!

Airbrush tans are now available at most tanning salons. Usually you step into a cylindrical small space and stand still while the spray is applied to you through a machine. Many of my friends have gone and come looking out great. There are still some precautions you have to take when choosing this option. Just because you at a salon doesn't mean your tan is going to come out perfect. It is best that you do some research about where you will go and ensure that the staff at your salon are fully educated on their equipment and products. You don't want to come out orange because the correct color was not picked for you.

The truth is, you cannot be guaranteed perfect results the first time you experiment with sunless tanning. However, you can achieve these results if you spend some time researching and trying out different products. Make sure that you pick a color that goes with your skin tone and isn't going to make you look unnatural. My advice would be to read about each product in depth, look at some reviews, and try the one you think will work the best for you and your budget. The best advice I can give to you is don't go flying over to the local store before a date/pool party/etc. to pick out your tanner for the first time. Give yourself some time before these occasions to master the application of your tan to ensure that you aren't getting looks for the wrong reasons.