Sun-kissed and Savvy

Happy last day of Skin Cancer Awareness Month!  I know you’re probably quite excited it’s over, maybe even planning to stand out by the window without a sunhat between the hours of 11 and 3, sticking your tongue out and thumbing your nose.  And I wouldn’t blame you.  After a while, everyone gets sick of hearing what not to do, what to stay away from, and what to avoid.  That’s why I want to leave you with something you can do to look sun-kissed and sexy in your strippy strappy white linen ensemble this summer.  Next time you’re indulging in retail therapy, go up to your favorite makeup counter and get yourself a bottle of self-tanner.   If you smile and say thank you, they’ll probably even package it up for you in a cute little bag.

What’s in the Bottle?

Self-tanner–and spray tans–are truly safe, healthy (and these days, beautiful) way to get that sun-kissed glow.    The FDA approved active ingredient in self-tanning products is DHA (Dihydroxyacetone).  This colourless, 3-carbon sugar causes a chemical reaction with amino acids in the surface cells of the skin, producing a darkening effect on this top layer. As dead skin cells begin to slough off, the tan fades and your normal color returns.  DHA does not damage skin, as it only affects the outermost cells of the epidermis (stratum corneum).   DHA also reacts quickly in the stratum corneum, minimizing systemic absorption.  Contact dermatitis caused by DHA has rarely been reported. Most causes of sensitivity are due to other ingredients such as preservatives in the preparation.  Of course, test a small patch of skin first before applying all over–but if you’re like the great majority of people, your skin should be fine.

How to Apply It

Many spas in Los Angeles offer a full exfoliation and spray tanning package.  But if you want to save some money, self-tanning ain’t brain surgery—follow a few simple steps and you can do it yourself.

1. Timing is everything. Self-tanner is not something to do ½ an hour before you get dressed for a wedding, especially if it’s your first time using the product.  Set aside at least an hour if you can, and try to schedule some privacy—you’re going to be spending a little while hanging out in your birthday suit.
2. Take a shower or bath—and while you’re in there, exfoliate and shave. That way, your tan will come out evenly, and last longer.
3. Dry off. To get an even tan, you need to apply the product onto dry skin.  Also make sure you are in an environment cool enough to prevent sweating.
4. Consider blending with lotion. Depending on the consistency of your self-tanning product, some people find blending with lotion promotes and even and smooth application—even though you might compromise with slightly lighter results.  Some folks also pre-apply lotion to dry skin trouble spots—like elbows and knees—in order to avoid any splotchy patches, since self-tanner absorbs more deeply into dry areas.
5. Get Your Tan On. Apply the self-tanner (or tanner/lotion combination) over your body in circular motions, making sure not to miss any areas.  If you’re not wearing gloves, wash your hands frequently during the process so you don’t get tan palms.  Remember not to put tanner where you don’t tan—e.g. avoid soles of feet, sides of feet, between toes, under your arms.  Apply the tanner sparingly on your face and neck because that skin will darken easily. Don’t forget behind your ears and the back of your neck, especially if you have short hair. Some companies make separate tanning products for face—but with most formulations, it’s usually fine to use one product for face and body.
6. Play the waiting game. Avoid contact with clothes, surfaces, or people for at least 15 minutes.  Try to stay naked for an hour if possible, but check your particular product for recommended wait times.  Stay out of the water and avoid situations that might cause you to sweat for about three hours, and try to wait eight hours before bathing again.

If you would like to ‘deepen your tan,’ you can do so by choosing a more concentrated product.  Concentrations of DHA in self-tanners can range from 2.5 to 10% or more (mostly 3-5%), and  usually coincide with product ranges that list shades as light, medium, or dark. A lower concentration (lighter shade) product may be better for new users as it is more forgiving of uneven application or rough surfaces.

If you suffer from psoriasis, it is usually fine to use self tanner, but again–test a small area first.  Sometimes self-tanner can make the lesions appear more pronounced, because skin affected by psoriasis is thicker.  Rosacea sufferers should also be safe with self-tanner, but should use the same precaution.

What’s the Catch?

There isn’t one.  Self-tanner is safe and effective.  You can use it as often as you like.  The main reason for not using a self-tanner year round in Los Angeles is that—if you live in a seasonal climate—people will most likely realize you’re using a self-tanner.  But if that doesn’t bother you, self-tan away!

To learn more about the dangers of tanning beds, visit WebMD.com.