Important Tips for Using Self-Tanning Lotion

Self-tanning lotions, or “self-tanners”, are impacting the tanning market in a major way. With all the recent innovative advancements made in formulating sunless tanning products, they are more popular than ever; and as safe and convenient alternatives to sun tanning, it is no surprise! However, if you are new to using self-tanning products, it is wise to start with some helpful tips rather than an impromptu approach!

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about using self-tanning lotion at home.

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Preparation is Key

Regardless of your age, skin tone, or skin type, it is necessary to get your skin ready prior to applying any sunless tanning lotion. Every tan looks better and lasts longer when you prepare your skin properly. Do this by following a few rules:

Do not shave or wax within 8 hours of application;
Do not use self-tanners on irritated or infected skin;
Do not apply any oils, moisturizers, or lotions to skin.

Avoid Over Applying and Blending

Applying too much product can leave your skin looking unnatural, too dark, or streaky. To avoid this, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Try to only work with a quarter size amount at a time and stick to one coat to prevent using too much self-tanner.

In addition to over-applying, you want to avoid over-blending too. It may seem like the more you spread the product around, the more even it will result; however, spreading the lotion around too much or too long can actually cause more streaking and unevenness. Likewise, you do not want to rub the product into your skin; instead, use light, gentle, and even pressure.

Mind Your Hands and Feet

Never apply self-tanner directly onto your feet and hands; at least not until you are a seasoned pro. This can result in very streaky and uneven color. Instead, using only the excess from the rest of your application process, gradually apply product to your feet and hands. For instance, after you cover your legs, use the residual product on your hands to cover your feet.

Take Care of Your Tan

After you have successfully applied your self-tanning lotion, you are now in charge of taking good care of it in the following weeks. Allow the self-tanner to sit for at least 30 minutes before getting dressed. Wait to take a shower for at least 8 to 10 hours for best results. In fact, avoid all types of moisture for this long (i.e. water, sweat, eye drops, showers, baths, pools, etc.). In the following days, be sure you keep your skin moisturized on a daily basis, and drink plenty of water.

A quality self-tanning product, combined with these tips, will give you a well-balanced, beautiful, long-lasting tan!

Where to Get Quality Tanning Products

Broad Ripple Tans

Broad Ripple Tans 317-257-8262

Call Broad Ripple Tans at 317-257-8262 to buy professional-grade tanning products at neighborhood prices in Indianapolis! Our tanning salon offers a wide selection of top-quality tanning lotions, moisturizers, and skin care products, all at the most competitive prices in town. Be sure to stop in for air brush spray tanning services, or relax in one of our luxury tanning beds!

Can I Still Get a Tan With Sunscreen On?

Sunscreen is an imperative part of outdoor, summertime activity. Our skin requires a specific degree of defense against harmful UV rays that come from the sun. Without sun protection, skin is susceptible to burning, rash, irritation, reddening, sensitivity, discoloration, moral formation, freckles, and more. Other than wearing protective clothing that covers the skin or carrying around a large shade umbrella, your best option is to wear a high-quality sunscreen.

It is common for people to opt out of using sun protection lotion because they want to get a tan, however this is not worth the risk; especially because skin still tends even with sunscreen on. To understand why, continue reading to learn more about sunscreen and what it does.

Indianapolis Tanning Salon 317-257-8262

Indianapolis Tanning Salon 317-257-8262

How Sunscreen Works

Sun protection lotion, or sunscreen, comes in many varieties. However, all types are formulated with two main constituents: an emulsion and a primary active ingredient. There usually several active ingredients in a sunscreen product.

The active ingredient is usually the constituent that actually protects the skin from UV sunrays. These come in two forms as well; the two main categories of active ingredients in sun protection lotion are ultraviolet absorbers and ultraviolet reflectors. Absorbers are chemicals (also known as organic because they contain carbon atoms) that soak up UV radiation from the sun upon contact with skin by converting it to lower levels of heat. Reflectors do just the opposite. Rather than absorbing the UV radiation, they reflect sun rays. They are mostly formulated using common oxides, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which work well to scatter ultraviolet rays.

Emulsions are the constituents that hold the active ingredients and helps bind them to skin. These are often in the form of lotions, creams, milks, ointments, foams, or gels. The basis for most emulsions are oil and water, and then with the addition of other elements, they are customized for the market. Emulsions are important for sunscreens because they increase shelf life since they were preservatives, but they are also the reason behind the lovely fragrances and textures sunscreens offer.

Broad-Spectrum Sunscreens and SPF

Some sunscreens are targeted more for UVA radiation, while others are targeted more towards UVB radiation. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is often recommended as being the best product for skin protection in the sun. These products are specially designed to protect against both UVB and UVA radiation. “SPF” stands for” sun protection factor”, and is measured numerically. The higher the SPF value, the less son will get through to your skin.

A sunscreen with a 30 SPF means that one-thirtieth (or 3.3%) of UV rays actually passes through the skin. Keep in mind that 30 SPF and 50 SPF is only a 1.3% difference in protection. As an example, if your skin burns in the sun after 10 minutes of protection on it, and SPF 30 sunscreen will protect your skin from burning in the sun for 300 minutes (or 30 times longer). So whether your skin is prone to burning in the sun or not, it is better to use a high-value for best results.

Visit Our Broad Ripple Tanning Salon!

Broad Ripple Tanning 317-257-8262

Broad Ripple Tanning 317-257-8262

Call Broad Ripple Tans at 317-257-8262 for high-quality affordable indoor tanning and air brush spray tanning services. Our neighborhood Indianapolis tanning salon is conveniently located right near Broad Ripple Village, and our tanning consultants are standing by to customize the perfect tanning course for you! Call 317-257-8262 to request a free estimate or information, today.