 by Gabby
Sunless Tanning
Memories of Quick Tan in the '70s has kept many
women away from the new sunless tanners, but today's
formulas are a world apart.
All self-tanners contain the same active
ingredient, Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which  oxidizes, changing the outer layers
of the skin to a brown or golden hue. A good rule of
thumb is to test several products throughout the summer
to find one that works for your skin type and produces
the best color for you. I'm for any product that keeps us
out of the sun, but it's also good to remember that not
all sunless tanners contain an active SPF. Also remember
that a common mistake is choosing a too-dark formula,
which can scream, "I'm wearing a fake tan," so
look for products that will produce a light or medium
(and more natural) color.
Some to try:
 Clarins Self-Tanning Milk is less
about bronze and all about gold. . . the look you might
get standing in front of a sunset.
Neutrogena Sunless Tanning Lotion
in Light/Medium is subtle enough to create a healthy glow
on the fairest Snow White.
Murad Daily Defense Self Tanner for Face
& Body is slightly tinted and produces a light
brown color. It also contains antioxidants, so you'll
treat your skin while treating others to your tan.
Application tips:
The Supplies: A
box of surgical gloves, a bottle of hydrogen peroxide,
and cotton pads
The Prep: Cleanse
your skin with a rough washcloth, or exfoliate with a
gentle scrub. Stay away from abrasive scrubs, which may
create uneven patches on your skin. Pull hair up and out
of the way. Moisturize your skin. Rub a bit of Vaseline
across the eyebrows. Wait at least 15 minutes after
moisturizing before you begin the process.
The Application:
Using the gloves, start at the ankles and work your way
up — finish application on one leg and move to the
other; do the same for the arms. Work the magic on the
stomach and chest area, then apply to the neck and
finally the face. When applying tanner to your face, use
the smallest amount and work in circles. After the job is
finished, rub moisturizer into your ankle, foot, knee,
and wrist areas, which are where a sunless tan becomes
most obvious.
After the Fact:
Wash hands with a nailbrush and warm soapy water —
several times! Wait at least 30 minutes before dressing,
and avoid white clothing the first day. A few hours after
application, explore the body for any
"mistakes," which can be somewhat corrected
with a cotton pad dipped in hydrogen peroxide.
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