Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Getting the Perfect Tan

By Tammy Worthington

Sun worshipers that cannot afford to be on a permanent vacation can now use tanning booths whenever they wish to maintain that golden brown look. However, with more and more research coming out on the dangers and the risk of skin cancer, some are now turning to alternatives to the dangerous skin damaging practice. One of these newer methods is called sunless tanning which can be carried out at specialist salons or at regular beauty establishments. Although there are many other methods, spraying seems to provide the most even and consistent tan available at the moment.

Although the popularity is still to be proved, systems using the new spray tanning technology have been designed for home use. Whichever method you decide upon there are some simple but basic steps needed to ensure the best effect. Exfoliation is the first step as this rids the body surface of the dead skin cells. Fake tan applications that have been done without this vital step are easy to spot as the recipient has light patches in the tan where the dead skin has fallen of.

To complete this part of the preparation, the skin needs to be moist and ready to accept the tan so a good skin moisturizer will need to be applied all over. Before applying a tanning agent, whether bottle or cream, ensure you are wearing gloves or the orange palms that will follow will give the game away. Lighter coats should always be applied to the joints and feet as they will appear darker, which is a dead giveaway that fake tan has been applied. The only possible problem that can occur when spray tanning is used is some streaking caused by excess fluid, so an old towel you no longer need should be used to remove it.

To avoid any smears, marks or cracking, you will need to relax and remain still, while the tanning agent dries. The problem you will have afterwards during this drying time is what to wear because if you wear something expensive that you like, it will probably become stained and won't come off.

Consider what you are going to wear once you have applied the fake tan as it tends to stain objects, in particular clothing. You should choose something dark and also maybe something you don't particularly care for until the excess is worn off. Applying an artificial tan successfully means there are a few rules to follow which should ensure it looks as genuine as possible. - 16004

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