How to get a tan without the sun

Tradtionally, we have lathered up our skin with coconut smelling oils, laid out in the sun and basically fried our skin to get a great tan. This usually involved many days spent at the beach, plenty of water and NO sunscreen. Now, we know that any amount exposure to the sun longer than 10 minutes unprotected can lead to skin problems as well as skin cancer.

So, how do you achieve that perfect bronze colour that you want if you can't lay about in the sun?

You fake it. Sunless tanning is the way to go now. Forget sunbeds, they are just as bad, if not worse than lying in the sun for hours on end.

Technology is evolving and chemists have come up with formulas that colour our skin, giving us that glowing look without damaging our skin. But, which products to try and how do you know it is going to work for you?

The first step is to determine your skin type. There are 5 skin types, Dry, Sensitive, Oily, Normal and Combination. Once you know what type you are, it makes it easier to find the right product for you.

The underlying agent in most tanning products is DHA (Dihidroxyacetone), this is what you can smell in most tanning products, although a lot of them are getting very good at disguising this smell, as it is not all that attractive, but much better than the other option of getting skin cancer. DHA works with the skins pigments and creates varying shades of brown, depending on the product you have used.

You need to prepare your skin for self tanning, so make sure that you have washed, exfoliated and moisturized before applying your tanning product and ensure you apply moisturizer daily to extend the life of your tan.

You will need to remove your tan weekly to ensure you don't get patchy, scaly looking skin.

While all of this may seem like too much hard work, once you incorporate it into your daily routine you will find it quick and easy to do.

Of course, none of the aboves beats going to the beach and basking in the sun, and there is no reason that you still can't do this, just remember to have good protection, a good strong sunscreen applied a few times during the day, a good hat and some cover for when you are not swimming... common sense really, and you will be well on your way to enjoying summer, with a tan that didn't involve baking your skin!

Did you know that it can take years for Melanomas to appear on your body... so stop baking your skin now, you may have already done the damage. Learn Sunless Tanning tips and tricks at Fake Tan 101.