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TSR Wiki > Life > Style and Fitness > Fashion and Beauty > Fake Tan Methods
Everyone seems to be asking questions, so here are some details on the most common ways to tan.
Sunbeds
A sunbed is a device emitting ultraviolet radiation (usually UVA, but recently also UVB) used for cosmetic reasons (to induce an artificial tanning).
Advantages
Disadvantages
- Sunbeds emit UV rays (UVA and UVB) that penetrate deeply into cells and can cause gene damage. This damage can cause cancer.
- Ages the skin.
Tips
- Don’t use if you have fair skin or burn easily. Also, if you have many freckles or moles, are pregnant, on certain antibiotics or have a family history of skin cancer, it is not recommended.
Airbrush Fake Tanning
Advantages
- Professional look.
- Applied by machine, you don’t have to do the hard work. This should also mean that it will be an even tan.
Disadvantages
Tips
- Exfoliate; pay particular attention to the lower half of your legs, knees, and ankles, top of feet, toes, elbows and knuckles.
- Shave at least 8 hours before appointment.
- Wear loose fitting clothes. Bring flip flops and a dark coloured swimsuit or garments to wear while being tanned.
- For 5 hours resist washing hands or wearing tight clothing. Don’t exercise; sweating alters the chemical reaction of the spray. Do not swim or moisturise.
- Wait at least 8 hours before showering.
Fake Tan
A fake tan is an artificial type of suntan, usually created by applying a cream and letting the tan develop over a few hours.
Advantages
- Healthy for your skin.
- It is temporary.
- Fast, so you can quickly get a tan for that late notice party.
Disadvantages
- Doesn't last very long.
- Streaks CAN happen.
- Tango’d look isn’t good if it all goes wrong.
- It smells.
Tips
- Shave the day before (Read packets for waxing and creams, as they usually suggest a time limit).
- Exfoliate your whole body (Body Shop scrub mitts are good, they also do a good fake tan mitt).
- Moisturise.
- Go from toes to your face.
- If you can’t reach your back, get some help ;)
- Remember to wash your hands after use if not using gloves. If you are using gloves, remember to do the back of your hands!
- LET IT DRY before putting on clothes.
Recommendations
- L'oreal Paris sublime bronze self tanning gloves £10.99 (No need to exfoliate. Contains 4 gloves.)
- Model Co Airbrush Tan in a can £26.00 (Has a 360 deg nozzle.)
- Piz Buin Self tan Foam £12.99 (Long lasting, 5 mins drying.)
- St Tropez Mousse
Also Useful
- Velvotan tan correction wipes
- St Tropez Tan Remover
- St Tropez back applicator
Holiday Skin (Moisturisers)
A body lotion with a small amount of tanning ingredient added to it.
Advantages
- It can be used instead of your usual moisturiser.
- Very easy to apply.
Disadvantages
- Takes awhile to develop.
- Has to be applied every day.
- Again, doesn't smell too good.
- It can streak or go patchy.
Tips
- Exfoliate before use!!!
- Make sure you rub it in well and evenly.
- Wash hands after use, but also do the backs of your hands.
Also See
We have the following discussions on the forum:
Comments
Any questions, then please ask in the thread, Any things you think need to be added, then please edit the page to add them in.
Originally taken from a thread started by ladydeborah.
Also See list originally compiled by Sazarina88.
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