Sunless tanning refers to the use of chemicals on the skin to create a result similar in appearance to a conventional suntan, but without any sunlight. It is a completely cosmetic practice, with self tanning and airbrush tanning becoming the fastest growing sector in the cosmetics market.
Self tan can be applied in a number of ways, and can come in the form of sprays and lotions, amongst others. The change in skin color is not a result of sun or UV exposure, but rather a result of a reaction between amino acids on the surface of the skin, and Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which is the active ingredient in the formula.
It is made for home use, although anyone that has not used self tan previously is advised to do a skin test before use. This can be done by applying a small amount to a little area of skin, then wait a day to make sure you are not allergic to the ingredients, before applying to the rest of the body. For the best result, apply to clean, dry skin and allow to fully absorb into the skin before bathing or getting wet.
Not all sunless forms can be done at home. An airbrush tan is usually performed by qualified professionals, using special designed equipment made for the application of self tan.
Most people tend to associate a tan with beauty and a health, but throughout history, many favored white skin. The Romans and Greeks were both known to use white chalk to lighten their skin and Elizabethans even painted faint blue lines on their faces to appear paler. In Victorian society, tanned people were mainly seen in the lower classes and were people who were regularly exposed to sun whilst working outdoors. In comparison, the upper classes would not allow themselves to be exposed to the sun, with many women seen carrying parasols to shade them.
In was not until the twenties, when a famous designer returned from a cruise vacation with a tan that it became fashionable. The tan no longer represented a life of outside labor, but a life of leisure and luxury. Also at this time, the looser fashions inspired by the Jazz age meant that women were no longer wearing clothes that completely covered their bodies, which gave even more reason to tan.
The first self tan came as a brown or cream dye in the fifties. The older self tan products were not as advanced and natural looking as many are today. The originals used to give a very orange color and patchy finish but new ingredient combinations have helped this.
Many people feel better with bronzed skin, as they feel it gives the impression of good health and general well-being. But in the sixties, health experts established that excess exposure to sunlight and UV light (which is used in tanning beds) could put your skin at risk and cause skin cancer. This did not stop people form wanting the tanned appearance, but did encourage the concept of sunless tanning.
Health experts do recommend the use of self tan as an alternative to a regular tan as there are not any known risks to the skin form using sunless tanning methods. Users should always consider that most self tans provide very low protection against UV, and remember this if leaving skin exposed.
More recently, we are once again starting to see paler faces in our fashion and screen icons, so after decades of popularity, the tan may finally be starting to fade.
Self tan can be applied in a number of ways, and can come in the form of sprays and lotions, amongst others. The change in skin color is not a result of sun or UV exposure, but rather a result of a reaction between amino acids on the surface of the skin, and Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which is the active ingredient in the formula.
It is made for home use, although anyone that has not used self tan previously is advised to do a skin test before use. This can be done by applying a small amount to a little area of skin, then wait a day to make sure you are not allergic to the ingredients, before applying to the rest of the body. For the best result, apply to clean, dry skin and allow to fully absorb into the skin before bathing or getting wet.
Not all sunless forms can be done at home. An airbrush tan is usually performed by qualified professionals, using special designed equipment made for the application of self tan.
Most people tend to associate a tan with beauty and a health, but throughout history, many favored white skin. The Romans and Greeks were both known to use white chalk to lighten their skin and Elizabethans even painted faint blue lines on their faces to appear paler. In Victorian society, tanned people were mainly seen in the lower classes and were people who were regularly exposed to sun whilst working outdoors. In comparison, the upper classes would not allow themselves to be exposed to the sun, with many women seen carrying parasols to shade them.
In was not until the twenties, when a famous designer returned from a cruise vacation with a tan that it became fashionable. The tan no longer represented a life of outside labor, but a life of leisure and luxury. Also at this time, the looser fashions inspired by the Jazz age meant that women were no longer wearing clothes that completely covered their bodies, which gave even more reason to tan.
The first self tan came as a brown or cream dye in the fifties. The older self tan products were not as advanced and natural looking as many are today. The originals used to give a very orange color and patchy finish but new ingredient combinations have helped this.
Many people feel better with bronzed skin, as they feel it gives the impression of good health and general well-being. But in the sixties, health experts established that excess exposure to sunlight and UV light (which is used in tanning beds) could put your skin at risk and cause skin cancer. This did not stop people form wanting the tanned appearance, but did encourage the concept of sunless tanning.
Health experts do recommend the use of self tan as an alternative to a regular tan as there are not any known risks to the skin form using sunless tanning methods. Users should always consider that most self tans provide very low protection against UV, and remember this if leaving skin exposed.
More recently, we are once again starting to see paler faces in our fashion and screen icons, so after decades of popularity, the tan may finally be starting to fade.
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Get that summer glow all year round with self tanning and airbrush tanning! Get the low down now in our guide to all you need to know about Sun Laboratories Dark Sunsation .
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