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Warning: Tanning is generally unhealthy for your skin and to your overall health.

The World Health Organization has reported a jump in the number of skin cancer cases from the 1970s to as much as 200% present day.  In the US, the Center for Disease Prevention and Control states that skin cancer is the leading form of cancer among Americans, although the US drops down in the list of the most affected countries, led by Australia and New Zealand.

How to tan

If you can’t resist the temptation of getting a golden brown complexion, there are at least five different ways that you can tan your skin.  Below is a list of these options from the riskiest to the safest:

1.  Sun tan.  If you like to go real and traditional, sun tan is your only option because the other four in this list are alternatives to the natural tan the sun can give you.  Before you jump on this all-too-easy option, do you know what happens when you sun tan?  When your skin detects that it is being overly exposed to the sun’s UV, your skin will be immediately prompted to produce melanin, the pigment that causes the skin to darken.  This is your skin’s attempt to rescue your skin from further damage.  Nevertheless, the damage has already been done and will stabilize only after about 48 hours.

2.  Indoor tanning beds.  Once used as a treatment therapy for people suffering from bone diseases, tanning beds were designed to improve Vitamin D deficiency and better Calcium absorption.  Around the 1920s, fashion icon Coco Chanel was seen in public wearing a widely praised tanned complexion, and it wasn’t surprising how indoor tanning beds became available for aesthetic purposes years after.  Today, it has been proven and widely recognized that indoor tanning beds can be just as dangerous as getting a sun tan and puts tanners at a similar risk of contracting skin cancer.  Brazil and Australia have banned the practice.  A number of US states have banned indoor tanning to teens younger than 18.

3.  Bronzing creams.  This product is suitable for use on your face but may not be as long-wearing when worn over your body or when you expect to perform activities that cause you to sweat or become wet with water.  Bronzing creams can be a perfect addition to your daily makeup routine.  Simply apply a tinted moisturizer.  Let it seep before adding your bronzer.  For better application, use a sponge shifting occasionally to a concealer brush to cover hard-to-reach areas.  Make sure to do the same for your neck and décolleté.

4.  Airbrush tanners.  Over-the-counter products are good enough to last you for several days. However, you may have to ask the help of a professional or a friend to help you airbrush your skin from face and down for an even application.  Remember to cleanse, tone and hydrate your skin with a lightweight moisturizer that does not leave a greasy surface.  Doing these basic steps will help your tan to cling more strongly to your skin, and you being able to keep it for a longer period of time.

5.  Tanning Towels.  For those days when you want a quick fix tan, perhaps to help cover cellulites when you’re wearing shorts or a skimpy dress, tanning towels are the easiest, no mess sunless tanning option that you can apply.  The downside is that it may take several hours for your full tan to dry and show but, that can be easily taken cared of by properly timing and scheduling your self-tanning session.

Conclusion 

Some people still perceive risk and pain as an inevitable conduit of being beautiful.  In some cases, this way of thinking may be tolerated but, where a beauty product or treatment can jeopardize your health and well-being, such as in sun and indoor tanning, the risks are simply not worth it. There are other alternatives to tanning in order to look beautiful. There are a lot of articles on the internet related to lip makeup, eye makeup and so on.

Author

Kelly Everson is an American author and MA in English literature. She is a fashion and beauty writer who has written numerous articles. She likes to get insights on various trends being followed in the fashion industry. She has been sharing her knowledge by being a contributor to various beauty, fashion and makeup related informative sites. She is also a regular contributor to thebeautyinsiders.com