Glamorous Summer Skin
Get A Faux Glow the Smart Way …Out Of A Bottle!

In the fashion world, everyone knows how models get those perfect bronzed bodies in the swimsuit ads. They use self-tanning lotions.

FACT: Self-tanners are the only way to get a tan safely.

Tanning beds?
Forget it! A mere 20 minutes spent in a tanning bed is equivalent to spending an entire day at the beach. Multiply that by a once-a-week habit, and you can practically see those wrinkles forming while you lie there. Not to mention the risk of developing skin cancer.

Now the good news. Self-tanners are no longer the foul smelling, orange-staining concoctions of yesteryear. They've matured along with the rest of us.

The Chemistry
The active ingredient common to all self-tanners is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Immediately following application, a chemical reaction occurs between the self-tanner and the most superficial of the epidermal cells. DHA binds to the uppermost dead layers of skin cells. A color change takes place as the cells become stained brown.

FDA Approved
The FDA considers DHA safe. Dihydroxyacetone is not absorbed through the skin. (Not safe, however, are tanning pills. These contain canthaxanthin, an ingredient implicated in causing hives and drug-induced liver damage or hepatitis. Tanning pills are not approved for sale in the United States.)

It's a Maintenance Thing
Self-tanners are literally a stain. They last only as long as your epidermal skin cells hang around - on average, three to four days. As the cells naturally exfoliate, the tan fades.

Any skin care product that speeds up exfoliation, e.g. AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), BHA (beta hydroxy acid) or retinoid (Retin A, Renova, etc.) or mechanical exfoliation (loofahs, exfoliating scrubs or microdermabrasion creams) will cut into your tan.

Rather than dump your favorite rejuvenator or acne medication in favor of a faux glow, it's best to approach self-tanner use as ongoing maintenance. Plan to reapply it every few days regardless of whatever else you may include in your beauty routine.

Decisions, Decisions
Self-tanners come in every imaginable form: cream, gel, lotion, spray, stick and mousse. How to choose? Some of this is obvious; select the vehicle you prefer based upon whim, as well as skin type. Oily skin? Try a gel, spray or mousse. Terribly dry skin - opt for extra moisture from a cream formulation.

If you're self-tanning for the first time, try the "instant" bronzers - those containing added color so you can see right where you've applied it. It minimizes streaking.

These Are Not Sunscreens
Looking for a good SPF? It's unlikely you're going to find it in a self-tanner. The color from a self-tanner does not protect you from the sun, and neither will most self-tanners containing sunscreen. The main reason is that most self-tanners are applied at night. There is simply no sunscreen left by morning.

Even if you apply that self-tanner during the day, applying it every 2 hours (a must for sunscreen - all lotions get absorbed after 2 hours) would be overkill. Apply a separate sunscreen before heading out into the sun.

Tip #1 - You Don't Need A Separate Product for Your Face
While shopping for sunscreen you'll notice that the facial self-tanners are in much smaller bottles, and often are priced well above the body products. It's the classic cosmetics cross-sell. There's really no reason to purchase two products. Purchase the one you like best and use it wherever you fancy. Your legs, back and face aren't going to mind! Exception: if you've selected a spray or mousse for your body, you might want to get a cream for your face, just because it's easier to apply without getting it into your eyes.

Tip #2 - Avoid the Hype
Should you pay more for a self-tanner touting the latest, greatest vitamins and antioxidants? I wouldn't overpay for the hype. There is only so much that a self-tanner is going to do for your skin. After all, it's a one-time treatment that's only applied every several days.

Scent
What about the smell of the product? To be blunt, DHA reeks. That's why most self-tanners add fragrance, to make them tolerable. Sometimes it's not the DHA but the alcohol base that reeks, gels being the worst offenders. But if you have problematic oily skin, short of applying an oil-absorbing product, it may be worth putting up with.

Techniques to Tan By

• Read directions carefully. Newer products can be applied with your hands but you must wash thoroughly after use. Otherwise wear disposable latex/nonlatex gloves.
• Exfoliate first. This makes for a more even application, reduces streaking and odd looking dark elbows, knees and ankles.
• Apply your self-tanner for a few days in a row, then do some maintenance every few days. This allows the skin to take on a uniform appearance.

Our Recommendations:
At the Lawler Centre we offer the following products: Sun Labs Self Tanning Foam and Strictly Faces Cream. Available in medium, dark and very dark.

Be smart about your precious skin. Get a bronzed look without paying a price in mottled, wrinkled skin later in life. A good self-tanner is an investment in your future.

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