Bronzing Lotion

The fascination for tanned skin has had around thirty million Americans turning to indoor tanning methods like tanning beds and lotions to get that rich bronzed look. However, if you are not a great fan of the tanning beds and the damage caused by the UV rays and still want spectacular tanning satisfaction, then a bronzing lotion is certainly the best option for you. Not only do these lotions provide ingredients that make the skin look darker, but also help in speeding up the tanning process. Available as powders, lotions, moisturizers, gels and sprays, these lotions impart a deep dark bronze color to your skin. Here is a look at some more information about bronzing tanning lotions.

What Do These Lotions Do?

The major ingredient in these lotions or in the bronzers, is dihydroxyacetone or DHA. This amino acid derived from sugar cane reacts to the protein components in the skin making it turn brown. This FDA approved chemical is used in sync with erythrulose which helps in averting the streaking and orange color that traditional tanning lotions were associated with. However, this chemical bronzing lotion is very different from the cosmetic bronzers that just impart a color without any chemical reaction with the skin.

Some of these lotions also have moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated and supple. Containing ingredients such as hemp seed oil, Shea butter, Aloe vera, essential oils and enriched with Vitamin A, E, C and antioxidants, the bronzing tanning lotions keep the skin firm and youthful while enhancing the tan. Most of them have great fragrances such as citrus and fruit scents as well. The ingredients and the fragrances may vary with the different brands. However, it is important to keep in mind that none of these lotions offer any sun protection. Some of the best bronzing lotions include Estee Lauder Sunless SuperTan Spray, Elizabeth Arden Daily Bronzer Self, L'Oreal Ombrelle Sunless Tanning Cream for Faces SPF 15 and Clinique Self-Sun Body Quick Bronze Self-Tanner.

4 Simple Steps to Apply Bronzing Tanning Lotions

While these lotions do help in getting the tanned glow to the skin, it is essential to know how to apply it. Uneven application can result in the skin looking streaky and uneven. Here is a look at the step by step procedure of how to apply bronzing lotions for a natural tanned look.

Step #1: Start off with exfoliating the skin to remove the flaky dead skin cells from the surface using a loofah. This will help you avoid the uneven application of the lotion.

Step #2: Clean your face and the parts of the body where you are applying the lotion. Excessive sebum, dirt and product buildup can prevent the tanning lotions from penetrating the skin, causing an uneven appearance. Moreover, these lotions are best applied after your shower. This helps in locking the moisture in, and can be really useful in the hot and cold weather patterns.

Step #3: Take a quarter sized amount of lotion in your hand and apply it evenly over your arms and legs, making sure that you cover all the visible area. Apply a thin coat and follow it up with another after ten to fifteen minutes. This way the lotion does not drip and streak. Make sure that the first coat of the bronzing lotion has completely dried up before you apply the second coat.

Step #4: Wash your hands after applying the lotion as this will prevent you from having concentrated orange spots around your palms and nail beds.

When choosing the bronzing lotion, select one that is closer to your skin tone. Do not apply daily as you would end up looking "orangy" rather than getting the bronzed look. Be careful around the face and apply the bronzer evenly everywhere, all the way down your neck and near your eyes. These lotions are a great alternative to the natural tanning that exposes the skin to the sun's rays that can cause skin cancer.