When making a trip to the beach, you usually go equipped with several things. A towel, a hat and sunglasses, a big bottle of sun block, comfortable clothes and slippers, lots of water and, if you’re planning to spend most of the day there, maybe a chair and a large umbrella. But sometimes, even with all these preparations, the day ends with your skin either too dark or too red to look attractive. This is only natural; there is no way to control or accurately predict the strength of the sun rays, and thus no way to measure how long you need to stay in it to get that perfect shade of bronze that you crave.

There are a few ways to get the shade of your choice but of all those, only two are worth mentioning. The first is temporary, cheap and easy to apply. Tanning lotions can be found at any drugstore or supermarket with instructions as to how to get the best effects. All you have to do is rub the lotion evenly over your skin and sit long enough to let it dry, which usually isn’t more than ten minutes. If you require a darker shade, simply add another layer on top of the first one, and so on. If you’re in a rush for your tan, this is the way to go.

The other method is not cheap and not very fast, but doesn’t come off in the shower either. Using a tanning bed regularly will ensure that your tan stays, and the color is entirely controllable. All you have to do is adjust the lamps to the strength that you want. If you don’t know exactly how high they should be, simply ask around in a nearby fitness center or spa or check the accompanying manual. Spreading a little oil on your skin before diving under the lamps can make the process a little faster. However, lying under them for hours on end is not healthy and will do more harm than good in the long run.

Of course, both of these methods don’t give you the joy and relaxation you can get from the beach, even if your skin gets a little burned as a sacrifice. Science, no matter how convenient, cannot compete against the beauty of nature. It is unfortunate that most people do not have the time to enjoy much of it and reap the benefits.

When making a trip to the beach, you usually go equipped with several things. A towel, a hat and sunglasses, a big bottle of sun block, comfortable clothes and slippers, lots of water and, if you’re planning to spend most of the day there, maybe a chair and a large umbrella. But sometimes, even with all these preparations, the day ends with your skin either too dark or too red to look attractive. This is only natural; there is no way to control or accurately predict the strength of the sun rays, and thus no way to measure how long you need to stay in it to get that perfect shade of bronze that you crave.

There are a few ways to get the shade of your choice but of all those, only two are worth mentioning. The first is temporary, cheap and easy to apply. Tanning lotions can be found at any drugstore or supermarket with instructions as to how to get the best effects. All you have to do is rub the lotion evenly over your skin and sit long enough to let it dry, which usually isn’t more than ten minutes. If you require a darker shade, simply add another layer on top of the first one, and so on. If you’re in a rush for your tan, this is the way to go.

The other method is not cheap and not very fast, but doesn’t come off in the shower either. Using a tanning bed regularly will ensure that your tan stays, and the color is entirely controllable. All you have to do is adjust the lamps to the strength that you want. If you don’t know exactly how high they should be, simply ask around in a nearby fitness center or spa or check the accompanying manual. Spreading a little oil on your skin before diving under the lamps can make the process a little faster. However, lying under them for hours on end is not healthy and will do more harm than good in the long run.

Of course, both of these methods don’t give you the joy and relaxation you can get from the beach, even if your skin gets a little burned as a sacrifice. Science, no matter how convenient, cannot compete against the beauty of nature. It is unfortunate that most people do not have the time to enjoy much of it and reap the benefits.

Trevor Mulholland
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/getting-a-perfect-skin-bronze-103542.html

I want to get a tan – not really dark, just something equivalent to a nice summer tan all over my body – so I’m going to a (desert sun) tanning salon for the first time tomorrow, and have a bunch of questions…First, how many times will I have to go to notice a tan? I have white skin, but already a bit of a tan from this summer. I also tan fairly easily. I need to wear my bikini, right? Once I have a tan, how often will I need to go to keep it the same? Should I buy tanning lotion or something at the salon? I shouldnt wear makeup, right? Basically anything you could tell me about using a tanning bed would be awesome, thanks!
Thanks Nikki! Exactly what I wanted to know.

It’s best to tan with no makeup on. Apply your tanning lotion before you get into the bed. Moist skin tans, dry skin doesn’t. I prefer to tan nude, but it is up to you. I just don’t like tan lines. If you use a lotion with a bronzer then you will notice results within a few hours. How dark you get and how fast really depends on your skin type. Most salons offer unlimited monthly tanning. If this is the case at yours, try going every day or every other day for a total of three sessions. This should give you a good idea of how you tan. Once you get to your desired shade then you should tan every week or so to maintain it. If it is a good salon then they should be able to look at you and give you idea of what bed to use and for how long and what lotions would work best. There are bronzers, maximizers, blushes, tingles… Tons of fun to be had!
Also, make sure to apply an aftertan lotion. This helps you keep your tan longer.

I have a few questions about self tanning lotion.

1. Will you get any lighter if you use it every other day instead of everyday?

2. If you accidentally put more on in one place will you be darker in that place?

3. How does it work?

You don’t have to answer the ones you don’t know. Thanks

There are different kinds of self tanners. There are pure self tanners that you either rub on or spray once, and it lasts for about a week and then rubs off. I don’t recommend applying a self tanner every day. Once a week at max. And yes, if you accidentally put more on in one area, it will show darker. It works because they are chemicals that stain skin. Kind of like Iodine. I find more self tanners to look more orange than not, but "Salon Bronze" gun and spray has worked the best for me without looking orange.

There are also regular lotions that have a hint of tanner in them. Jergens has a pretty good one. You can apply these kinds of lotions every day, but I recommend every other day because as the chemicals build up on top of your skin, it may get too thick and rub off and then you’ll look spotty. You will not get lighter if you do it every other day. You’ll maintain your color but steadily add darkness. And no, lotions are pretty blendable so you don’t have to worry about having darker spots if you add too much. The tanner is pretty subtle.

I hope you find this helpful.