Sitting in the sun-or a tanning bed-is a major no-no. Make bronze from a bottle as natural as bronze from the beach with these top tips!

Take some time
Don’t apply self-tanner when you’re in a hurry. A rush job can cause streaks and spots. And definitely don’t apply the day of the prom; two or three days before is better.

Always exfoliate
Use a body scrub, loofah or plain-old washcloth to remove the top layer of dead skin cells and help self-tanner spread on more smoothly and last longer. Pay extra attention to rough areas like hands, wrists, elbows, knees, wrists, ankles and feet.

Defuzz first
Shaving gets skin even smoother than exfoliating; do it before applying self-tanner not after, which can remove some of your color.

Even it out
Rub hands together after putting tanner in your palms to spread the solution evenly in each hand.

Smooth on circular
Once self-tanner starts soaking into skin, use circular motions to spread it around; different directions help blend better than linear lines.

Work your way up
Doing your upper body first can cause streaks or spots when bending over to apply to your lower body. Start with your feet and legs and work your way up.

Follow the sun’s lead
When self-tanning your face, apply where sun would hit naturally-nose, cheeks, middle of the chin and forehead-then blend by moving toward your hairline.

Practice patience
Wait eight hours after tanning before putting on lotion, showering, sweating or wearing tight-fitting clothes. Wait three hours before applying makeup.

Extra Credit: Use lots and lots of lotion!
After the eight-hour mark, moisturize skin like mad! Self tanner is dehydrating so lots of lotion will make color last a lot longer!

Moisturize smart
Moisturizer prevents self-tanner from soaking into skin; use it only on areas you don’t want to get unnaturally tan like heels, ankles, tops of toes, knee caps and elbows.

Go with gloves
Orange palms are a dead giveaway that our tan isn’t natural. Snug, disposable drugstore gloves can help keep palms clear.

Differin Staff
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/tips-for-a-flawless-tan-for-your-prom-124844.html

The process of self tanning is the answer to sun tanning, which you believe is the possible reason for skin cancer. The relationship between cancer and sun tan is more or less proved by the research scientists now.

One of the “safest” methods is airbrush tanning. This is the process that employs an air compressor and airbrush delivery system to apply the tanning solution to the skin, to whichever area you wish.

What is the positive side of this natural tan system? It is easy and even in application. The absorption is quick, streak-free. We have blamed the sun enough for your hard labors in sun tanning, when you were ignorant about these self tanning exercises. Burning, premature aging, and master of all skin diseases, the dreaded skin cancer!

There is nothing to be afraid about this natural tan, codenamed DHA. It is our old friend, sugarcane juice! Its reaction is just superficial. I mean it causes a natural reaction on the top layer of your skin, to produce a beautiful tan. Sugar can cause you diabetes, but not this process- no damage to the skin, whatsoever!

Krome Aerosol Spray Tanning: This is also a side-effects free, superior solution. It is very convenient to use as well. It is a hand-spray bottle. You can carry it along with you.

You need to follow certain guidelines, before you start with your self-service tanning procedure:

1. Before using the airbrushing application, remain free from the application of lotions and perfumes.

2. Shake the can thoroughly, before each application.

3. Even and thorough application is a must.

4. Allow for a deep and penetrating tan. Do not take bath for 6 to 8 hours after the tan.

5. If it is your first attempt, do it again on the second day for the tan to be effective.

6. Always wipe the bottoms of your feet after airbrushing.

7. Maintain a cool body temperature before spraying.

8. Take care to select your product for self tanning. Quick results are nice, but if they were to cause permanent damage to your skin, you will feel discouraged. This type of tanning is supposed to check the aging process of the skin.

If the ingredients of the solution are natural, it is reasonable to assume that they are safe. Tan only when it is necessary and if you think it suits you. Your natural complexion of the skin might be better than any tan. Have a moderate approach to tan.

Ashish Jain
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/best-tips-to-safe-indoor-tanning-58617.html

Would it make me look orange not tan?
If I can use, what is a good self tanning lotion?

Yeah you can! It will make your skin color rejuvenate. Try Jergens

I have read that mineral oil causes skin cancer. Is there a self tanning lotion without mineral oil?

it can only cause cancer in some people!
about 5 out of 30 people would get cancer
so don’t worry about it!