From the seventies onwards and right up until recently, having a deep tan was synonymous with a rich and healthy lifestyle. In fact, the look is still adopted by a number of well known celebrities (think Donatella Versace, Lindsay Lohan and Kim Kardashian). The only thing that has changed in the race to get darker is that baby oil and natural sun worshipping has been replaced by fancy tanning salons and tanning pills.
Thankfully, with movie stars like Scarlett Johansson, Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore and Kristin Scott Thomas embracing the porcelain look, we’ve once again begun to realize that pale can indeed be beautiful.
For those who crave a golden glow, is it possible to achieve this without having to lie in the sun for hours on end? Sun lovers will argue that sunlight provides much needed Vitamin D, which helps our bodies in a variety of ways, including processing bone-building calcium. While this is true, sunlight also carries harmful UV rays, which can lead not only to cancer, but if received in large and concentrated doses, then to premature aging of the skin, sun-spots etc.
Critics of natural sun tanning have long since whispered and urged tanners onto tanning beds. But recent research is proving that tanning beds are just as bad for your skin. They also give off UV radiation and experts now believe that those individuals who’ve begun to use tanning beds before age 30 are 75 percent more likely to develop skin cancer. This is a staggering high figure, causing many to ask: what’s a person supposed to do to get golden?
The American Cancer Society issued an advisory asking people to try bronzing or self-tanning creams as an alternative. These are probably the most inexpensive and yet the safest methods available. No longer an orange liquid in unappealing bottles, current sun tan lotions come in a variety of options. Thick creams and lighter moisturizers allow you to apply it liberally to your body and sparingly to your face. However, always remember to ask for assistance to get to those hard to reach areas (small of your back, behind the knees etc.) and make sure it’s applied in smooth and generous strokes, to avoid streaking.
If done correctly, air tanning can give you one of the most natural tanned looks ever, all in under 20 minutes. With this technique, a technician literally sprays you with an airbrush connected to a compressor. The pressure used is indicative of a stronger or lighter tan and problem areas can be redone.
How about tanning pills? Do they work or are they fake? How does something you ingest cause you to get a tan? The most popular pill is the cartenoid pill, which contains color additive canthaxantin in large amounts. By ingesting it, your body absorbs this dye and in turn gets tanned. At least, that’s the theory. The truth is that ingesting large amounts of this substance can cause damaged vision, diarrhea, cramps and uneven pigmentation to name a few side-effects. The United States has banned most tanning supplements deeming them to be dangerous.
If you must use any of the above, then it’s best to always read the labels and follow instructions carefully. Do not take more pills than are necessary or stay under lamps/beds for longer than is recommended. Allow for at least 48 hours to pass before another session and in the case of tanning beds, always wear safety eyewear and ensure there is a barrier between you and the tanning lamp. If you do find yourself reacting badly to the lamps or pills, creams or lotions, always stop use immediately and consult your medical practitioner.
However, in the end, it’s all about loving and embracing your own natural beauty. If you must enhance what you have, then think of safer alternatives such as plenty of fresh air, good food and exercise. The glow you get from this will outlast any tan you can buy.
