Choosing The Best Lotion Sun Tan Products Available Today

Today many light-skinned westerners feel that they must have at least a little color from the sun during the summer months. Lotion manufacturers are eager to help them, whether the tanning comes from the sun or from lotion sun tan products.

Movie stars and jet-setters have made it glamorous to look like the past weeks have been spent on a beach or by the blue waters of a pool. Personal taste dictates whether the hue is of a warm biscuit or as brown as a nut. However, medical authorities have broadcast the news that the sun's rays can harm the outer layers of the epidermis, causing painful sunburn if the exposure is too long and leading to wrinkling, sagging, and even cancerous lesions in later years.

There are many creams, lotions, and even sprays on the cosmetic shelves that promise to make tanning faster, more even, safer, and better for total body health. Many contain natural oils and plant extracts designed to nourish the skin while protecting it from drying or sun damage. The scent, the texture, the long-lasting nature of the product, and the appearance of the container are all part of the appeal.

Many of the products designed for outdoor use contain screening ingredients, with varying strengths rated by SPF numbers. Only dark tanning oils do not have a SPF rating, and these often are made with natural ingredients such as coconut oil that are considered natural protection. Even lipstick and foundation makeup now has sunscreen added.

Research has shown that sunscreens are effective if use properly. However, authorities still recommend wearing a hat when outside, staying out of direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, and limiting the amount of exposure. Sunscreens also need to be reapplied after swimming or exercise.

There are also products that are designed to darken the skin without exposure to the sun. These self-tanning lotions work by developing the pigment melanin, that is the natural protective agent of fair complexions. This sort of cream is applied directly to the body after exfoliation, with care being taken to spread the substance evenly to achieve natural looking results. Some of these work gradually, darkening gradually while moisturizing and nourishing the outer layers of the epidermis, while others promise an instant look of weeks of exposure.

There are many medical and beauty authorities who feel that any time outdoors or in a tanning booth causes damage to the face and body that will show up later in loss of skin elasticity, wrinkling, and possible cancers. These authorities recommend using the self-tanning products instead of staying out direct sunlight without the protection of hats and long sleeves. It is also said to be better to go out before ten o'clock and after four in the afternoon.

There are enough choices of lotion suntan style to satisfy all consumers, whatever degree of tanning they prefer. You can choose by SPF factor, scent, consistency, or even the appearance of the container or the cachet of the name.