TANNING: Methods, Products, & Tips

Tanning was a bimbo and it-girl essential in the 90s and early 2000s, but in recent years we've seen this trend start to die as people become more conscious of the negative long-term effects of sun exposure.

Tanning Methods

Outdoor SunTanning

This natural tanning method gives you a gradual tan after spending many hours exposed to natural UV rays from the sun. The best time for outdoor tanning is between 10am-4pm, however, tanning before or after those times is safer for your skin and reduces the risk of sunburns.

Benefits:

Affordability
Long-lasting results
Vitamin D from the sun is good for mood and relaxation

Disadvantages:

Slow results- you would need to lay in the sun for hours before seeing any significant results.
Uneven tan, or tan lines if you are unable to tan fully nude or change positions frequently
Long-term sun exposure may damage the structure of your skin, causing dryness, dark spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer.
Potential burns, heat stroke, or dehydration

Indoor UV tanning

Indoor tanning involves standing or laying

down inside a small chamber surrounded by UV lights. People generally use tanning beds/booths for no more than 5-20 minutes per day, depending on the intensity of the lights, and desired result.

Benefits:

Fast and long-lasting results. Some claim that 10 minutes of indoor tanning is equal to 4 hours of outdoor tanning
Fairly affordable- many tanning salons offer a monthly membership, and some gyms even have unlimited tanning included with their membership.

Disadvantages:

Higher risk of burns and skin damage
Possibly claustrophobic- some tanning beds are very narrow, and get very hot.

Spray tanning

Spray tanning is a method where a product called DHA is misted over your body, creating a temporary bronzer on the outer layer of the skin.

Benefits:

Fast results. Noticeable within 1 hour.
No sun exposure, so it's generally much safer for your skin than other tanning methods.

Disadvantages:

Cost ($40+ per session)
Must be done by a professional
Results only last up to 10 days
Possible allergens or harmful chemicals
May stain clothing or other fabric

Instant self-tanner

Many products are available for at-home instant tanning, such as mousses, sprays, gels, and lotions. These products absorb into your skin and can last 5-10 days.

Benefits:

Instant results
Generally safe for skin
Affordable (The average price for a bottle of self-tanner is $11-45)

Disadvantages:

Results only last a few days
Possible allergens or harmful chemicals
May stain clothing or other fabric
May be patchy or become patchy when you sweat/shower/etc

Gradual self-tanner

Gradual self-tanners are products that are applied as a daily moisturizer, and when absorbed into the skin, they leave a temporary bronzer that can last a few weeks.

Benefits:

Generally safe for skin
Affordable (Average price is $11-45, and lasts for many uses)
Doesn't transfer onto clothes or fabrics once absorbed into the skin

Disadvantages:

Possible allergens or harmful chemicals
Patchy if not applied properly and regularly.

Melanotan

Melanotan is a newer method of tanning where a synthetic chemical called alpha-melanocyte-stimulating-hormone (alpha-MSH) is ingested via nasal spray or injection, causing skin darkening.

Benefits:

No UV radiation
Increased sexual arousal
Claims to regulate hunger and control compulsive behaviors
May treat rosacea and other conditions, although more research is needed.

Disadvantages:

Negative side effects such as nausea, cramps, tiredness, moles/freckles, and skin cancer
Not FDA approved. Illegal in many countries including USA, UK, and Australia
Not enough research has been done to know the long-term side effects on humans
Uhh.. just google "Martina Big", I don't know what else to say.

Tanning Pills

Tanning pills contain ingredients called carotenoids. When swallowed, these colour additives accumulate under your skin, causing a darker pigment.

Benefits:

No UV radiation

Disadvantages:

Results are often more orange than bronze
Takes up to 2 weeks to notice any results
Not FDA approved
Side effects include allergic reaction, diarrhea, liver damage, vision damage/loss.

Tanning Products & Tools

SPF

Although sunscreen may slow down the tanning process, it is an absolute must-have if you're doing any kind of UV tanning. The level of SPF you need depends on your skin type. Don't forget to use an SPF lip balm as well, since our lips are also prone to burns and sun damage. Click here for sunscreen recommendations or click here to learn more about SPF.

Goggles

Many tanning beds and spray tanning salons require goggles to be worn during the tanning session. UV rays in tanning beds are much stronger than natural sunlight, so exposure to the eyes can cause long-term damage. Remember to move the goggle straps a few times during your tan so that you can avoid tan lines on your temples. You can also opt for strapless or disposable eyewear such as these.

Instant Bronzer

We asked bimbos what their favourite self-tanners were, and the top recommendations were St. Tropez (vegan & safe for sensitive skin), Bondi Sands (vegan, cruelty-free), Rose & Caramel, Loving Tan, and Hawaiian Tropic (Cruelty-free, vegan, dermatologist-tested).

Gradual Bronzer

The most recommended gradual bronzers include Dove, Beauty by Earth (cruelty-free, clean ingredients, safe for face and sensitive skin), and Coola (Vegan, cruelty-free, sustainably sourced)

Accelerator

Tan accelerators (also called tan enhancers or intensifiers) are lotions or sprays that are applied before UV tanning that can make results better, faster, and longer-lasting. The most popular tan accelerators recommended by bimbos are Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses (Cruelty-free), Australian Gold, The Fox Tan (vegan, cruelty-free), and Dark Envy.

Tingle

Tingles are a type of tanning lotion that causes a tingling sensation on the skin, bringing blood to the surface of the skin (like blushing) which absorbs more UV light - resulting in a faster tan. The highest-rated tingle lotion is Ed Hardy Body Shots (protects tattoos and tightens skin).

Tanning Mitts

Tanning mitts can make it easier to apply self-tanner evenly without staining your hands and nails. The highest-rated mitts are St. Tropez and GAIYAH.

Tan Stickers

Tanning stickers can help you create a temporary "tattoo" while you tan, by creating intentional tan-lines in cute shapes like Playboy bunnies, hearts, and butterflies. Stickers can be found at tanning salons, Amazon, or you can even make them yourself if you have a Cricut.

aloe vera

Aloe vera is a plant that is often used to soothe the pain of a sunburn, but while it is great for burns, studies show that aloe vera may remove tans and cause your skin to go back to its original pigment.

Tanning Tips & Tricks

Exfoliate before any method of tanning, but not after.
If you have acne-prone skin, avoid using oily tanning products on your face. Use SPF and tanning products that are specifically for the face.
Don't shower for a few hours after using any tanning products, as they need time to absorb into your skin
If you have sensitive skin, always do a patch test when trying a new product, and then wait a few days before covering your entire body in it in case you get a delayed reaction.
Don't fall asleep or lose track of time while laying in the sun
Stay hydrated before, during, and after tanning! Internal and external hydration is essential to your health, and can make your tan last longer!
Use an app such as YUKA that allows you to scan products to see their rating on harmful chemicals, allergens, and environmental impact.
Listen to your body and take breaks when needed. If you feel like you're burning, you're probably burning.
Always apply sunscreen before UV (outdoor or indoor) tanning
Rotate the lotions and tanning beds (levels and position) you use to ensure full coverage
Avoid UV tanning over tattoos or scars. Cover them as much as possible.
Some people prefer to cover their face while UV tanning to protect it from sun damage and early aging. If you do this, you'll have to use makeup or artificial tanners to match the skin tone on your face to your body.
Follow tanning influencers such as the Hondrou twins for more tanning tips and recommendations.

Skin Cancer

Although there's no way to completely avoid the risk of skin cancer if you're doing any kind of UV tanning or sun exposure, there are some ways to reduce the risk and catch signs and symptoms as early as possible. Moles, spots, and sores are common indications of skin cancer. Below are some signs that may indicate that these are cancerous:

Redness or swelling
Asymmetrical shape
Irregular/jagged border
Oozing or bleeding
Uneven colour
Recent changes in size
Itching or pain

Catching early symptoms of melanoma can literally save your life, so it's important to get any skin irregularities checked by a doctor, & regularly monitored for any changes. See this website for more information about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer.

Poll Results

We polled our audience of 10,000 bimbos, himbos & thembos to find out their tanning habits:

20% do at least 1 method of tanning on a regular basis.
The most popular method of tanning is outdoor sun-tanning, and the least popular are spray-tanning, pills, and Melanotan
Only 26% of bimbos feel that tanning is essential to their bimbofication.
7% of bimbos have quit tanning, while the majority of bimbos have never had any interest in tanning.

Thank you to all the amazing bimbos who helped put this article together! Let us know your thoughts, questions, advice, or stories in the comments below!

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Xoxo, Lola Luv

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References:

https://www.beautyanswered.com/what-is-spray-tanning.htm

https://thosegraces.com/types-of-tanning/

https://www.byrdie.com/fast-self-tanners

https://biotechpeptides.com/product/melanotan-2-2mg-10mg/

https://suppscience.com.au/melanotan-2-review/

https://www.healthline.com/health/pills-for-tanning

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/tanning-nasal-spray

https://talkingtan.com/best-tanning-mitts/