A tan for all seasons: get a healthy glow with the best self-tanners under the sun

fAKE IT, DON'T BAKE IT. That's our summertime tan mantra. Thankfully, the latest generation of sunless tanners makes it easy to get a healthy glow any time of year without the premature aging and skin cancer associated with the real thing.

The active ingredient in effective self-tanners is dihydroxyacetone. Sound like weird science? It's actually derived from a natural vegetable source such as sugar cane or sugar beets. "DHA reacts with the amino acids in your skin to turn it brown, but does not seep under the stratum corneum, the uppermost layer of skin," says Elizabeth Goldberg, M.D., clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. The color fades as skin cells naturally shed.

The latest products provide natural moisturizing agents such as aloe and vitamins A and E to help keep skin smooth and hydrated--which goes a long way toward making application nearly foolproof. "Self-tanners have improved their formulas by enhancing the tanning effect without negative consequences like getting a streaky, orangey look," says Lynn Mazzella, vice president of Origins Global Product Development.

One thing to remember: Self-tanners generally don't protect your melanocyte (color-producing) cells, so unless the label specifies an SPF level of 15 or above, you'll still need to apply sunscreen.

self-tanning MADE SIMPLE

A natural-looking tan can be yours if you follow these four tips from Kai Ban, owner of Yin Beauty & Arts day spa in New York City.

1. Prep your canvas. To create a smooth, even surface that will help the self-tanner absorb evenly, exfoliate the body and face and follow with your regular moisturizer. Wait for the moisturizer to completely soak into your skin, otherwise the self-tanner will streak.

2. Sweep it on. Apply a thin coat using sweeping, upward motions. Avoid the hairline, eyebrows, and eye area. Wash your hands immediately afterward to ward off telltale dark palms; pat knees, ankles, and elbows dry to prevent splotching.

3. Go deeper. To create a richer bronze, apply more layers; wait for each layer to dry before applying the next.

4. Keep on glowing. Don't shave or wax for at least 24 hours. Color should last seven days, so plan to reapply once a week to maintain your tan.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group