Self -Tanners
Self-tanners have come a long way and don't have to be the streaky orange mess they seemed to be just a few years ago. Self-tanning products are generally easy to use and can be purchased from drugstores and department stores. Typically the cream is applied to the skin and develops into a tan within a few hours. Formulations also include spray, mousse, gel and towelettes. Some have a bronzer mixed in for instant color.

The active ingredient (U.S. FDA approved), is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA interacts with proteins in the outer layers of the skin to create a brown color. This effect can last just a couple days or up to a week. The color fades as dead skin cells are sloughed off.

Exfoliation and moisturization prior to application can help results last longer.

Gradual Self-Tanners
These products are similar to traditional self-tanners except the DHA is mixed with a moisturizer and is therefore less concentrated. This allows you to build your faux tan slowly in order to avoid a less obvious sudden change. Noticable results may take a few days when used daily. Colors last a few days up to a week. If used daily as moisturizer the results are lasting.

Many brands have several base colors available from fair to deep and may come in a special formulation for the face. Some may contain SPF and/or a bronzer.

Spray Booth Tan
Tanning SPRAY booths can often be found at regular tanning salons. Unlike traditional tanning beds, spray tans are safe and do not expose you to UV rays. The product used is similar to self-tanners and has the same active ingredient to produce color (DHA).

A booth similar in look to an upright tanning bed delivers a fine mist of the tanning solution in an even coat over the entire body. A tan develops within a few hours. The spraying process only takes a couple minutes and results may last up to a week.

Airbrush Tan
A sunless tan is artfully airbrushed onto a client by a skilled salon technician. Results are generally very even, streakless and natural looking. Results are immediate and may last up to a week. Perhaps the most cost prohibitive form of sunless tanning, but also the most worry-free.

Bronzers
Unlike the other sunless tanning methods we mentioned, bronzers give an instant glow and are easily showered off. They can be considered a makeup product. Some are intended just for use on the face while others are intended to be used anywhere on the body.

Bronzers come in counless forms including powder compacts, loose powders, gels, creams, lotions, sprays and sticks. For a realistic sun-kissed look, only apply bronzers to the areas the sun would naturalyl hit such as, collar bones, shoulder, apples of the cheeck, forhead, chin and the bridhge of the nose.

The downside of bronzers is that they usually are not sweat-proof and may transfer onto clothing and furniture.

Quality bronzers can be found in both drugstores and at department store counters.