Why Self Tanning? The Advantages of Tanning at Home

The popularity of self tanning through sunless tanning technology has seen the rise of critics who ask why tanning should be made at home. Isn't it better to get the natural healthy tan from sunbathing near the beach—if done appropriately, it will even give the body the necessary vitamins it needs, aside from providing some much needed R&R? But because Americans want that healthy and youthful glow having a tan provides all year round and because of the busy and hectic schedule they have, self tanning has become the most convenient way for them to enjoy the benefits of being tan.

For some of the critics out there and for those who are thinking twice about self tanning, here are some of the advantages of using sunless tanning products at home:

* It's guaranteed safe and effective. Most people would probably say, "Well, I've heard that one before." But in this case, it really is true. While indoor tanning salons who use tanning beds and lamps are considered carcinogenic and sunbathing increases the risk of skin cancer when your skin is exposed too long (like when you fall asleep or are too engrossed in reading a good book that you forget the time), sunless tanning products contain active ingredients that are FDA approved. Self tanning through the use of sunless tanning lotions, creams and sprays use a colorless sugar called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) that is safe to be topically applied to the skin. When applied, the DHA contained in these self tanning products darken the dead skin cells found in the upper layers of the skin, which causes the tanning effect. The tan lasts for about one week because as the dead skin cells are sloughed away, your natural skin color begins to reappear. Because it is safe, you can just repeat the process of applying these sunless products after several days and get that healthy tan just by self tanning at home.
* It's more affordable. From as low as $7.50, large beauty companies are now producing sunless tanning products that are easy on your budget. In short, it's very cheap and cost-effective as compared to indoor tanning, which costs at least $30 per session and airbrush tanning, with the price of single applications ranging from $35-50 and double applications (more effective and recommended) at $55-75. Factor in the time and effort, plus the gas money going to these indoor tanning salons, and sunless tanning products become way cheaper.
* It saves you precious time. Because tanning now comes in a tube, you don't have to allot extra time to go to an indoor tanning salon to achieve that healthy glow you get from a tan. Just make sure you've exfoliated and moisturized (which is already the daily regimen for many) a few days before applying the sunless tanning product of your choice and you can sport a tan any time you want! Self tanning takes approximately 30 minutes to one hour, 5-15 minutes of which is for letting the sunless tanning lotion dry.


Self tanning is definitely the way to go for busy Americans who want to sport a tan during any season they want. When applied properly (please don't forget to read the instructions carefully), sunless tanning products can give you a sun-soaked glow, in less time, spending less money and in the safest way possible.