Knowing how to use tanning oil products properly is highly recommended, especially for those who are trying to achieve that perfect, sun-kissed bronze color of their tanned skin. Regardless of whether you are working on your natural tan by sunbathing, or you are using sunless tanning methods, using tanning oils will:
- Provide you with a perfect complexion
- Provide you with additional sun protection
- Help you get a tan faster
- Make sure your tan is even
So, how does tanning oil work and what does tanning oil do?
By applying tanning oils on your skin, your skin will attract more ultraviolet rays coming from the sun and focus them onto your skin. With higher UV exposure, the melanin in your skin is produced faster, so the process of acquiring a perfect tan is accelerated and intensified on the areas that have been treated with tanning oils.
How to use tanning oil products properly?
1. High Sun Protection Factor is Important
Attracting higher volumes of UV rays means accelerated tanning effects, but it also means that your skin will need more sun protection. When buying tanning oil products, make sure to opt for the one with high SPF levels. Ideally 15 or slightly higher SPF, so you avoid dryness and redness of the skin.
Of course, products with SPF regulate the intensity of the sun rays absorbed by your skin, hence using a product with high SPF will only be counterproductive. This is why choosing a 15 SPF product is an optimal combination to use alongside your tanning oil as it will prevent you from getting sunburns, while the oil will act as a catalyst for your natural sun tanning endeavors and they won’t cancel each other out.
Note: If the tanning oil product you have doesn’t have zero SPF, it is highly recommended that you buy some sun protection cream or gel separately.
2. How to Apply Tanning Oils?
Pour the desired amount of your tanning oil into the palms of your hands, and spread and rub the oil evenly across the areas of your body you want tanned. If you are using it on more delicate skin areas like your face, be sure to do it gently and, again, evenly.
We at Artesian Tan suggest that you use tanning oil on your entire body so as not to end up with an uneven sun-kissed complexion.
3. How Frequently Should You Re-apply?
Those of you who really want to speed things up should re-apply the tanning oil every 2 hours, especially if you are active (you sweat a lot), and/or you swim and go into the water frequently. If, however, you don’t want to risk over-tanning too quickly, we recommend applying tanning oil every 3 to 5 hours. All in all, it is up to your preferences and your skin type.
Those who go over the top with the frequency and the amount of tanning oil are likely to develop allergies, acne, and/or nasty sunburns that can even result in serious skin diseases.
We hope we managed to answer the titular questions: ‘How does tanning oil work?’ and ‘How to use tanning oil?’
Now, what is your experience with using tanning oils and sun protection? Do you have a perfect ratio when it comes to using tanning oils and sunscreen? And how often do you re-apply the oil for optimal results? Feel free to leave a comment and share the article with your friends.
For some great deals on spray-on tanning equipment and products – visit Artesian Tan website!