Page 90 - Tracy Anderson Magazine | Spring 2021 Issue

After spending months indoors, your skin is probably look- How should I apply self-tanning lotions for the best
ing pale and pasty. Because we’re in the midst of a global results?
pandemic, chances are that you aren’t going to venture to a
tropical island in the Bahamas for a suntan. If you want that Mastering the art of self-tanning is a difficult feat. Trying to
post-vacation, sun-kissed glow without leaving your house get an effortless tan without transforming into an orange,
or stepping foot into the blazing sun, you’re going to have blotchy, or streaky mess can be risky. If you want to create
to rely on self-tanning products. a natural-looking, long-lasting, streak-free tan, follow this
step-by-step guide from Geskin.
Luckily, tanning lotions are a much safer and equally effec-
tive alternative to laying in tanning beds or baking in the Step 1: To prepare for a self-tan, always exfoliate first. Grab
broad daylight. a damp washcloth and remove dead skin cells from your
skin, especially from areas where the skin is thicker, like
Dr. Larisa Geskin, associate professor of dermatology in your ankles, elbows, and knees.
medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center
and director of the Comprehensive Cutaneous Oncology Step 2: Next, dry the skin gently with a towel. Before apply-
Center, explains that prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV ing the product, make sure your skin is dry, so the tan will
rays through sunshine or indoor tanning increases your risk look even.
of skin cancer, which has become an epidemic.
Step 3: Apply the tanner to each area of your body. Rub the
“The incidence of skin cancer in the United States is con- product onto your skin in a circular motion. Blend at your
tinuing to rise, and melanoma from exposure to UV rays is wrists and ankles to ensure a more natural look. Avoid sen-
currently the fifth most common cancer,” Geskin says. sitive areas of your skin around the eyes and lips, and don’t
apply to any cuts or broken skin.
According to Harvard Medical School, UV rays increase
the production of melanin, which manifests as a tan but is Step 4: Wash your hands after applying the lotion to make
actually a sign of skin-cell damage and cellular changes that sure your palms don’t look darker than the rest of your
can cause cancer. body.

Additionally, when you lie out in the sun for long periods of Step 5: Let the lotion seep into your skin for at least 10 min-
,
HELLO that chronic sun exposure causes collagen to break down three hours after applying the product.
time, you accelerate your skin’s aging process. Geskin states
utes before putting on loose-fitting clothes. Avoid sweating
at a higher rate, leading to wrinkles, age spots, loose skin,
HEAL THY GLOW spider veins, or a poor complexion. Step 6: To prolong the tan, put on sunscreen every day. Se-
lect sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide

and have a minimum of 30 SPF.
If you want a bronzed gleam without soaking up harmful
UV rays that produce hazardous cancers and destroy your
youth, opt for a sunless tan. What other ways can you tan your skin without spend-
A self-tanning routine for radiant skin. ing money on products?
Are self-tanning lotions actually safe?
If a self-tanning lotion isn’t in your budget or if you want
In short, yes! Self-tanning lotions are FDA-approved and to get creative with tanning methods, try making your own
safe for your skin, as long as they’re not inhaled, ingested, DIY version at home. Geskin says you can combine egg
or applied to the eyes or lips. yolks, plain yogurt, carrot oil, and carrot essential oil to
whip up your own natural bronzing concoction.
The Skin Cancer Foundation and American Academy of
Dermatology report that these self-tanning measures are You can also eat more of certain foods. Geskin recom-
safer than sun exposure or tanning beds because they don’t mends adding sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, pump-
damage your skin. kin, peaches, mangoes, red bell peppers, tomatoes, brocco-
li, kale, and spinach to your diet because they can produce
Geskin clarifies that self-tanning products contain DHA, a yellow, red, or orange pigment that looks like a tan.
which is an ingredient that reacts with amino acids in dead
skin cells on the surface of your skin to temporarily darken Although looking tanned is often desirable, Geskin reminds
it. Because DHA interacts only with the outermost layer us of the importance of embracing your natural beauty
of your skin, the ingredient is safe and doesn’t enter the rather than changing your appearance to fit a mold.
bloodstream.
Bikini top and “While self-tanners and tanning lotions are good alter-
bottom by It’s worth noting that the current research applies to tanning natives for tanning your skin, pale skin is also beautiful,”
Bikini Lovers lotions, not spray tans or spray mists from tanning booths, Geskin says. ■
so stick to the store-bought options.

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