The pursuit of the golden glow was introduced in the 1920’s with the growing popularity of outdoor sports. By the 1950’s, tanning lotions helped accelerate the tanning process but often resulted in streaky, orange skin and stained clothes. From the 1970’s through the early 1980’s, dark suntans were in vogue. However, beginning in the mid-1980’s, dermatologists began warning the public about the dangerous effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays: premature wrinkling, freckles and sunspots and in worst cases, skin cancer. Despite the push by dermatologists for using SPF sunscreen, people, especially women, still yearned to achieve the perfect tan. Tanning beds, which were introduced in the late 1970’s, were thought to be less harmful than UV rays but eventually were verified as being just as harmful.

With modern technology, the pursuit of achieving a golden glow, even in the wintertime, is easier and safer thanks to clever products and techniques that can be found in drugstores, department stores and spas.

Sunless or Self Tanning Lotions (STLs)  

Contain an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a colorless sugar which was first discovered in the late 1960’s. DHA was originally used in pre-packaged meats to create a desirable image for grocery stores – it worked by reacting with proteins in the meats, thus enhancing its color. The FDA approved DHA for general use in 1973. STLs create a color change that can last approximately 5-7 days and need repeated use to continue color enhancement. Modern STLs can contain other ingredients such as aloe (for moisturizing), alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), vitamins, herbal extracts and antioxidants and can also be found in gel or spray form (such as tanning mists).

The latest trend on the beauty market is daily moisturizing body lotions that contain a touch of STL. These are available for light, medium and dark skin tones and work similar to STLs, but do double duty of creating a subtle glow and moisturizing.

Liquid and Powder Bronzer  

The easiest products to achieve a sun-kissed glow since you control the intensity of the color. The slight tint can be washed off at the end of the day.

Airbrush Tanning  

Offered at beauty salons and is ideal for those needing immediate results. The session is administered by an experienced technician and lasts approximately 13-15 minutes. The resulting tan can last approximately 5 to 12 days and salons offer clientele lotions to help maintain and extend their tans.

Keep in mind that the above mentioned products and methods do not contain a SPF and offer no protection from the sun. As with any skin care routine, using a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher is still necessary even with minimal sun exposure.

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