How to Bronze Skin Without The UV Fine Lines
Who doesn't cherish the idea of a year-round golden glow?
The question is, how do you get one without succumbing to the fine line-forming, skin-damaging effects of UV rays?
Shockingly, 80% of skin's aging is caused by UV rays. This is why you should never tan without applying sunscreen specifically designed to block UVA rays. While the damage may not be visible right away, the consequences can be damage to the DNA, inflammation of skin cells, photo-aging, and weakening of the skin barrier.
The good news is, there is a way to get tanned without messing up your skin. It's called self-tanning.
HOW SUN EXPOSURE AFFECTS THE SKIN
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation that's divided into categories based on their relative wavelength: UVC radiation, UVB radiation, and UVA radiation.
UVC radiation is the least worrying as it doesn't really affect the skin. It's UVA and UVB rays you've really got to worry about.
UVB radiation affects the outermost layer of skin and is the main cause of sunburns. Due to its wavelength, UVB does not penetrate glass easily. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin, is not filtered by glass, and is a major contributor to skin damage.
Both UVA and UVB radiation can cause a slew of skin-related abnormalities, including fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer. Dermatologists say this is down to the breakdown of collagen and the formation of free radicals which affect DNA repair on the molecular level.
Now you know a little more about the sun's rays, here's how to protect yourself from it.
WHY SUN PROTECTION MATTERS -- A LOT
To keep your skin safe and prevent premature aging, it is advised to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30-50 on a daily basis, including on cloudy days.
Even in winter your skin needs protection, as harmful UV rays are present all year round.
Dermatologists also recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat and protective clothes on particularly sunny days, and avoiding tanning beds at all costs. You can still increase your risk of skin cancer and sun damage using tanning beds.
ARE TANNING PRODUCTS A SAFER ALTERNATIVE?
If you want to slow down the signs of aging while maintaining a sunkissed glow all year round, it's worth getting acquainted with self-tanner. It comes in various forms: lotions, sprays, mousses, and gels. Spray tans are also a form of self-tanning.
Indeed, self-tanning products are a much safer alternative to sun tanning. Because you won't be exposing yourself to any UV rays, your skin won't suffer the breakdown of collagen or any other side effects that come with sunbathing.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DHA, THE SUNLESS TANNING AGENT
Self tanning has been a popular beauty trend for decades. One of the most common self-tanning ingredients is dihydroxyacetone, also known as DHA.
DHA is a simple carbohydrate derived from sugar beets and sugar cane. Approved by the FDA, DHA is a non-toxic way to create a temporary bronzing effect on the skin. It achieves this by reacting with amino acids in the keratin of your skin, producing pigments that deliver a tanned appearance.
You'll find it in the ingredients lists of self-tanning sprays, moisturizers, and mousses. Overall, it is considered a safe ingredient that is well tolerated by most people.
Get Your Bronze on with Truly's Hotter in Person Cream
Want to get bronzed and beautiful asap without hurting your skin?
Introducing ... Truly's Hotter in Person Bronze & Blur Cream.
A silky body cream formulated with hydrating argan oil, brightening strawberry, bronzing DHA, soothing green tea, and an antioxidant boost, it's exactly what you need for golden, glowing skin, 24/7. Flecked with gold shimmer, this tanning cream boosts radiance and hydration, and develops a subtle, gradual tan on all skin types sans UV exposure.
How to Use: Exfoliation before application of this product is recommended for a smooth, even tan. Apply a layer of product on dry, clean skin and let it absorb before getting dressed. It should take 15-20 minutes. Wait a few hours or apply overnight for sunkissed hue to fully develop. Daily usage is recommended for a deeper tan.
JUST SOME HANDY SELF-TANNING TIPS
In addition to following the specific product instructions, here are some tips you might find useful to achieve the best results from your self-tanning products.
- Shave First: Applying fake take to hairy legs is a recipe for disaster. Every successful self-tanningstory begins with a smooth, clean foundation. And the best way to do that is by shaving those hairy areas prior to your tanning session. Shaving is also a form of exfoliation to get rid of dead skin and excess oil. Try Truly's Smooth Legend Shave Kit to prep your skin for tanning.
- Exfoliate your Skin: Exfoliating helps slough away dead skin cells and product buildup so you can start with a clean canvas. Pay extra attention to the dry areas of your body: ankles, knees, and elbows as these are the areas prone to patchiness. Buff away old skin to reveal fresh skin beneath with Truly's Moon Rocks Scrub.
- Moisturize Regularly: While we do not recommend applying moisturizerthe day of application, we do recommend sticking to a daily hydrating skincare routine to keep your skin in the best possible condition. Dry skin and self-tan do not mix well. Keep your skin soft and hydrated with Truly's Body Star Perfecting Cream.
Gorgeous, golden skin has been in since we can remember. For years, people have been exposing their bodies to harmful UV rays in a bid to achieve sunkissed skin. Besides speeding up the aging process, doing this also puts you at risk of melanoma and many other types of skin cancer.
To keep your skin healthy and tanned at the same time, make self-tanning lotions part of your beauty routine. They really are the easiest, most effective, safest way to get golden sans sunlight.
