With so many people wanting a great tan without exposing themselves to the many dangers of UV rays, science has developed new ways to get your suntan without exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun. It wasn't long ago when many people considered indoor tanning beds a safer alternative to traditional sunbathing, we all know now that these too can cause serious damage to your skin. Sunless tanning lotions and creams have now become a popular alternative to give you that golden tan without damaging your skin.

Sunless tanning is growing in popularity and is one that health-conscious people as well as doctors can agree on. Your "fake" tan or tan in a bottle can save your life. You are avoiding skin cancer from harmful UV rays. You will also look better as you age because your sunless tan requires no exposure to UV rays which are known to accelerate wrinkles and aging.

Sunless tanning products are designed to be easy to apply although it may sometimes be a little time-consuming. If you do it regularly, you will find that it gets faster and easier. The tan lasts for about 8 or 9 days with most porducts, and you will have to reapply to maintain a tan. While it may seem like a lot of trouble, it is well worth it to protect your skin and your health. If a tan is really that important to you but you don't want to increase your risk of sun damage, then you should not mind taking the extra time to apply sunless tanners.

If you haven't tried sunless tanning lotions recently, you may not know how improved and advanced they have become. You no longer have to worry about turning yourself orange or looking like you need to bathe. Spotty, splotchy and orange sunless tanners are a thing of the past. Sunless tanners take about 3 to 4 hours to start developing and will reach peak coloration 24 hours after application. You get a great golden tan that appears natural as well. If you do use the tanning bed occasionally, you can use the sunless tanning products to maintain that tan so you spend less time in the damaging rays.

Sunless tanning is a great option for people who cannot tan in traditional sun UV rays. For example, people with fair skin, freckles, red hair or very light blonde hair can have difficulty tanning in natural sunlight. You should also avoid it if you have had sun damage in the past, a family history of skin cancer, are taking medications that increase your sensitivity to the sun and for several other reasons. Sunless tanners let these people get the look they want with no risk to their health.

The most important benefits to sunless tanning are the health benefits. It is a fact that exposure to UV rays causes skin cancer and creates signs of early aging with wrinkles and sun spots. Most people who are concerned with their looks enough to want a great tan will also be concerned about not getting early wrinkles and other signs of aging. Sunless tanning products are a great alternative to tanning beds and can help to maintain the look of a a healthy tanned appearance year-round without the associated risks and aging effects.

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About the author:

S.A. Smith is a freelance writer, contributor, and editor of the Tanning Skin Care information portal which reports on the latest sun tanning trends, beachwear, lotions, skincare and healthier sunless tanning alternatives.