Tanning Lotion and Your Skin Type
- By:Wes Cox
"One of the biggest problems that people run up against when trying to figure out which tanning lotions to use is that they aren't quite sure what they're skin type is. Sure, it's relatively easy for the ""Type 1"" and ""Type 6"" people to know what their skin type is since they're at such extreme ends of the spectrum. But those people falling in to the Type 2 – 5 category often have trouble telling if they're more a Type 3 than a Type 2 or more of a 4 than a 5. Here is some assistance in figuring out not only your skin type but which tanning lotions are best for that skin type.
Type 1 skin is the very pale end of the spectrum, the kind of skin that never tans naturally and always burns easily in the sun. People in this part of the spectrum used to be told that they couldn't use tanning lotions successfully but that's not entirely true. If you're in this type, you do need to be careful. But you can use light sunless tanning lotions designed to give a glow to Type 1 skin.
Type 2 skin is also pale but can tan naturally in some cases and can benefit from tanning lotions. Type 2 skin does still burn easily so instead of looking at indoor tanning lotions, you'll want to look at sunless tanning lotions.
Type 3 skin is a skin type that does equally well with sunless tanning lotions and indoor tanning lotions. However, time in the indoor tanning salon bed should be kept to a minimum. This skin does still burn when exposed to sun. If your skin burns fairly easily but will also tan with a tan that turns darker after about a day, you're a Type 3.
Type 4 skin also tans with a tan that gradually increases in darkness. The difference between Type 4 and Type 3 is that Type 3 skin is prone to burning but may tan whereas Type 4 skin is prone to tanning but may burn. If you have Type 4 skin, you should you indoor tanning lotions with a tan extender to prolong the development of the tan. You can also use dark sunless tanning lotions with a high percentage of DHA in them.
Type 5 skin is the kind of skin that will burn if you're out in the sun for seven hour straight but otherwise doesn't burn. It is dark skin which tans slightly to a darker color. This kind of skin will benefit from indoor tanning lotions and appropriately lengthy tanning salon sessions. Sunless tanning lotions are unlikely to produce any real effect.
Type 6 skin is the darkest skin color which never burns. Although this skin may not get darker by using indoor tanning lotions, it can benefit by getting a more even color. The indoor tanning lotions will also moisturize the skin and make it appear healthier.
See, figuring out your tanning skin type and the right indoor and sunless tanning lotions to go with it wasn't that hard after all, was it? If you're still struggling, though, ask a professional at your local salon. They've seen at all and should be able to tell you at a glance."
About the author:
Baxter Owens is the developer of www.TanTans.com, an ultra premium Discount Tanning Lotion website