There are many reasons why sunless tanning lotion and sprays are appealing to many people looking to add a little color to their skin. But just as with any solution there are the cons to balance the pros. Whether it is advantageous for a person is completely dependent on individual cases and the particularities of the scenario. Most of the pros have to do with avoiding the cons of sun tanning or using a tanning bed while the cons have to do with the actual products themselves. So for those who want a tan and do not want the risk of baking in high intensity ultraviolet rays, tanning lotions offer a relatively safe and simple alternative.

The long term health risk of being baked in UV rays is really a big reason why self tanners might be a much smarter way to go. Of course nothing is quite like having the real stuff which is why people still choose to tan despite numerous warnings from health experts. Tanning lotions allow fair skinned people to attain the same results without the risk of skin cancer and other problems that are closely associated to excessive exposure to dangerous UV light. It is also much quicker to rub yourself down with some lotion than it is to lie in the sun or in a tanning bed hoping that the tan produced is the precise shade you initially desired. It can take multiple sessions before a person can attain a full bronze complexion but it takes just about the same amount of time to get a nice tint as it does to get a full bronze.

Another advantage of tanning lotions is that many formulas come with a moisturizing feature as well. It is important to keep your skin hydrated in any case but during tanning sessions the skin easily becomes dried out. The results can be scaly skin and is very unhealthy for the longevity of your skin. Too much exposure to UV rays cause premature aging and even damage of all levels of severity. Moisturizing the skin keeps it looking healthy and youthful which is why people want to tan in the first place. For some people this is the only option because they have a particular skin type that is too sensitive to be exposed to sunlight or tanning beds.

The most common problems with sunless tanning lotion are mild compared to the severity of the potential negative side effects of using a tanning bed or sun bathing. Some brands of cheap tanning lotions produce an undesirable odor as a result of the chemical composition in the solution. The trick to dealing with this is to apply the lotion late in the evening, let the lotion settle in and create the desired effect overnight and wash everything off in the morning. That way you get the glow from the lotion without the unpleasant scent.

There is a slight problem with that solution when using particular brands which you will have to discover for yourself. That problem is that some chemicals could stain clothes and that means bed sheets as well. The worst is anything of nylon, leather and silk so try to wear cotton since that is the easiest material to remove stains. To avoid stains on your clothing, do not apply excessive amounts all at once. Do a little over time which helps you regulate the desired level of darkness as well as help the effects occur more evenly.

Some particular skin types could not use self tanners. This limit pertains to people with certain skins that are aged either naturally or prematurely, sun damaged or freckled. Also, depending on the individual there are possible risks of allergic reactions that vary in severity from mild irritations to rashes. For this reason it is always recommended that any new lotion is tested on a small area of skin for 24 hours before it is applied to larger areas of the body. This is true for any new brand because slight differences in the formula could cause a negative reaction and it is better to discover the reaction on a small area than all over the body.

So while there is no single best indoor tanning lotion, there are some cons and limitations to using a self tanner but all in all it is much better than the risk of potential long term health problems. This is especially true for people who are not naturally meant to be in the sun for extended periods of time.