Posted On: 06/09/2022
Getting that “just back from vacation” look doesn’t have to include a plane ticket and uncomfortable airport security pat-down, or even a spray tan at your local tanning salon. It can involve the use of sunless tanning products that are simple to apply—and apparently, lead to an attractive glow.
Popularity
The look of sun-kissed skin is popular this season among those who are simply too busy to take the time to head out to the beach or pool, or those who can’t afford a tropical getaway. Sunless tanners have been around in some form or another for decades, but it was not until recently that the process was made easy and safe for the masses.
In the past, bronzing lotions were messy and could stain both clothing and furniture. It also took a fair amount of time to apply and often led to unpleasant smelling hands and body. Now, with new sunless tanning formulations, beautifully bronzed skin in half the time is now a reality.
More and More
Sunless tanning is not a new development. The first sunless tanning application reportedly occurred in the mid-1800s, when chemist Charles Brun developed the first sunless tanning product, which was created from a mixture of refined carotene, camphor and ethyl alcohol to prevent pellagra, a vitamin deficiency.
In the 1920s, a faux tanned look appeared in Hollywood when actors began to seek a way to get that great looking skin, even when it wasn’t actually sunny. It wasn’t until 1986 that the American Academy of Dermatology issued a report that warned consumers of the dangers of sunless tanning lotions, which had been reported to cause allergic reactions, irritation and rashes. Even with these reports, sunless tanning products remained popular. Fast forward to today and self tanning is among the fastest growing beauty industry segments.
What’s new?
Recently new ingredients, formulations and techniques have been developed to make sunless tanning products easier to use and less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Among the new developments is a technology used to eliminate the self tanning product scent.
There are also new self tanning product formulations that provide a more natural look—with self tan bronzers that use a gradual application process so the color develops over a few hours. Some newer self tanning products even let users blend the color, so you can start out with a natural look and then build on it to achieve a deeper bronze tone.
The new “browning” technology, with its gradual development, gives you a chance to see and feel the sunless tan developing.
Perhaps most important is the fact that these newer self tanners have been developed with an eye toward tolerability. Many of the latest sunless tan product formulations are reported to be gentler on skin, less likely to cause an allergic reaction and more hydrating.
Sunless Tanning in Salons
Some of the earliest applications of sunless tanners were offered in high-end spas. The tanning salon experience of a professional sunless tan application is still one of the most popular ways to apply a faux tan. It is typically offered as an add-on service, or as part of a luxury treatment package that emphasizes a variety of products and treatments.
In the salon, a sunless tanning service often includes a thorough facial soothing and cleaning, exfoliation and application of a moisturizer. The actual tanning application can last anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes to more than an hour, depending on the type of tanning product used and the desired result. A salon-based tan is typically longer lasting than a self-applied tanning product, but is generally more expensive.
At Boca Tanning Club, we offer sunless tan service that will leave you looking and feeling your best. Our sunless tanning services are designed to be quick, convenient and effective. With us, now you can get the sun-kissed look of a tropical vacation when you can’t actually go on a tropical vacation.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for a professional application in the tanning salon, a do-it-yourself at home sunless tanning product, or a combination of the two, an attractive, bronzed look is easier than ever to achieve. In just a few hours, your sunless tan will look like you just spent a week on the beach.
So, whether you’re headed to the warm climate of the Atlantic or one of our local pools or beaches, get the look you’ve been dreaming of at Boca Tanning Club. It’s almost like you’re there—but without the sunburn.