Skin color became that visible definer — one that separated working classes from the ruling classes, and separated the master from his servants. Pale skin belonged to the leisure upper classes, while darker skin indicated a life of outdoor labor. The paler one's skin the higher the class, and men and women went to great (and sometimes unhealthy) lengths to be pale.

Women of ancient Greece and Rome used lead paints and chalks to whiten their faces. Unfortunately this beauty treatment could cause death through slow lead poisoning.

By the mid-10th century, arsenic became the preferred skin whitener, once again with sometimes deadly results. Other methods of making the skin white were less poisonous — during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, women painted thin blue lines of their foreheads to give their skin a translucent look, and carried parasols or wore masks whenever they ventured outdoors.

These class distinctions found their way to America, where no Southern belle or Northern society debutante dare go out in the sun without her parasol to protect her delicate pallor. It wasn't until the 20th century that society began accepting bronzed skin.

The suntan had arrived... as the symbol of wealth and leisure. A tan in the winter meant the bearer had enough money and status to afford a vacation to an exotic, warm climate.

By the 1970s, an entire generation had baked their bodies in the sun, totally oblivious to the fact that the sunburns they had acquired in their youth would develop into skin cancers 10 to 20 years later.

Today the effects of sun exposure are becoming an increasing concern due to the decline in the earth's ozone layer. The ozone layer screens out the most harmful of the ultraviolet rays, but is becoming thinner all over the world, and holes that fluctuate in size have developed in various places. This situation increases the risk of skin cancer and of sunburn.

So the days of lathering yourself in cooking oil, sitting on a banana lounge and frying your skin is definitely over. Does this mean you have to go "without glow" throughout summer or winter?

Well, let's look at your options and how safe they are:

Tanning Beds/Tanning Lights:

Artificial sunlight beamed from tanning booths are no safer than the sun, although manufacturers say they are harmless because the newer models emit only UVA radiation. The FDA, however, reports that the UVA itself can be damaging and that many of the tanning lamps give off some cancer causing UVB radiation as well. There is no doubt that the vast majority of dermatologists would love to see these tanning lamps turned off.

Tanning Medications:

Tanning pills, like Orobronze, Darker Tan, and BronzGlo, are risky and not approved by the FDA. They contain the chemical canthaxanthin that has been associated with allergic skin reactions, hepatitis, blurred night vision and a potentially fatal form of anemia.

Tanning Accelerators:

Tanning accelerators claim to provide more color with less sun exposure, but they may be a waste of money. These lotions creams are supposed to stimulate the production of melanin, the tanning pigment in the skin that increases in response to sunlight. However, at least one independent study, conducted at Ohio's Cleveland Clinic, says they are not effective. In addition, the long-term health effects of accelerators are unknown.

Self-Tanning Products:

Most of these appear to be fairly effective and safe. These products for the most part work by combining with the natural amino acids on the surface of the skin. They are reacting with the protein in the outermost layer of the skin, which consists of dead cells. Over several weeks, as the dead skin flacks off, the color fades. They are safe since they do not affect living skin cells. With good quality ones, you can achieve gorgeous color without spending a minute under the sun.

Take precaution however if you do go out in the Sun with one of these on. Most of them DO NOT contain any SUNSCREEN, so apply a sunscreen before going out into the sunshine. This method of tanning is recommended for light or fair skinned individuals. The range of skin-tanning products available now has come a long way from nightmarish streaky legs and orange elbows.

Preparation is the key to getting a genuine safe tan; de-fuzzing, exfoliating your skin with loofah and shower gel, then moisturising will mean that you won't end up with an uneven result. Don't want to end up with orange elbows and knees? Simply go lightly when applying the cream to these areas. As they are drier, they take to the tan easily. Moisturize them well before application and you should get a good, even result.

Tanners are availiable mostly in gels, creams, mousses and sprays.

Moisturizing cream and lotion formulas are easier to smooth across the skin, will add hydration, and work well for dry, aging or sensitive skin. Lotions and creams are also easier to work with than sprays because you have a better idea of exactly where you're applying the product. Gels and sprays, however, dry faster, are more convenient, and may work better for combination, or oily skin types. Additionally, spray-on tanners are recommended for men, because of their body hair. Here are our picks for the best!


Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray

Applies like a professional airbrush spray for an all over worry-free, "just back from the beach tan." This ultra-fine mist covers evenly, for easy, no-rub application.

The one-touch continuous spray works at any angle to tan hard-to-reach places — even your back. It dries fast and won't clog pores.


Estee Lauder Self Tan Go Bronze Plus

See a gorgeous glow right away, then the most natural-looking color possible. Radiant "tan" starts to appear in less than an hour.

Includes balanced moisture and powerful anti-oxidant protection. Plus it contains a new, improved, long-lasting scent while you "tan."


Body Shop Fake It! Self-Tan Mousse

No streaks! This lightly-scented mousse glides on and dries quickly, revealing a natural-looking tan in just a few hours.

It can be purchased only at The Body Shop.



Murad Self Tanner

This fast-penetrating, fast-drying formula contains a patented Skin Repair System with Co-3 which strengthens skin while diminishing and preventing fine lines and wrinkles. Antioxidant Pomegranate and intense broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreens prevent free radical damage to maintain healthy skin's balance, texture and tone.

Melanin and DHA, a sugar compound, bind to the top layer of skin to protect while creating a natural-looking tan


Exuviance Self Tanner

Exuviance-self tanner is a quick-drying, color-free mousse that will produce a natural-looking, even tan on the face and body.

This oil-free, fragrance-free product works within a few hours to achieve color that lasts several days.


Hampton Sun Sunless Tanning Gel

For a deep, rich tan, without the towel-time. Moisturizing formula gives skin an ultra-natural looking luxe, streak-free glow in just a few hours.

Hampton Sun Sunless Tanning Gel contains skin-nourishing ingredients like Vitamins A – D.



Scott Barnes Body Bling

How the Hollywood set gets glowing. A moisturizing, bronze-tinted body lotion with pearly highlights that wear all day and give skin a glistening "tan" all night.

A red-carpet secret of many a slit-skirt sporting celeb, this flaw diffusing, water-soluble instant bronzer gives legs shape, length (for some reason fat looks somehow less evident in brown) and shade without the commitment or potential catastrophe of a self-tanner. Washes off easily.



Lancôme Flash Bronzer

This silky-smooth oil-free lotion glides on effortlessly, feels lusciously soft.

Its state-of-the-art formula instantly tints your complexion while your sun-free tan begins to develop in under an hour.



Skinceuticals Sans Soleil Sunless Tanner

Exceptionnaly perfect for legs. Even ghost white legs can pass for suntanned.

This bestselling 'self-made tan' mixes DHA (the browner) with erythrulose (a streak-fighter) to give you the world's most believable bronze.


L'Oréal Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Gel

Instant bronzer provides and immediate bronze tint while a long-lasting, natural looking tan develops over time. Made with Vitamin E and gentle AHAs for smoother skin.

Instant bronze glow and resulting tan is 2 shades darker than your natural skintone.


St Tropez Whipped Bronze Self Tanning Mousse

Its streakless, instant color dries in just 60 seconds allowing you to "Whip It On" anytime, anywhere. This self-adjusting mousse is oil-free and complements your skin tone, while your tan deepens over 3 hours. Its aloe leaf juice and AHA (fruit acid) allows for the richest, longest-lasting tan possible.

Whipped Bronze has a pleasant fragrance and is ideal for the entire body, including the face.


Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel

Lightweight and non-oily, ideal to promote a natural, golden tan for face and body without sun exposure. Instantly absorbed, promotes results in just two hours.

Ideal for those who wish to maintain a year-round tanned appearance. No need to wait before dressing.


St. Tropez Self-Tan Remover

Here's an essential! A fast and easy way to remove unsightly stains from your palms after using a self tanner. This soap-like remover dissolves all residue with ease.

Perfect for correcting heavy applications on dry areas, it works up to 4 hours after an application of self-tan. No first time tanner should be without it!


So there you have it — our picks for the best Instant Tan products for 2006. Be healthy!


Copyright © May 2006  Low Carb Luxury