Before investing on tanning products, you must be able to select the best self tanner for yourself. Most of us agree that a natural, golden tan almost always improves one's looks; however, the natural way of getting a tan is no longer popular. Firstly, sunbathing for a tan is a time consuming process. Secondly, long exposure to sunlight can lead to sun burn and the ultra violet rays can harm the skin in more ways than one. As a result, sunless tanning products have become extremely popular with the modern day youth. The markets have been flooded with tanning lotions, creams, and sprays etc, all of which promise excellent results. However, it's better to read up more on them so that you can understand how they work and can select the best self tanner for yourself.

How Do Self Tanners Work?

It's important to understand how a tanner compound works before you can buy the best self tanner for yourself. Our skin is made up of 2 layers, namely the dermis or the inner layer and the epidermis or the outer layer. The outermost epidermal layer is called stratum conium. Self tanners act on the cells of this particular layer. The main ingredient of this product is dihydroxyacetone or DHA, which reacts with the cells and give you a distinct tan in as less as 45 minutes. Normally, you would have to lie in the sun for 3 to 4 hours for acquiring a rich, deep tan.

How Do You Select The Most Suitable One?

Although there are several brands available in the market, you need to make a wise choice when you decide on the best self tanner for yourself. At the outset, you must steer clear of cheap products, which can do more harm than good. There are several low priced items in the market which might work for a particular skin type but may not work for another. Therefore, it's best to avoid them. Also, if your skin is ultra sensitive then applying cheap products may result in virulent allergic reactions. The best self tanner for you would be a high end sophisticated product meant to suit all skin types. Ideally, such products should not have a sticky constituency and must be easy to apply. If the product is scented then ideally the fragrance should be mild and pleasing. The scent should not persist for days together as is the case for lot of tanning products. Ideally, the scent must also disappear with the product itself.

The best self tanner should also be one which results in a long lasting tan and comes as close to a naturally acquired tan as possible. If it provides a look which is very artificial and made up, the whole purpose of acquiring a tan will lose significance. The best self tanner is one which imparts a gorgeous golden hue which is emphatic yet natural in appearance.