The best self tanner option depends not only on your skin type but also your overall preferences. There are a number of sunless tanning methods available, each with their own advantages and features. So, which would be the best for you?

Lotion Tanning

Tanning lotions not only give you a gorgeous color but, subsequently, help to darken your skin naturally by intensifying the effects of UV rays. This is achieved by increasing the amount of melanin produced by your body. Most lotions contain the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as well as melanin, green tea extracts, natural oils and L-tyrosine. A lot people are attracted to such tanning products because many lotions continue to give that extra boost to help your skin tan once you've put it on. It's also the cheapest and quickest method. Lotions are available as gels, foams and creams.

Airbrush Tanning

Airbrush spraying can be carried out in a tanning booth or sprayed on yourself by a handheld device. Some consider this the best self tanner method because it means you don't have to expose yourself to the sun at all. Although it's another inexpensive option and easy to apply, this tan can easily be washed off with water.

Tanning Beds and Booths

Like the sun, tanning beds and booths use UVB and UVC rays to tan your skin. However, UVA rays, considered particularly detrimental to the skin, are left out. The resulting tan is similar to one you would have achieved by lying out in the sun on a hot day. The main difference is that the UV source is much closer to your skin than the sun so you need less exposure time. Within a fortnight of regular use you should be able to see the results. A lot of people with fair skin consider this the best tanner method. It's possible to buy your own tanning bed but these can prove expensive. Most people, therefore, opt for a tanning salon. The downside of this option is that you're still exposing yourself to UV radiation which can cause cancer if used for a long period of time.

Tanning Pills

The active ingredient in tanning pills is canthaxanthin which is a chemical naturally found in certain plants and animals. Similar to carotene, an orange photosynthetic pigment produced by plants but not animals, it tints the skin. However, if used excessively it can cause your skin to turn a brownish/orange tone. There are two main types you can buy: one which is activated with UV rays and increases the amount of melanin in your body and one which isn't. The coloration lasts as long as you continue to take the pills.

Sunless tanning is a safer and faster way of getting a gorgeous tan. There are a number of methods to choose from so you can find the best self tanner method for you.

Ultimately, all these methods give you a tan much faster and more efficiently than the sun. In addition, they're all considered safer than sun bathing. Nevertheless, they should be used in moderation.