Sun worshipers around the world love to get outdoors when the weather warms up and the days get longer. After all, do you remember the endless days of dark, cold weather in the winter and how you wanted to get outdoors! Years ago, sun tanning used to be a carefree pastime, but no longer. Overexposure to the suns UV rays may cause premature aging, blemishes and scars, or even skin cancer. Using a bit of precaution such as purchasing a good tanning lotion or attending one of your local sunless tanning salons is a good first step to protecting yourself.

When it comes to sunless tanning, it actually refers to the process of getting a good suntan without the sun as the term implies. There are many different types of tanning lotions and products on the market to help get that perfect tan. There are sprays, pills, powders, lotions, indoor tanning beds, and sunless tanning salons. Although the results vary with each method, a little understanding of what a suntan is may help.

The Sun emits three types of UV radiation, more commonly referred to as ultraviolet rays. They are UVC, at 100 to 290 nm, UVB, at 290 to 320 nm, and UVA, at 320 to 400 nm. The UVB rays and UVA rays are the most harmful. Although UVB's are easier to protect against, both types cause damage. Our skin produces a substance called melanin that absorbs these rays in order to protect our DNA. When we use a tanning bed our body produces melanin, which darkens our skin and we tan. Purchasing the best tanning bed lotion available is a good first step to ensuring your protection. Sunless tanning options range from just a few dollars for creams or a few hundred dollars for sessions in a tanning booth.