As the chilly fall air rises and the warmth of summer fades, it's painful to part with that hard-earned bronzed look. I know I'm saddened as I watch my tan lines slowly disappear into my pallid skin. I reminisce about those laborious days sitting by the pool with the goal of achieving a Jennifer Lopez-like glow before returning to school. I wish I could fly home to Los Angeles and let the sun shower me with kisses.
Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of borrowing a jet to whisk me away to the heat. So, I've come up with another solution: faking it. The celebrities do it, so why can't I? I prefer to use a self-tanner lotion: Neutrogena's Build-a-Tan has worked wonders. But I've explored other options as well. I hope this column provides all the possibilities on how to keep that summer tan.
UV tan
How: UV Tans replicate the sun in an indoor setting. Using mostly UVA light, in additional to minimal amounts of UVB, the bulbs increase the melanin activity in your skin, darkening the outer layer.
Good: Tanning beds produce faster results than outdoor tanning. In addition, you can monitor intensity levels and control the darkness of your tan.
Bad: Although it's less probable than with outdoor tanning, there is the possibility of burning indoors. Furthermore, the American Academy of Dermatology proclaims UV tans to be just as detrimental to your skin's health as natural tans.
Length: Similar to natural tanning, the duration of the tan depends on your skin. If you already have a dark base from previous days in the sun, your tan will tend to last longer.
Price: Ranges from $5 to $30 per session depending on intensity levels, times and packages.
My view: I have gone to various tanning salons, and I think that UV tanning is terrific - but only in moderation. Before spring break, for example, my friends and I bought a package of five sessions to develop a base tan before departing for Jamaica. Since we gave our winter-white skin a taste of color, we developed a brown hue instead of a painfully red burn during our vacation. While occasional visits are fine, I don't think you should tan routinely. Skin cancer is increasing among our generation, and UV tanning is just as harmful as laying out on the beach.
Spray tan
How: Spray tans create a mist with the active ingredient dishydroxyacetone (DHA). According to the American Academy of Dermatology, DHA reacts with skin's dead cells, causing color change. Clients stand in a booth as the mist is quickly sprayed over the body.
Good: Unlike UV and natural tanning, spray tans eliminate sunburn and there is no evidence that they cause skin cancer. They are also extremely fast, with most sessions lasting only 60 seconds.
Bad: Sometimes spray tans can cause skin to look artificially orange. If not applied properly, they can leave streaks on the body and will wash off if the skin gets wet within 12 hours of application.
Length: Usually lasts five to seven days.
Price: Ranges from $10 to $50 depending on location and package options.
My view: Spray tans are perfect for special events. If you have to attend a wedding in Miami during the winter and don't want to be known as the albino, a spray tan is a safe and effective option. Since it usually lasts less than a week, however, it does not pay to do continuously unless you have a limitless bankroll to spend. I don't recommend this option if you tend to have problems with anxiety. When I had my first spray tan, I thought I was going to have a heart attack as I tried to hold my breath while the cold spray blasted my body. It can be a scary experience.
Airbrush tan
How: Works the same way as spray tans, but is applied by hand instead of a machine. A salon staff member will use an airbrush to spread the tanner over the entire body.
Good: Does not cause sunburn or known skin cancer. Eliminates streaks and splotches with careful application.
Bad: Can be very costly, and like spray tans, will get ruined with immediate water contact.
Length: Usually lasts between three and seven days.
Price: Ranges from $35 to $100 per session depending on location and packages.
My view: Like spray tans, airbrush tanning makes sense for unique occasions. Even though it is more expensive, I prefer this option because of the process. I favor slower application over a harsh, quick spray.
Self-tanner lotions
How: Like spray and airbrush tans, most tanning lotions use DHA to actively interact with the skin, producing a darker appearance when applied to it.
Good: Does not hurt skin and can easily be purchased at your local drugstore, mall or even online. Usually less expensive than other options and allows you to control application.
Bad: If applied improperly, can leave streaks, splotches or unnatural looking color. Sometimes the lotions have a foul smell and may leave marks on clothing.
Length: Can last anywhere between five to seven days.
Price: Ranges from $4 to $125 depending on brand.
My view: Out of all the alternatives, this is my personal favorite. Self-tanners no longer turn the skin orange, and with all the options out there, one will definitely work for you. Experiment with different brands to find which mousse, lotion or gel fits your individual skin. After practicing, application with your favorite brand will be a breeze.
Where to go
At Sun Kissed, located at 735 Broadway, a single UV tan is $7 and five are $25. XTreme Tanning in Davis Square offers both UV and spray tans: there are four levels of UV tanning ranging from eight to 15 minute sessions and priced from $4.50 to $15.99, and with the current special, a spray tan is $11.99 per session.
Cititan, on Newbury Street, offers single sessions of UV tanning for $11. Ten visits (or one month of unlimited visits) costs $55 with a student ID. Cititan also offers CitiMIST airbrush tanning, which is $40 for one session and $180 for six.
What to use
Neutrogena Build-a-Tan, which costs about $10 in drugstores, is my personal favorite. Every application is very subtle, allowing you to control desired darkness. I apply the lotion once a week to keep from looking ghostly. If I want a darker tone, I add additional applications.
Clinique Self-Sun Body Quick Bronze Self-Tanner costs $15.50 at most department stores. I recommend this brand for those with fair skin tones who fear the fake-tan look. The lotion gives just enough tint to provide a subtle, natural-looking glow. If you have darker skin, however, the tanner is not very effective.
St. Tropez products are claimed by many magazines, such as Allure, to be the top self-tanners. They should only be used by those with medium to dark complexions. The mousse - which is $33 at Sephora - is very easy to apply, and as long as you're not fair-skinned, it will deliver a fabulous bronze.
