Do you love that beautiful, golden look that people often associate with fun and health? If so, you're like millions of other people around the world. Even with the things we all read and hear about the consequences of over-exposure to broad spectrum ultraviolet (UV) rays, people brave the sun to have that enviable appearance.

First, I need to explain how your suntan is achieved when you get it from the sun's rays. When your skin is exposed to the broad spectrum of UV rays, your skin initially has one of two responses: either your melanin (the cells in your skin designed for protection from UV rays) begins to turn brown, or it will turn pink. The color is will turn is dependant on your genetic structure.

If your skin is fair, you generally turn pink then turn brown ad healing begins, usually a few days after your skin was exposed. If your skin is olive colored or darker, your melanin will turn your skin brown initially, but continued exposure in a short time period will cause the skin to turn pink. Skin that turns pink dies quickly and peels in large layers. The more often you create this reaction, the higher the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.

Those who desire a healthy, tanned look but want to protect themselves from broad spectrum UV rays often choose to tan indoors in tanning beds or tanning booths. You may not realize it, but these options are not much better for your skin than natural exposure. If you think about it, you will realize that the same process has to happen within your skin to create your tan body.

In many cases, tanning salons can actually be worse because many people feel free to tan in the nude, exposing more delicate skin to harmful rays. This more delicate skin burns very easily so many people who have olive skin still end up burnt in these areas.

Another option that some people have been trying is the tanning pill. These little gems have been promised to safely give you the look you long for. However, these pills have been linked to a number of medical issues, among these are allergic reactions, yellowed retinas, and liver damage. Non medical, temporary issues are usually an unwanted color; rather than the desired brown, you may find that you are orange (much like the original 'tan in a bottle' that was designed a number of years ago).

The 'tan in a bottle' is a lotion applied to the skin which turns a brownish color within a a few hours after application and washes off through normal bathing process over a short time period. Most of the time, the biggest issue that people have with this attempt to get a tanned look is that knees, elbows, and palms (and soles if it applied to the sole), and ankles will turn an orange color. To avoid this discoloration, apply a good moisturizer to your entire body, paying special attention to palms, soles (including the side of the foot), knees, ankles, and elbows.

By applying extra moisturizer to these areas and washing palms and soles immediately after application, you will have less chance of unwanted effects. Another issue with these lotions is that small areas are missed, leaving white areas which are quite obvious when the new tan develops.

The most popular method for those who can afford it is the spray-on tan. Products designed for home use are an aerosol spray. A more even spray-n tan can be achieved through visits to certain salons. Both of these methods prove to be the safest way to tan with little or no unwanted effects. You will still need to apply moisturizer before application and wash hands and soles afterward as described above to avoid discoloration.

For facial (including neck area) application, you will find that spraying a makeup applicator and use this to apply. Another thing to consider with sprays is that they generally darken a lot. You may want to choose a spray created for medium complexions if you have a dark complexion.

I recommend that you enlist a helper if you want to apply the spray at home. The spray works must like spray paint, which means that there will be overspray. You will need to cover all exposed furniture and other surfaces with old sheets or other unneeded items (such as tarps or blankets). Your helper should wear old clothing that they do not worry about destroying because it will most likely be discolored. The same applies if you choose to wear any clothing (such as a swim suit).