Self tanning is meant to be an easy method of slightly darkening the color of your skin. This type of tanning usually involves many different methods by which one can achieve their goal of a tan, without involving the sun. Some of these self tanning methods are much more preferred than others because they are safer than the sun and a lot more convenient in many cases.
Many methods of self tanning exists but the employed include: pills, air brushing, lotions and tanning beds. These methods are not all considered as safe. In fact some of them are not approved by any medical practitioner, nor are they considered safer for general use than the sun. Of all the self tanning methods mentioned above; lotions and air brushing rank as the safest while pills and tanning beds rank as the least safe. To make the best choice in a self tanning method or agent, use the details below to make the most suitable choice for you.
Lotions: the lotions either work to darken the skin overtime or add a bronze layer to the skin. Skin darkening lotions work on the epidermal layers of the under skin to supposedly increase the production of melanin. The bronzers just add a tan layer and do not change the pigmentation of your skin.These are much more preferred as self tanning agents than the lotions.

Pills: just like some lotions, these cause an increase of melanin production in the epidermis. The way that they do this is not exactly clear and thus many doctors are skeptics on the safety of this particular method. Self tanning pills are also not an approved FDA product and thus consumers should beware of their possible side effects.
Air brushing: this is one of the best ways to tan. An air brush is used to spray a light layer of self tanning lotion or solution on top of the skin. The result is a smooth, bronzed look.
Tanning bed: the use of these is the most controversial of self tanning methods. They are not supported by many because they give off UV rays, just like the sun. They are hence not considered safer and many physicians discourage their use.
Many methods of self tanning exist. The method you choose should always be based on not just preference but safety. Choosing a safe and effective self tanning methods such as using a bronzer will make you look good without compromising your health.
While there are many different self tanning methods available to look like you have a fake tan – you need to do your research.