self tanning

Thanks to the popularity of Coppertoned Brazilian models such as the uber-sexy Gisele Bundchen, sun-kissed skin is back in style. Want the look of a golden girl on your wedding day without the risk of sun exposure? Consider self-tanning -- a safe and reliable way to go bronze.

CHOOSE WISELY: For the most natural results, select a shade based on your skin tone, not on the color tan you desire. Fair-skinned women should use light/medium; darker-skinned women should use dark.

SLOUGH OFF: The active ingredient in self-tanners is dihydroxyacetone, which reacts with dead skin cells, turning them brown. So it's a good idea to exfoliate really well with a scrubbing cream or shower gel before application to ensure that you'll "tan" evenly. This especially applies to the facial area. Absorb all the facial oils and apply a very thin coat.

DILUTE THE BREW: Applying self-tanner to areas that tend to get a lot of dead cell buildup -- elbows, knees, ankles -- can be tricky. Try diluting your tanner with body lotion for use in those areas so that it goes on lighter.

TAKE COVER: Wearing gloves when applying lotion or spreading a spray is a good idea. It will keep your nails and palms from turning orange -- a major self-tanning giveaway.

GO SLOWLY: Never apply self-tanner in a hurry. Give yourself time to focus on distribution and make sure you don't skip any spots. It's also not wise to sweep on self-tanner, then throw your clothes on and rush out the door. If the formula hasn't sunken in properly, it can rub off. Not only will you end up with an uneven tan, you may even ruin your clothes.

KEEP IT UP: Once you're successfully sporting a base coat, reapply your self-tanner every three to four days to prevent the color from fading. Remember, even when reapplying, it's important to dilute where necessary.

For those of you who may be considering using a tanning salon for a more natural looking tan without the damaging rays of the sun, visit some of our local tanning salons in Acadiana.

BE INFORMED: Make sure you speak to a knowledgeable representative in the salon about what types of lotions to use, what types of beds to start out with and most of all the length of time you should spend in the bed to avoid burning.

BE CAREFUL OF BURNING: Since you are only in the bed for 10 to 20 minutes, it is sometimes difficult to know when you are burning. If you do burn, however, use an after sun lotion on your skin and STAY OUT of the bed until the redness is gone.

USE LOTION: Always use a lotion formulated for tanning beds to avoid dryness, chafing and wrinkles. Apply sunscreen to the areas of your body where you are most likely to burn.

START EARLY: Begin your tanning sessions at least 2 to 3 months prior to your wedding date, so that you can tan slowly and safely.