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Bronze in a Bottle
Self-tanners for a Safe Tan
By Carma Haley Shoemaker
Parents don't want or like having to be morbid in any discussions with their teens. However, when it comes to helping a teen save their health, and maybe even their life, being upfront and honest is the only way to go. "Be honest with your kids about the devastating effects of sun exposure to your skin," says Lamas. "Show them photos of people with wrinkles and melanoma, and let them know in no uncertain terms that this damage can be easily avoided. Hopefully the parents have been using sun block on their teens since they were wee ones, so the concept of skin protection is already instilled in them."
Because teens want to be in style and look their best at all times, a discussion about sun safety and skin health may bring up the topic of sunless tanners. However, many parents don't know the details about the products, and they may find themselves being apprehensive. "My advice to a parent with a teen who wants to use sunless tanners is: Let them!" says Lamas. "Wouldn't you rather have your child avoid sun damaging her skin? I would encourage a parent to be supportive of their teen's option to want a safe alternative to the sun. I would also encourage the parent to purchase quality sun tanners and not to let their child use some of the cheaper products available at the local drugstore."
According to Lamas, sunless tanners come in different shades for different skin types. There is sure to be one perfect for you or your teen. "The best way to choose the right shade and type of sunless tanner is to know your skin type," says Lamas. "People who always burn or never tan – redheads, for instance – shouldn't go too dark. If you burn easily or tan minimally – blondes with fair skin – you can actually try light, medium and dark formulas. If you burn moderately or tan gradually to light brown, such as olive complexion brunettes, a darker tan will work well for you. If you burn minimally or tan well to moderately brown, such as Asian, then you'll likely need a dark or very dark lotion."
Want to see more?
- Overboard: How Much Makeup Is Too Much for Your Teen?
- Sun Smarts: A Crash Course in Sun Safety From Texas Children's Hospital Specialists
- Bikini Babies: Preteens and Summer Body Image
- Teens and Tanning: An Unhealthy Practice
- Creating Beauty From the Outside In: The Secret to Healthy, Radiant Skin
- Talk about it!
