But times have changed, and now fake tans are so good that most of the natural looking tans we see on TV have come from a bottle. Superdrug shifts a million bottles of the brown stuff a year, and St Tropez products are so popular one's sold every 15 seconds. During World War II women used old tea bags and Bovril to give their legs a bit of colour, with the first sunless tanner - bizarrely called Man Tan - hitting the market in the 50s.

Summer Beauty Essentials
Tip from an Expert
If you've never got butt-naked in front of a stranger so they can spray your entire body with a cold brown liquid, don't worry - it's not as horrendous as you'd think. There are a few things that are very handy to know, though — like what the heck those sticky feet are for. Read on to be enlightened before you go glow It's best to turn up foundation-free , or you can remove your makeup there, as most salons will provide face wipes. Also use them to remove any deodorant, which may act as a barrier to the fake tan formula. While the therapist waits for you outside the room, get completely undressed. You can keep your knickers on if you wish, but if you do, we'd recommend opting for something minimal, like a thong, as you'll be left with white patches underneath. Remove all jewellery and get to grips with the accessories provided.
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Sun tanning or simply tanning is the process whereby skin color is darkened or tanned. It is most often a result of exposure to ultraviolet UV radiation from sunlight or from artificial sources, such as a tanning lamp found in indoor tanning beds. People who deliberately tan their skin by exposure to the sun engage in a passive recreational activity of sun bathing. Some people use chemical products which can produce a tanning effect without exposure to ultraviolet radiation, known as sunless tanning. Moderate exposure to direct sunlight contributes to the production of melanin and vitamin D by the body , but excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays has negative health effects, including sunburn and increased risk of skin cancer , [1] as well as depressed immune system function and accelerated aging of the skin. This may be the result of different skin types and natural skin color , and these may be a result of genetics. The term "tanning" has a cultural origin, arising from the color tan. Its origin lies in the Western culture of Europe when it became fashionable for young women to seek a less pale complexion see Cultural history below. Melanin is a natural pigment produced by cells called melanocytes in a process called melanogenesis.
In-salon options include either a private spray booth or individualized spray tan by a technician. While the booth is quick it can take less than a minute , it leaves room for missed areas. The average application takes anywhere from five to 15 minutes and is completely customizable. Once you choose your method, ask for a test spray, Norenius says. If working with a spray tan artist, ask if they can add a little contouring to help emphasize muscle definition or create some!