For a gradual, you might want to try a tanning accelerator. Generally sold as lotions or pills, these products list an amino acid called tyrosine in with other ingredients. This amino acid is reported (but not proven) by some users to increase the production of melanin, gradually speeding up the tanning process.

Unfortunately not! Tanning beds can have the same negative effects on the body as direct sunlight. The equipment used in tanning beds emits UV rays that can be just as damaging as the sun’s. That said, there are a few safety measures to consider when using this type of equipment:

That good old genetic coding is responsible (in most parts) for determining the size of your pores. There is not much you can do about changing your genetics. Age is another factor, because as we got older we loose skin elasticity which leads to larger pores. Acne suffers are also aware that blackheads will enlarge pores caused by accumulation of dirt, bacteria and oil within the pore.

It’s no longer a guarded secret that most Hollywood celebrities would never dare step onto the red carpet without a spray tanning session that gives them that I-just-came-back-from-Monte-Carlo-darling look. If you’re looking for that bronzed look at home, you’re in luck. Fusion Beauty introduced earlier this year the Air Glow Kit. This bronzing kit allows you to airbrush (thanks to a spray gun) that Rio de Janeiro glow from head to toe for a fraction of the price of the plane ticket. The kit contains everything you need to create an even sunkissed tan – you get the Air Glow airbrush gun; 4 oz of micro-nutrient liquid tinted protein tan mist, an adapter and a funnel.

The major difference between using a cream tanner or bronzer is the fact that the Air Glow will provide you with a more even and more natural look. Another great advantage is that your Air Glow tan will last you up to two weeks!

If you are looking for that natural tanned look while protecting your skin against sun damage (and therefore minimizing photo-aging), you might want to head to a Holt Renfrew or Sephora Canada store near you to get more information on the Air Glow kit.

The Fusion Beauty Air Glow Kit retails for $210. You can also purchase the 237 ml refill bottles of tanning lotion for $75.

While listening to an interview on iVillage UK, the host revealed a staggering statistic: 80 per cent of all wrinkles are caused by excessive sun exposure, according to a large number of skincare experts.

SPF protection and reducing your exposure to the sun, especially during the hot summer months, are really one of the best anti-aging treatments for your skin.

Thanks to Hollywood’s super-skinny starlets, sunless tanning booths are becoming the newest rage when it comes to getting a sunless tan. To achieve a full body sun tan in only a few minutes, sunless tanning booths use an air compressor and an airbrush delivery system to give your skin a boost of instant colour.

So how does it work? Pistons located in a compressor quickly press or force air out via a nozzle in an airbrush or spray head. This air mixes with a tanning solution that’s located inside compartments within the airbrush, and sprays an ultra fine mist over the outer skin layer. Some tanning booths have up to 36 of these airbrushes connected to the compressor suitable for fixed or moving positions, therefore, clients will achieve a tan either when in motion or when standing still. Either way, the airbrushes will spray the skin evenly in order to achieve an even as opposed to a streaky or blotchy look.

The reason why Hollywood has gone ga-ga over these sunless tanning booths is because they offer a natural sun beach tan without the harmful side effects of hours spent in the sun. You get a smooth and even tan that even covers hard-to-reach areas like your back and shoulders.

Sunless tanning booths might offer the perfect trompe-l’oeil tan, but they won’t protect your skin against sun damage. You’ll still need to protect your skin with SPF before leaving your home to show off your new instant tan.

Some sunless tanning products come in the form of moisturizers, gels, lotions and bronzer powders. Basically you simply apply these to your skin as you would make up products for a temporary “tan” appearance.

Your level of exposure to the sun will increase your chances of developing sun spots in the most exposed areas of your body like your neck, hands, chest and shoulders.

Skin cancer is a very serious matter. I had little knowledge of it until I bumped into a contact of mine who looked completely distraught.

When I asked Francesca* if she was okay because she looked very troubled she went on to describe how things were particularly difficult for her these days because a friend of the family (Rosamond*) got a final diagnostic from doctors.