If you have yet to jump on the self-tanning bandwagon, we can safely assume you’re potentially living under a rock. We get it, maybe self-tanning isn’t really your “thing”. Perhaps you prefer a natural glow from the sun or, alternatively, a tanning bed. No judgment here, however, it’s our duty to inform you about all the dangers of overexposure to UV light and the benefits that come with self tanners.When it comes to overexposure to the sun or fake and baking in a tanning bed, you’re ultimately trying to achieve an ideal tan. Although possible, it can get pretty risky and lead to complications further down the line. Tanning in moderation is encouraged as our bodies need a sufficient amount of Vitamin D and all the benefits it has to offer. But too much of a good thing is never a good thing.Overexposure to the sun can lead to:Fine linesWrinklesLeathery SkinSkin Cancer Nonmelanoma Skin CancerMelanomaActinic KeratosisBasal Cell CarcinomaSquamous Cell CarcinomaWhen it comes to indoor tanning, there’s a common misconception that has been put out by the tanning bed industry, claiming that sunless tanning beds are a safer alternative to sunbathing. This could not be further from the truth. Although tanning beds offer two types of lights, tanning and bronzing, both emit UVA lights that are far more intense than those from the sun and do not work as sufficiently as UVB lights. UVA’s tend to penetrate the skin significantly deeper, causing more harm than good.This is why there has been an increase in the usage of self tanning products. Self tanners give you the luxury of a bronzy glow without the dangers of overexposure to the sun and UV rays. Some of the best self tanners on the market are loaded with beneficial ingredients like Vitamin A and E, Maracuja Oil, Aloe Vera, Sweet Almond Oil, Tea Tree Oil and Shea Butter to name a few.The Benefits of Self Tanning:Safe and affordableQuick tan in no timeNo increase of aging skinCustomizableEasy to maintainEvens out skin toneBeautiful tan all year roundThere are so dozens of self tanners on the market that range from lotions, gels and mousse consistency and offered in a variety of tones and colors. Some of our favorite self tanning products that offer the most benefits for your skin are:Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse SPF 15Skingredients: Mirabelle Oil, Safflower Extract, Vitamin E, and Aloe VeraLancome Flash Bronzer Tinted Self-Tanning Body GelSkingredients: Vitamin EFake Bake Platinum Face Anti Aging Self Tan LotionSkingredients: Jojoba Oil, Apple Stem Cells, and Vitamin E Brazilian Peel Brazilian True TanSkingredients: Aloe Vera and Apple ExtractKate Somerville Somerville360 Tanning TowelettesSkingredients: Tea Tree Extract and CucumberDr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pad For Body with Active Vitamin DSkingredients: Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Willow Bark Extract, Vitamins A, B, C, and EIt’s important to remember that not all self tanning products offer SPF protection. We encourage all individuals to go the extra step to ensure you’re protecting your skin and taking precautionary measures for safe sun exposure.