Models Direct: Safe Tanning Guide

Feb. 7, 2010 - PRLog -- Models Direct are relieved at the news that at last the laws governing tanning salons in England are going to change, prohibiting under-18s from using them. It has been apparent for many years that exposure to UV rays is linked to cancer, but recent studies have finally eliminated any doubts highlighting the importance of protecting children from exposure to the damaging effects of tanning beds.
“Research shows that first using a sunbed under the age of 35 increases the risk of developing skin cancer by 75 per cent,” warns Sarah Woolnough, head of policy at Cancer Research UK. “Scotland has strong legislation to protect children and teenagers so we must see the same level of protection in England and Wales.”

Cancer Research UK also report that up to 20 per cent of children aged between 11 and 17 have used a sunbed in some areas of England.

The Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment suggests that an increase in the use of sunbeds is causing 100 deaths and costing the NHS over £200 million a year. It is time for a change!

In response to these findings Models Direct thought that some young and aspiring models might appreciate tips on how to achieve a natural looking fake tan.

Fake tans can be bought in many forms including sprays, creams, mousses and even wipes! It is up to you to decide which product will suit you best, we would recommend a tinted product as this will help you to see how even the finish is before your tan develops. When you have decided on the best product for you, try following these Models Direct guidelines:


Exfoliate

Before using any fake tanning product, exfoliation is a very important step. Models Direct recommend exfoliating gloves or an exfoliating sponge for this task – you can buy these at most leading chemists.
Bathe or shower and apply your favourite shower gel to the sponge or gloves before gently but thoroughly sloughing away any dead skin from your entire body. Start at your feet and work your way up, always towards the heart. The great news is that this process alone will greatly improve the appearance of your skin, with or without the tan, when done regularly! Rinse suds off carefully afterwards.


Moisturise

Before applying your fake tanning product, moisturise! Pay particular attention to the knees, elbows, ankles and wrists, and any other areas where you may have dry skin. Do not use an oily moisturiser, as this will create a barrier between your skin and the tanning product, preventing it from being absorbed. Let your moisturiser sink in and leave for 10-15 minutes before applying your tanning product.


Apply fake tan

Apply an oil-based moisturiser to your hands and wrists to protect them from absorbing a build up of tanning product, then begin to apply your product. Again this is best done from the feet upwards, as quickly and smoothly as possible to prevent streaks developing. Some tanning products provide latex gloves to prevent ‘orange hand syndrome’. If yours does not then a great tip is to wash your hands between applications. For instance, apply to legs; wash and moisturise your hands; apply to body; wash and moisturise your hands; apply to arms, etc. Don’t forget your neck!


Face

For the face use a tanning product designed specifically for this purpose and follow the directions carefully. Be sure to take care around the hairline and eyebrows. Rub these areas with a dry flannel after application to avoid product build-up.


Aftercare

When you have finished applying your product to your body, give your hands a final wash and use a dry flannel to remove any excess from the knee, ankle and elbow areas, or any other places where you feel it is required. When you are happy that your tan is even, let it sink into your skin for as long as possible before getting into some loose, dark coloured clothing. Leave your tan to develop for as long as possible before bathing or showering. It is best to have quick showers for the next few days, rather than long baths, to prolong the length of your tan, and apply moisturiser regularly to keep it locked in. Now you can either top up regularly with a more gradual ‘everyday’ tanning moisturiser, or after about a week you can remove following a good soak in the bath, using your exfoliating glove or sponge.


Final note

Don’t forget to use a sun block – fake tanning products do not contain them!

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About Models Direct (http://www.modelsdirect.com/ )

Models Direct is a talent and model agency for female models, male models, teen models, child models and baby models for advertising, fashion, film, TV, promotional and photographic modelling work. We are a Government-regulated Model Employment Agency... not an online showcase, we're the real thing!

If you think you, or perhaps your partner, child, baby or pet, might be a suitable model for us to put forward for selection to appear in films, TV, fashion, promotions, advertisements and photographic modelling, please visit the website http://www.modelsdirect.com/locations/worldwide.html or call us on +44 (0)871 224 6000. Modelling can be great fun & rewarding as a hobby.

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