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Homemade Tanning Oil Instructions

Anuja Marathe Kanhere
Summer is here and so is the prospect of a vacation on the beach. If you are planning to get kissed by the sun, then here is a guide for making and using homemade tanning oil.
For long, many of us have had a crazy attraction for tanned skins. Getting a tanned skin is considered to be a sign of beauty and health. The desire to gain a golden bronze complexion with a sporty look, comes from a subconscious desire to look beautiful in order to attract the attention of opposite sex. Let us understand the methods of preparing and using tanning oils.

Easy Tanning Oil Recipes

You can get a tanned skin only after sufficient exposure to direct solar radiations. These radiations include harmful UV rays, which are one of the primary reasons for skin cancers. Therefore, it is necessary to use a tanning oil that is effectively resistant to UV rays.
You can very well purchase some costly oil from a supermarket which has a list of all kinds of unknown ingredients. Instead, here is an excellent guide to make the best tanning oil in comforts of your own kitchen... for less than half of the store price!

Patchouli Tanning Oil (For Dry Skin)

Ingredients:
  • 2 tsp walnut oil
  • 2 tsp hazelnut oil
  • 2 tsp wheat germ oil
  • 2 tsp avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 6 drops of patchouli oil
  • 5 drops of calendula oil
Procedure
Mix all the ingredients well and fill in an airtight amber colored bottle. Close the lid and store the bottle in a cool dry place. You may even refrigerate it but care to use the oil within 2 months time.

Lavender Tanning Oil (For Normal Skin)

Ingredients:
  • 6 tsp hazelnut oil
  • 6 tsp walnut oil
  • 4 tbsp wheat germ oil
  • 4 tbsp sesame oil
  • 5 drops of lavender essential oil
Procedure:
Mix all the ingredients well and fill them in an airtight dark-colored bottle. Close the lid and store the bottle in a cool dry place.

Tanning Oil with Iodine (For All Skin Types)

Ingredients:
  • 2 tbsp baby oil
  • 2 tbsp of Vitamin E oil (olive oil or sunflower oil)
  • 10 drops of detoxified iodine
Procedure:
Mix the ingredients well and store in a dark-colored bottle in a cool dry place. This oil works really well for children too.

Instructions for Use

  • Before you go out and sunbathe, remember to exfoliate your skin the natural way. Use some herbal soap with exfoliating agents or use a body scrub gel all over your body. Alternately use Cornmeal and oil to rub all over your body. This will remove all the dead skin cells from the epidermis of your skin.
  • Now gently apply the tanning oil all over your body including your face and your hair. Use generous helping of tanning oil so as to let the oil penetrate all your pores and leave behind a softened skin.
  • Ideally, venture out for sunbathing approximately half an hour after you first apply the tanning oil.

Precautions During Usage

  • Never ever use citrus oil when using any tanning oil on your skin as citrus oil can leave permanent dark spots on your skin.
  • If you happen to swim or get wet after applying the tanning oil, you need to reapply tanning oil before you actually sunbathe.
  • For Caucasian skinned people, the ideal time to sunbathe in tropical areas is always before 10 am and after 4.30 pm.
  • Make it a point to dab herbal sunscreen lotions on your face from time to time as an added precaution.
  • Use old faded full sleeved clothing after you have had your sunbath.
  • In case you happen to experience skin irritation, sun burns and severe redness of skin, move immediately to a shadier spot away from direct solar exposure.
Showering after tanning is a must. Take a hot water shower first to remove all traces of tanning oil and any other sticky lotions from your skin. Once done, wash your skin with cool water and a menthol based cooling gentle soap.
Once you are done with sunbathing, don't forget to sport your beautiful tan. Wear clothing that will bring out your looks, after all you have invested quite some time in getting tanned. Most importantly, be ready to sport the right attitude this tanned look.