What Is Black Onyx Tanning Lotion
Black Onyx tanning lotion is a cream meant for indoor tanning (tanning beds) and is designed to make you tanner, faster. A tube costs around $40.00. Slather it on for faster, darker results than you get from normal tanning bed usage. The red tint it gives your skin immediately after use should subside quickly, but the deeper brown results will be there to stay. If you're looking for Black Onyx products in particular, you may want to search for Power Tan products, as they are the makers of Black Onyx as well as other similar lotions. Their products suit everyone from beginners to advanced tanners. For beginners, try Dark Start. For advanced, try Black Max. They're all within the same line as Black Onyx and Black Onyx Magic--and make similar promises.
The Claims It Makes
Tan accelerating lotions tend to make several claims about how they work and the benefits you'll reap just by using them. This one is no different in that respect. Black Onyx claims to:
- Speed delivery of nutrients to your skin
- Fight aging via Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Pycnogenol, and Aloe Vera
- Cut down on the amount of time it takes you to get as dark as you want to be
- Give skin a temporary reddening effect due to the use of cinnamon, nutmeg, ivy, and licorice extracts
- Cool the body and keep you smelling fresh during and after the tanning session due to peppermint, eucalyptus, and menthol
- Less likely to clog your pores due to the fact that it's oil-free
How to Use It
A few minutes prior to using a tanning bed, apply the lotion to all areas of your body, or just those you think need extra help getting as dark as the rest of your body. Some people tan better in certain parts of their bodies, and others-like shins-seem to never tan at all. Before you use it all over, try a test patch of the lotion on a hidden part of your body so you'll know the product won't irritate your skin. There's nothing worse than an allergic reaction all over that could've been avoided with a small test and a day's delay. It's like coloring your hair-a test strand could've saved you the trip to the drugstore for color remover with Ronald McDonald hair, a hat, and oversized sunglasses.
Your Makeup
When you get your tan, you'll need to make some adjustments to your makeup routine. Remember to match up your foundation with your darker skin tone. You can strategically place bronzer on your cheekbones, temples, bridge of your nose, and chin to give yourself an additional sun-kissed glow. If you're into bleaching your teeth, now's a good time to do it. They'll look even brighter against the contrast of your dark skin.
How UV Tans Work
In response to UV rays, your skin produces more melanin. Melanin is meant to protect the skin from the radiation emitted from the sun. The darker your skin tone, usually, the more melanin you have. That's why fair-skinned people burn more than people with darker skin. Exposure to UVA and UVB rays (both in tanning beds and the outdoors), causes the release of melanin-and a tan. Too much sun exposure, though, can result in a burn as opposed to a tan.
Caution
Try a test patch on your skin before slathering your whole body in the lotion, especially if you have sensitive skin. This product contains known skin irritants such as cinnamon extract, peppermint, and menthol. In most cases, the reddening effect will be just as intended, but if you have sensitive skin or an allergy, you'll definitely be glad you didn't just apply all over first and then hop into the tanning bed for twenty minutes.
In addition to the cautions related directly to the ingredients, be cautious when using UV rays to tan. Even if you don't burn, you can still develop skin cancer, wrinkles, and spots from UV exposure. Keep that in mind. If you still must tan in the beds or outdoors (as opposed to reaching for sunless options like self-tanners and body bronzers), make sure you see your dermatologist for frequent checks. Watch for moles that look abnormal in size, shape, or color. Also, when not "working" on your tan, make sure you apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed areas of your body.
