Skin Types and which cream is right for me ?

Our natural skin colour is determined by skin pigment and the presence and amount of melanin in an individual is determined by hereditary factors. A simple way of determining a person's skin type is to look at the way their skin reacts to natural light.

No everybody can obtain a natural tan whether on a sunbed or outdoors. For those people consider fake tanning cream, mousse and spray as an alternative. Its important that you understand the tanning process, and what type of skin you have. Once you do, you can choose cream and accelerators that best suit your needs from our range of products.

As a general rule peoples skin types can be divided into four main categories. Its important to know your skin type so that you do not expose yourself to risk of burning. Use this as a guide to help you tan responsibly, and also identify which type of cream or lotions may be best for you.

Skin Type 1 - People with very fair skin and often with red hair and freckles who cannot tan and burn in sunlight.

• TANSLIM RECOMMENDATION - if this describes you, then you really should not use a sunbed or tan outdoors. You should use a full SPF protection cream from our range of creams and lotions. In order to achieve a natural looking tan, choose from our range of Fake Tanning Products comprising of creams, spray's and mousses.

Skin Type 2 - People with fairish skin who do tan but burn easily in the early stages need to be patient and take controlled limited exposure before achieving a tan. They should start with minimum recommended session times and build up gradually.

• TANSLIM RECOMMENDATION - Does this describe you ? If so then please take care with developing a tan. You will never achieve a really deep dark tan and should be very careful with your exposure times. Consider using a sunbed tan accelerator cream to increase melanin, as well an amplifier cream whilst having your sunbed session. Use of a sunbed cream with a bronzer will also assist with your desired look. Always use appropriate SPF Creams when outdoors in sunshine.

Skin Type 3 - People with brownish white skins who tan fairly easily but can burn if over exposed. Even though they tan easily, they should respect the fact that they can still burn, especially without a base tan.

• TANSLIM RECOMMENDATION - If this best describes you, whilst you do tan easily always respect the fact that you can still burn. Consider using amplifier or tanning accelerator creams from our range of tanning products. A cream with a bronzer content will assist in giving you a tanned look whilst you build your tan.

Skin Type 4 - People with dark skin who tan easily and hardly ever burn, but even so need to be careful that they don't go through prolonged over exposure.

• TANSLIM RECOMMENDATION - It is great that you tan easily, however never exceed the 'maximum' exposure times on your sunbed sessions. Enhance your Sunbed tanning experience by using accelerator cream, and always use moisturiser and skin care cream and lotions to maintain your skins condition. Never be complacent in the sun, always use a suitable SPF Cream or spray suitable for your skin and exposure times when outdoors in sunshine.

Note: there are also skin types 5 and 6, which cover people who are of Asian and African Caribbean heritage. Caution should always be exercised when exposing skin to UV light, and if there is any doubts or concerns always consult your GP or Health advisor before using a sunbed.