Tanning beds have become very popular these days, as we all know. Although sometimes you see people who look orange and then you see people who you can't even tell they have been tanning. Well today I'm going to tell you the best way I know of to get something in between there, for a perfect, healthy looking tan.

When you first start tanning you should start out slow and use a mild tanning lotion, such as a bronzer. Paint It Black or Black Night are both good choices and two of my favorites, although there are many out there to choose from. Try some samples if you want and then decide what you think works best with your skin type.

Next I want to talk about what you should do before you use a tanning bed. In the shower on the morning you are planning to tan, use an exfoliant. Exfoliation is very important to the overall effect of tanning. Exfoliation allows us to wash away dead skin, which is important to maintain a deep dark tan. Shaving is also a good exfoliant.

After your shower and exfoliate it is important to moisturize. At this stage, most any moisturizer will work. It is best to immediately apply lotion after stepping out of the shower. This way, it will absorb better into the skin and your skin will retain moisture longer. This is an important step before tanning because moist skin gets the most effective tanning results. You can also use an after tan moisturizer, these are a bit more expensive than regular moisturizer but work much better and allow your tan to look better and even last longer.

Finally is to use not a sunless tanner but more specifically, a moisturizer with a hint of self tanner in it. My personal preference is Jergens Natural Glow. It works wonders in trouble areas that don't tan as well, such as under the neck and shoulders and under your arms and arm pits. It also tops off your perfect tan with a beautiful brown glow but don't worry it doesn't look fake, just as long as you don't go overboard with it.