The quest for the perfect (safe) tan...

I've always been pale. And it's always been something I've hated and wanted to change, despite not wanting to conform to what society says is "beautiful" or "attractive". I admire women who can embrace their pale skin, and make it work for them, but I love being tanned and having a healthy glow.

I feel slimmer, more confident, and especially in the dreary winter months, it cheers me up immensely being bronzed. I found myself in a conundrum a few years ago however, after learning just how damaging the sun really is for skin. We all know that we're at risk of skin cancer by sun bathing or sun bedding, but even just getting a light tan without burning is extremely bad for your skin, not to mention the way it can prematurely age us. The only option these days is to take advantage of the many incredible self tanning products available, and DIY.....

I recently discovered professional spray tanning, and I am totally converted. This involves standing in a spray tanning tent or booth, and being sprayed with tanning solution by a spray tan technician or an automated machine. I have heard mixed reviews about the automated tanning booths, but can attest to the benefits of having a therapist apply a spray tan. The solution is tinted, so you get a beautiful, deep instant colour, while the tan develops over the next twelve hours. The tint will wash off when you next shower, and underneath there will be a gorgeous tan that will last a good seven to ten days if cared for correctly. A good therapist will be able to apply the tan evenly, without missing a spot (this does involve standing in some funky positions while you're getting sprayed).

Tips for before and after a professional spray tan

• Prepare the skin. Gently exfoliate with a shower scrub or exfoliating gloves with a creamy shower gel (or you can make your own scrub with olive oil and sugar or rock salt, you can add essential oils to this too). I try and exfoliate a few times in the week leading up to my tan. Moisturising liberally is a good idea too to keep your skin hydrated, this will ensure an even application.

• On the day of your tan, don't apply any moisturiser, deodorant, or perfume to the body as these can affect the outcome of your tan. Cleanse and moisturise your face lightly.

• Bring something dark and loose fitting to wear after your spray tan, and allow yourself a bit of time to dry off before dressing.

• Avoid showering for at least twelve hours to give the tan a chance to develop. After showering, apply a good body cream to keep skin hydrated.

• To make your tan last as long as possible, avoid harsh soaps and shower gels, pat yourself dry after showering (rather than rubbing which can take off your tan), and moisturise daily with a gradual tanner/moisturiser like L'Oreal Nutrisummer, or Johnsons Holiday Skin. These products have around a half strength self tanner in them which will keep your colour topped up.

The other option available is to self tan at home with one of the great products you can purchase at the supermarket, pharmacy, or at department stores. There are some fabulous products around that give a great colour, smell lovely and dry fast. My favourite self tanners are in the L'Oreal, Sugar Baby, Lancome, and Clarins ranges.

Tips for DIY self tanning application

• Again, prepare your skin well as described above. Before applying self tan, make sure dry areas like feet, ankles, knees and elbows are moisturised to avoid the self tan grabbing on these areas. Self tanners work in the very top layers of the skin, and if these layers are dry, then they will develop darker (which is why self tan can come out unevenly if skin isn't prepared properly).

• Make sure you are completely dry before applying self tan, and that your bathroom is not steamy, as the moisture can affect your tan.

• Start with a small amount of product, and work on one area at a time, e.g, lower leg, then upper leg, then stomach. Trying to do large areas can be problematic as the tan may dry before you get a chance to rub it in evenly.

• Apply tan with large, circular motions. Concentrate on an even application, rather than rubbing the product in too hard. Smooth lightly over elbows, knees and ankles. Tinted products are fantastic as you can see where you have applied them.

• Don't forget the tops of your feet and hands! There are also excellent self tanners for the face which give an amazing colour while being gentle on the skin.

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water after application, and scrub with a nail brush to avoid tanned palms. If you do have a self tanning disaster, St Tropez do a great self tan remover.

Above all, have fun with your tanning! You may need to try a few products before finding one that suits you, but with a bit of practice you can have a beautiful, completely safe tan. It can be an expensive habit, but think of it as an investment for your skin, by staying out of the sun you are preserving your skin and avoiding potential nasties like skin cancer and premature aging. It's very important to note that a fake tan will NOT protect you from the sun, so be sure to continue wearing sunscreen. Also interesting is that a real tan will only offer protection of approximately an SPF 2 (which is effectively useless).

Need a tan in a hurry? Secret weapon number one; Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs, it's amazing. Other great instant tanners like tinted body moisturiser and bronzing powder are great to have on hand for emergencies, and perfect to enhance your spray tan or self tan. Bring on summer I say.....