Based upon what we know about the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, we are aware of the need to protect ourselves from them. But isn't there any way to avoid the rays and still have a radiant tan? Actually, there are two ways. One is through the use of a self-tanner; the other a skin bronzer. A sungenerated tan comes from stimulated melanin pigments found in the lower layers of your skin. Self-tanners work by dyeing the top layer of your skin, (and we’ve come a long way from the days of an orange artificial-looking tan). In a few hours, you can have a natural-looking tan that will last a few days (even “real” tans don't last forever). And you can always reapply your self-tanner to maintain the tan for as long as you like. Another excellent form of sunless tanning is the bronzer. These products give you the chance to create an instant tan (light or dark) that can easily be removed with soap and water. Similar to make-up, these products tint your skin only until they are washed off. One caution: if you're planning to head outside, be sure to apply sunscreen.