Alba Naturals Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunless Golden Tanning without the Sun Lotion - 4 oz.

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunless Tanning a golden tan year-round for face and body. Very Emollient Sunless Golden Tanning without the Sun Lotion is easy to use, non-streaking formula absorbs quickly for natural looking color in less than 3 hours. Very Emollient Sunless Tanning Lotion an infusion of aloe vera, chamomile, ginkgo biloba, and green tea soothes and repairs, protecting sensitive skin against the free radical damage. Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunless Tanning Lotion is a light textured and fast absorbing lotion enriched with vitamins, certified organic herbs and pure plant proteins for optimum benefits. Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunless Golden Tanning without the Sun Lotion is suitable for all skin types.

Features and benefits:

• Hypo-allergenic 
• Paraben free 
• No synthetic colors 
• pH balanced 
• 100% vegetarian ingredients and no animal testing
• Light textured and fast absorbing lotion enriched with vitamins
• Certified organics herbs and pure plant proteins for optimum benefits.

Sun & Your Skin
To many of us, tan skin indicates a healthy, out-doorsy lifestyle. However, it doesn't necessarily indicate healthy skin. In fact, there is probably no other single factor as destructive to the long-term strength and youthfulness of skin than the sun.

Although the most immediate effects of sun-damage are endured by the surface epidermal layer of our skin in the form of sunburns and drying, over time, exposure to UV radiation can penetrate deep into the underlying dermis and negatively effect the collagen structures within (a process called photoaging). This results in an eventual reduction in skin elasticity and the development of wrinkles. In addition, the alteration of these collagen structures can weaken the tiny blood vessels that are supported within them, making the vessels more likely to rupture and lead to discoloration as well as decreased circulation.

The truth is that as much as 90 percent of the wrinkles, brown spots, and sagging skin that we usually think of as signs of aging can be attributed to sun damage, this according to the the American Skin Association, a national organization for education on skin health. What's worse, skin cancer is now the most common cancer, striking more than 800,000 annually in the U.S.

Which is not to say that panic is in order. While these dangers are real and should be taken seriously, diligent use of sunscreen as well as a daily moisturizer -- especially one enhanced with antioxidants -- capable of replenishing essential oils lost to the sun, can go a long way towards helping skin withstand many of the external causes of aging.

Sun Protection Tips
By now the effects of over-exposure to the sun are obvious to all of us. Staying out of the sun is your best protection against skin cancer, but if that's not possible, your next line of defense is to use a 'broad-spectrum' sunscreen, intended to protect you from both UVA and UVB rays, two harmful types of ultraviolet light. It's important to use a sunscreen that protects you from both types of rays as this will give you the greatest protection against sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer.

You will notice that every sunscreen boasts a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) on its package. The SPF offers a way to determine how long you can ideally stay in the sun without burning. For example, if you burn in 10 minutes without sunscreen, an SPF 15 should allow you to stay out 15 times as long (15 x 10 minutes = 150 minutes) before burning. This assumes no sweating, swimming or loss of protection. Once you know your own burn limits, use this equation to help choose the SPF that is best for you.

Due to the FDA monograph ruling of January 1, 2003, you will no longer be able to purchase sunscreen with an SPF factor higher than 30 plus (30+), as the FDA has determined that SPF products over 30 do not significantly increase protection. Additionally, the FDA has ruled that no sunscreen may be called 'waterproof' as no sunscreen is actually waterproof. However, some sunscreens last longer when exposed to water.

First determine the appropriate SPF protection you need, then follow these tips to minimize the risks of being out in the sun.

• Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside. If you wait until you're in the sun to apply it, you can hasten your burn time by as much as two times. 
• Generously apply sunscreen; a layer too thin can diminish its effectiveness. Make sure your skin is dry when applying. An average size bottle (3-5 ounces) should last for 8 hours in the sun if applying all-over and frequently. 
• Don't overlook your neck, cheeks, nose, ears, bald spots, back of the calves, and knees. 
• Reapply, reapply and reapply some more. Swimming and sweating will reduce the effective time of a sunscreen, so reapplication is best to maximize benefits. Also, if you rub your skin with a towel, reapply. NO sunscreen is towel-proof. 
• If you swim or sweat a great deal, select a 'water resistant' or 'very water resistant' sunscreen. Both retain their SPF protection when exposed to water far longer than regular sunscreens. 
• Use a lip balm that features a high SPF. Your lips are as susceptible to sun damage as the rest of you.

Alba Sun features a complete line of hypo-allergenic sun care products.

Sunscreen Expiration Date
All of our Sun Care products are batched, packaged, promoted and sold annually for the freshest product possible. Our 4-ounce size has been chosen to provide a season's worth of sun care protection. For optimum benefits and full spectrum protection against the damaging effects of sun exposure, we recommend that Sun Care products be purchased yearly.

You will find the expiration date stamped into the crimped end of the tube of sunscreen (i.e. EXP02/06 indicating an expiration date of February 2006).

Earlier batches of sunscreen have the date of manufacture stamped into the crimped end of the tube of sunscreen (i.e. 05/02 indicating an expiration date of May 2004). All of our sunscreens are good for two years from the date of manufacture.

Animal Testing Policy
Alba shares your concern that animals not be used to test cosmetics, toiletries and household products. Alba does not test their products or ingredients on animals, nor do they ask others to do so for them. Furthermore, Alba requires that all their ingredient suppliers meet the same criteria of no animal testing. Alba offers a unique collection of quality personal care products for caring consumers seeking natural, organic and cruelty-free ingredient alternatives within the vegetarian ethic.