Summer is quickly approaching, and nothing will accessorize those vibrant, cool fashions better than a copper complexion.

But how to obtain a bronzed body without becoming one of the more than 1 million people diagnosed with skin cancer each year remains a challenge for many tanning enthusiasts.

"Let's face it, tans look good," said David Lane, a dermatology surgical fellow at Emory University School of Medicine. "But if it's going to make you have more wrinkles, bad skin and possibly skin cancer, it's an easy decision."

Lying outside for up to three hours damages the skin, and tanning beds emit ultraviolet rays that are harmful, according to the American Cancer Society. Tanning pills contain substances that have been linked to various side effects such as hepatitis.

"The only safe way to tan is to rub it on or spray it on," said Rutledge Forney, a dermatologist and member of the Georgia Association of Dermatologists.

Most tanning parlors offer machine- or self-applied sprays for about $30 an application. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that you cover your face in addition to your hair so the spray doesn't get on your lips or in your eyes, nose or mouth.

But thanks to a growing number of sunless tanning products, you can do it yourself without putting your health at risk. Recent improvements allow for easier application and create a more natural look. In 45 minutes to an hour, you can smooth, swipe or spray on a light bronze glow or a deep, dark tan. (It takes about three hours if you include drying time.)

The products are safe and have a low potential for allergic reaction, said Lane, referring to products containing the tanning chemical dihydroxyacetone. "You can bathe in the stuff and still be fine," he said.

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PUT IT ON

Sunless tanning is safer but not necessarily simple. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Allow yourself enough time. You'll need about two to three hours before you can put on street clothes.

• Keep everything you need handy. Essentials include a place to take a shower or bath, a cotton washcloth to exfoliate your skin, soap and skin lotion. You'll need a loose outfit or robe to wear while the self-tanner is drying.

• Choose a light- or medium-toned tanner, which tends to look more natural.

• Before applying the product, wash and exfoliate your skin to remove excess dead skin cells. You should shave your legs, but wait awhile before applying the tanner to avoid irritating your skin.

• Apply the tanner evenly and lightly. Use less on dry or thickened skin, such as over your ankles, knees and elbows, because they absorb more product.

• After applying the tanner to your face and body, wash your hands with soap and water to avoid coloring your palms. Be sure to remove any product from under your fingernails. Then use a cotton ball to apply the sunless tanner to the top of each hand.

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TAKE IT OFF

You goofed. Now what?

• Orange, uneven, unnatural face: Do nothing. A sunless tan doesn't last long on the face and neck. Within 24 hours, it should be gone.

• Blotchiness: Apply a beta hydroxy acid solution before going to bed. Or massage dry baking soda onto your damp skin, rubbing in small, gentle circles.

• Orange body: Soak in the tub. Continue bathing or soak in a pool every day until the tan is gone.

• Stained palms. Apply body-hair bleach to stained areas and leave on for 10 minutes; wash off.

• Dark ankles, wrists, and knees. Wipe with 2 percent beta hydroxy acid lotion or hydrogen peroxide. Reapply once a day to small areas to lighten the tan. Test in a small area first because it might irritate your skin.

— Mayo Clinic,

American Tanning Institute, Sunless.com

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Screen out sun

No matter which option you choose, most sunless tanning products do not block out the sun, so protect yourself before going out.

Apply extra sunscreen, said Emory dermatology surgical fellow David Lane, who also recommends a daily facial moisturizer with sunblock for women and an aftershave with a sunscreen for men. "You can't avoid the sun, but just be smart about it."

If you're going to be outside for a long time, follow the tips from the American Cancer Society:

• Apply sunscreen liberally. Use SPF 15 or higher with both UVA and UVB protection. Reapply every two hours, more often after swimming or sweating.

• Cover up with a broad-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants.

• Schedule activities to avoid peak periods between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when sun is most intense.

• Shield your eyes. Wear sunglasses with 99 percent or 100 percent UV absorption to protect eyes and surrounding skin.

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