Everybody wants to get a tan. Most people look healthier with bronzed skin and a sun-kissed glow. Unfortunately, we can’t all live in the south of France or head to the beach every day. If you want a killer tan and can’t afford to chase the sun all year round, you are going to need to invest in a self-tanning product. But which one is right for you? We have put together some tips to help you select your perfect self-tanner.
What is a self-tanner?
Self-tanners are products that give your skin a desirable, tanned complexion without exposing yourself to potentially dangerous UV rays. Visit any drugstore and you will find self-tanners in the form of lotions, sprays, and ointments that you apply to your skin at home. Alternatively, you can visit your local salon and pay for a professional spray-on tan treatment.
These self-tanning products contain the additive dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This chemical reacts with the surface layer of our skin and simulates a natural tan that lasts for a few days.
Why do you need a self-tanner?
If you have never used self-tanner in your life, you may not be aware of their various cosmetic and health benefits.
Your skin won’t be harmed
If you are the sort of person who loves a tan, you will almost certainly know your way around a tanning bed. You might even go on multiple holidays a year to keep on top of your glow.
When you use self-tanners, you can achieve your desired look and take care of your skin. UV rays can be dangerous if you do not take the proper precautions. We do not recommend subjecting your body to these rays on a regular basis, as you will accelerate your skin’s aging process and also run the risk of developing skin cancer.
You can catch a tan in less than an hour
One of the biggest positives of self-tanning is the lack of time and effort it takes to achieve the tanned look. If you are a socialite and find yourself needing to look your best for a variety of occasions, you can rest easy knowing your self-tanner is at hand to help make a memorable impression among your friends.
Makes a tanned complexion easy to maintain
As we’ve already discussed, achieving a tan is an arduous and time-consuming task. By utilizing self-tanner products, you can develop and maintain your glow with little effort. As well as the initial self-tanning product, you can also purchase natural tanning extenders and moisturizing body lotions to keep your skin looking brown and healthy.
Things to consider when buying a self-tanner
If you are reading this guide, you’ll probably be itching to pick up your first self-tanner. But before you go rubbing any old lotion into your skin, check out these tips for choosing a self-tanning product that is right for you.
Lotion, Spray, or Mousse
Self-tanners come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and forms. For most people, tanning mousse products are the easiest solution – they are quick to dry and give you a dark complexion. However, they do not last very long when compared to lotions, which are easy-to-use and handy for those who have never used self-tanner before.
If you do not have anybody to help you with your tanning routine, you may also want to consider self-tanning sprays. They give you less control over coverage but help you reach difficult parts of your body.
Tint
Most self-tanners are tinted products. This means you can see where you have applied the lotion as soon as it touches your skin. However, some are completely clear, which makes it difficult to achieve an even complexion.
Smell
You do not want to smell like the inside of your cosmetics bag, which is why you should consider the scent of a self-tanner before making your purchase. Some self-tanners have strong scents which linger after use. Have a sniff before you buy anything and make sure you enjoy the smell before applying it to yourself.
Stains
Self-tanners are notoriously tricky products to wash out of your fabrics. If you have a lot of white outfits, towels, or carpets, staining can become a serious issue. Make sure you look for information on the packaging in regards to transference. That being said, not all products come with stain warnings.
Duration
Some self-tanners will stay on your skin longer than others. Regardless, you should not expect to keep your fake tan for more than a few days. If you want a glow that lasts longer, check the packaging – duration information should be available on most sunless tanning products.
Gradual or Instant
Some products take several days to build a natural-looking glow on your skin. Others will turn your brown within a few hours. You should think about how soon you need your tan before buying anything.
Self-tanner price range
Self-tanners, like every other cosmetic product, fluctuate in price. Most self-tanner lotions cost around $10 for a bottle. However, this price can fall to as little as $6.00 and rise to over $100, depending on the brand. That being said, the popular sunless tanning products will cost $20-30 per 8oz bottle.
FAQ
Are self-tanners safe?
Compared to UV rays and long-term exposure to the sun, self-tanners are a much safer alternative. You may have allergies, which is why you should do a skin test before applying the lotion all over your body. On the whole, you are unlikely to experience any side effects, making this the healthiest way to achieve a tanned complexion.
How do self-tanners work?
Self-tanners contain a chemical known as Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is derived from natural sources such as sugar cane. When the chemical comes into contact with the amino acids on your skin, it creates the color of the artificial tan.
What should I do to prepare for self-tanning?
If you want to get the most out of your self-tanner, exfoliate and shave your skin on the day before you intend to apply the product. This helps you achieve a streak-free finish that will look healthier and last longer.