If you are a self-tanner newbie with one foot in the door, we prepared five facts may help you solidify your decision to come over to the sunless tanning side.
We promise you’ll have an amazing time here. Let’s get started.
1. Self-tanners are A LOT safer than tanning under UV rays.
By now, it is a well known fact that getting too much sun exposure not only ages your skin faster, but is the reason for so many skin diseases (especially skin cancer) plaguing us today. Self-tanners take the risk out of getting a sun-kissed glow by giving you that deep honey hue without the overexposure to the sun. In fact, we would go as far as to say that some properly formulated self-tanners even leave your skin better than before.
Make sure you study up on the self-tanners available in the market. You should look for one with naturally-derived DHA, made up of a pixie potion of natural ingredients that are nutritious for your skin, and follows a cruelty-free production from testing to releasing.
Our recommendation: Bondi Bodz Self-Tanning Mousses
2. DHA, the active ingredient that alters your skin colour, comes in various strengths.
Dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, is the active ingredient in self-tanners that is responsible for the alteration of your skin tone. In a nutshell, it bonds with the amino acids in your skin which then changes it into a deeper hue. This process happens only at the outer layers of your skin, whereas UV rays penetrate into the deeper layers.
It is interesting to note that not all self-tanners use the same percentage of DHA in their products. Some self and gradual tanners use DHA that ranges from 10% to 14%. What does that mean for you as a consumer? The higher the percentage of the DHA, the deeper your tan will be, and the quicker it will develop. So if you are somewhere on the novice side of fake tans, our advice is to pick out a bottle that is on the lower side. On the contrary, if self-tanning is life for you, you’re probably ready for the ones on the opposite spectrum.
3. Sunless tanning is for everyone.
Just like the sun does, sunless tanners alter your current complexion to enhance your natural skin colour. A good bottle of self-tanner will base your tan off your current colour and naturally deepen it to avoid an unnatural look. If your current self-tanner is making you look brassy, you may want to reach for another brand’s. Likewise, if you are obsessed with making yourself a little golden, we suggest you go for a more natural one. It will look a lot more classy and natural.
Point is, self-tanning can help develop everyone’s natural colour. It is not just about getting darker.
Be warned: not all self-tanners are made equal. Some will leave you looking orange and really unnatural because of bad formulation and cheap ingredients that may even be harmful for your skin. Make sure to do your due diligence and read up on crowd favourites.
4. A flawless self-tan calls for a flawless foundation.
There is no escaping it: the best self-tans are the ones that have their foundations in place. When we say foundations, we mean the proper skin preparations needed right before a self-tanning session.
Exfoliate and shower several hours before applying self-tanner. Exfoliating your skin gets rid of the dry skin cells, which will help you avoid splotches and streaks as you tan. This is because dry skin loves to absorb more product than the rest.
Also, by getting rid of the loose skin cells, you will also help prolong your tan’s life. Remember that the faster skin falls off, the faster it takes the darkened cells with it, which results in a faster fade.
Before application, avoid using other skincare products, makeup, and perfumes. This might create a barrier between your skin and the tanner which may create patching.
After application, avoid exposing your skin to moisture such as sweat and shower water for at least eight hours. Allow it to be absorbed and to develop naturally. You can, however, reach for a bottle of non-greasy lotion after letting your tan develop a bit. Moisturizing will help prolong your self-tan. Fake tans usually last up to 7 days when properly cared for.
5. Self-tanners are a lot cheaper and more convenient than tanning salons.
If you’re on a budget but strict on your beauty regimens, a bottle of self-tanner will cost a lot less than visiting your tanning salon often. While it’s nice to have professionals take care of you, the cost can be overwhelming at times.
Not only do you save on money, but you also save on time. You don’t have to travel to your spray tan artist or move around their available schedule. You have a tan-in-a-bottle handy and ready for use right at the comfort of your own bedroom or bathroom.
If you’re a rookie and you are reading these facts for the first time, we hope it helps you gain more confidence to switch to sunless tanning! Either way, you are beautiful in your own skin!