With summer approaching, it’s time for a healthy glow, but getting that fresh-off-the-beach radiance from the sun comes with a price.
The sun’s UV rays are not only damaging to the skin, but they’re also the number one offender when it comes to premature aging. Ultraviolet rays cause the skin to become less elastic and more wrinkled, thickened, leathery, or sometimes even thinned out like tissue paper.
Over time, UV exposure can lead to skin cancer, which is the number one type of cancer in the U.S. Tanning beds are often advertised as a safer alternative to the sun for getting summer color, but they still emit harmful UV rays which can lead to visible premature aging and, potentially, skin cancer.
However, there are benefits to sun exposure. For example, sunlight can help the skin produce vitamin D to support bone health.
To get the proper amount of vitamin D, you only need to spend about 10-15 minutes in the sun per day. Conversely, skin can begin to burn in as little as 15 minutes of sun exposure. Therefore, the window between getting the proper amount of vitamin D and burning from sunlight is basically nonexistent.
Vitamin D can also be obtained with a proper diet or supplements, avoiding this sun issue altogether. But avoiding the sun doesn’t get you that gorgeous, glowing, golden summer tan so many of us aim for. There is a solution to this, too, with a “sunless” or “self” tanner.
The days of sticky, orange, smelly, and streaky self-tanning creams are gone thanks to formulation advancements in recent years.
The self-tanners available on the market today are infused with many beneficial ingredients like SPF, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. They not only create a sun-kissed glow but also hide imperfections while moisturizing the skin.
Self-tanners use color additives to achieve their “tan” look. Most formulas use dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is a sugar that reacts with the skin, making it darker without being able to be washed away. It works by coloring dead skin cells on the outer layer of the skin, so the faster those cells turn over, the faster the tan fades.
Self-tanners come in many forms today, from lotions, foams, and mousses to liquids, sprays, and towelettes.
There are also different self-tanners for the face and body. Facial tanners, for instance, typically have anti-aging ingredients and SPF included. There are also self-tanners formulated for use on both the face and body, though, so it’s important to carefully choose the one to fit your needs.
Clear tanning products create less mess but are difficult to see when gauging an even application. Tinted versions, however, are easy to see, but can be messy and transfer to fabrics. They are also buildable and can be used frequently until the desired color is reached, then maintained with weekly applications.
How long self-tanners last can vary. Traditional tanners that are left on for eight hours last longer than express ones that are washed off in one hour. Additionally, tanning products left on overnight absorb better for deeper, long-lasting results. But in general, tanners typically last for five to ten days, depending on how often you sweat, shower, swim, and moisturize.
There are also steps you can take to extend the life of your sunless tan before, during, and after application.
First, read all the directions carefully and follow them exactly. Wax or shave any unwanted hair 24 hours before using self-tanners to ensure the hair follicles have closed to avoid a stippled-looking application.
Exfoliate the night before or morning of using a non-oil-based exfoliator (like this one from St. Tropez) to slough off all dead skin cells. This step is crucial to an even application and prolonged tan.
Never use oil-based products of any kind before self-tanning as oils can interfere with the binding of DHA to the skin, which causes unevenness. Also steer clear of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) for 24 hours before self-tanning as they exfoliate on a deeper, cellular level and can cause color to fade faster.
Keep your skin moisturized and hydrated up to 24 hours before using self-tanner. Only moisturize very dry areas (hands, feet, knees, and elbows) the day of to prevent soaking in too much color. Drier areas tend to absorb more pigment, so moisturizers form a barrier that prevents tanning development and drier areas from tanning darker.
Those with light hair may want to coat their brows and hairline with moisturizer as well to prevent accidentally tinting them. This oil-free moisturizer from CeraVe is perfect for this step.
When applying self-tanner, it is helpful to wear a tanning mitt to help achieve a more even, uniform color. Tanning mitts buff the product into the skin for a streak-free finish while protecting palms and fingernails from staining.
Apply tanner to the face first, then move on to the body starting at the feet and working your way up. Work in sections using in a circular motion and spread the tanner evenly while massaging it into the skin and blending well. Use a liberal amount of product; it is impossible to overapply because the skin can only absorb a certain amount of DHA. Applying more will not affect the color but using too little can create a streaky-looking tan.
After application, wipe the product from your palms, soles of your feet, fingernails, and toenails with a cleansing wipe to prevent staining. Allow the faux tan to develop for at least 20 minutes before getting dressed and 12 hours before showering, swimming, or exercising.
Moisturize all over daily to keep your tan fresh and prolong fading. This tan optimizer body moisturizer from St. Tropez is great at helping maintain your new tan. Also, always remember to wear a separate sunscreen with SPF 30+ to protect your tan and your skin, and reapply your self-tanner as needed.
When choosing a self-tanner, look for ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, shea butter, and seaweed that condition and moisturize skin while staying away from parabens, mineral oils, and artificial dyes.
These are some of the top-rated self-tanners available on the market today
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse
This fast-drying mousse contains a bronzer that makes even application a breeze. It allows you to control how dark your tan is by how long you leave it on (one hour for a light sun-kissed glow, two hours for medium, or three for dark). It is long-lasting, streak-free, non-sticky, and transfer-free with a pleasant mood-boosting fragrance.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad for Body/Face
These self-tanning pads are specific for use on either the face or body but seem to have minimal differences other than the size and count of the pads. The ones designed for the body have an added ingredient called Capsilow which slows the growth of body hair and helps reduce razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Both formulations are clear, streak-free, boost hydration, exfoliate, and firm. They are also travel-friendly for a mess-free application.
Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel
This gel dries quickly for natural, long-lasting, streak-free, and buildable color. In addition to DHA—which develops color within hours—it also contains erythrulose, which develops color two to three days after application, helping to prolong tan time. Its lightweight, hydrating, non-sticky formula can be used on both the face and body.
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
This budget-friendly classic is tried and true for good reason. The lightweight lotion applies straight out of the shower and sinks right in to deliver a gradual and natural glow. This super-hydrating and buildable formula reaches its peak in about one week.
Mario Badescu Self Tanning Lotion
Another cost-effective option is this lightweight lotion which gives a natural, subtle glow within two hours of applying. Its oil-free, hydrating, and buildable formula is perfect for fair or acne-prone skin. It can be used on both the face and body.
Kora Organics Gradual Self Tanning Lotion
This clean, vegan, and cruelty-free lotion is perfect for sensitive skin. Its hydrating formula is infused with organic oils like sunflower seed, coconut, and rosehip to deliver a buildable, natural-looking tan gradually. It is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals with a pleasant lavender scent.
Coola Sunless Tan Dry Body Oil Mist
This organic mist spritzes on for easy application and delivers a buildable color for a gradual, radiant glow that lasts up to three days. Suitable for all skin types, it’s packed with antioxidants that help even skin tone, improve elasticity, increase firmness, and moisturize, all while smelling like a tropical pina colada.
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist
Simply spritz and glow with this clean and vegan-friendly face mist to achieve a natural-looking golden tan that lasts for days and doesn’t need to be washed off. This clear, weightless formula has a tropical scent, leaves no sticky residue, and won’t transfer to fabrics. It uses 100% natural tanning agents along with hyaluronic acid to boost hydration.
For questions, concerns, or article ideas, feel free to reach out to our eCosmetics Beauty Editor directly at beauty@ecosmetics.com
