Despite warnings about the dangers of sun exposure, some people just can't resist the urge to get that light tan. If you're someone who wants to get a nice tan but doesn't want to risk damaging your skin by exposing yourself to the sun, the best and safest solution for you is a self-tanner . In this article, we'll talk about how to use a self-tanner without any mess or blemishes.
Why is self-tanner better than being in the sun?
First, let's get this straight. "The only safe way to get a 'tan' look is to use these types of self-tanners without sun exposure," says Dean Mraz Robinson, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. Simply put, any change in color that occurs to your skin due to the sun, whether it's a tan or a burn, is actually skin damage.
Just think, unprotected sun exposure is a major risk factor for skin cancer. Not only that, it also breaks down the proteins in our skin called collagen and elastin, accelerating skin aging and wrinkles. So, self-tanner is a great solution to avoid all these risks and look beautiful.
How does this work?
You might be wondering how self-tanner turns your skin brown. It's very simple. These creams contain a plant-based sugar molecule called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) . This chemical, DHA, reacts with amino acids in the dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. This reaction produces brown compounds called melanoidins. These are what give your skin a temporary tan. Over the course of about 7-10 days, your tan will gradually fade as the dead skin cells on your skin's surface naturally slough off.
This preparation is essential before singing!
To get a beautiful, spot-free result, you need to prepare your skin well before applying the self-tanner. This is the most important step.
| Action | Why is that? (Reason) |
|---|---|
| Scrub the skin well (exfoliate) | DHA is deposited in the layer of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. So, if you don't remove the dead skin cells that are about to fall off, the tanner will absorb more into those dry areas, making them look darker. So, when you shower, scrub your skin well with a loofah or a washcloth to remove the dead skin. |
| Do a Patch Test | Like any skin product, you may be allergic to it. So, before applying it all over your body, test it on a small area of your skin (like behind your ear). You can also check if it matches your skin tone. If you experience any allergic reactions, itching, or redness, stop using it immediately and see your doctor. |
| Apply a barrier cream to rough areas. | The skin on your knees, elbows, and heels is very rough and thick. These areas can absorb too much tanner and become unsightly dark. To prevent this, apply a thin layer of a barrier cream like Vaseline or Aquaphor to these areas before applying the tanner. Don't forget to apply it around your nails as well. |
| Choose an alcohol-free product. | Tanning products that contain alcohol can dry out the skin and can also aggravate skin conditions like dermatitis and rosacea . So choose an alcohol-free product. |
Here's how to sing it properly: Step by step
Once you're ready, all you have to do is peel it off very neatly and patiently.
1. Don't rush.
This is never something to be rushed. When you have plenty of time, try to do this in the evening. That way, it will have plenty of time to dry and absorb into the skin by nightfall. If you apply it in a hurry, you'll miss some spots and there's a high chance of spots appearing.
2. Use a mitten
It's best to use a special mitt designed for applying self-tanner. This allows for a smoother, more streak-free application than applying it by hand. Most importantly, it prevents your hands from turning orange.
3. Rub in a circular motion.
When applying the tanner, divide it into small sections and rub it in a circular motion. You don't need to apply a lot of pressure. Apply it slowly, with even pressure, all over your body, and reduce the pressure a little when you reach areas like your knees, elbows, neck, and wrists .
4. A trick to rub on the back
Applying it to your back can be a challenge if you don't have anyone to help you. Here's a great trick for that. Place your tanning mitt on a kitchen spatula and use it to easily apply it to the hard-to-reach areas of your back.
5. Don't ride in these places.
Don't apply tanner to your heels and earlobes. Applying it to those areas can leave a patchy, unnatural look.
Don't forget these things after you've washed.
Just because you've applied the tanner doesn't mean you're done. To maintain a beautiful result, there are a few things you need to do next.
- Let it dry thoroughly: After applying, wait at least 15 minutes before getting dressed . Then, wear loose, loose-fitting clothing for the next few hours. Sweating, getting wet, and wearing tight clothing can cause the tan to fade in places and look patchy.
- Be patient: It takes at least 24 hours to see the full result. So don't be afraid to apply more if you feel like the color isn't enough after one application. It's better to build up the color gradually than to apply a bold color all at once.
- Moisturize: The best secret to keeping your tan longer is to apply moisturizer to your skin every day. When your skin is moist, dead skin cells are shed more easily. This helps your tan last longer.
The most important warning: This is not sun protection!
This is where many people make mistakes. Remember this very well.
Many people think that applying self-tanner will protect you from the sun. That's a complete misconception! Even though your skin may look tanned, it won't give you any additional sun protection.
That means, when you go out, you should definitely use a sunscreen with a good `SPF` (Sun Protection Factor) value, just like before. There's no arguing with that.
Take-Home Message
- Preparation number one: Before applying self-tanner, be sure to exfoliate your skin thoroughly to remove dead skin cells.
- Do a patch test: Before applying it to your entire body, apply it to a small area of your skin to check for allergies and color compatibility.
- Use a mitt: A tanning mitt is essential for a smooth, streak-free application and to prevent discoloration of your palms.
- Stay hydrated: To make your tan last longer, apply a good moisturizer to your body daily.
- Most importantly: Self-tanner is not sunscreen. Always use a sunscreen with SPF when going out in the sun. This will protect your skin's health in the long run.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න