Many people want to be beautiful and tanned. Sometimes we all like to have a little golden glow, or a slightly darker skin. So for this, some people spend hours in the sun, which is called 'tanning'. But is it really good for the skin? No. There is a method that is a thousand times safer, faster, and gives beautiful results than burning in the sun. That is "Sunless Tanning". Simply put, artificially tanning the skin without exposure to the sun.
Two main ways to lighten skin without sun exposure
The sunless tanning products we are talking about can be divided into two main categories.
1. Cosmetic Bronzers: These are like makeup. You can apply them whenever you want and then wash them off with soap at the end of the day.
2. Sunless tanners: These temporarily stain the top layer of the skin. It's like changing the color of the skin. This color gradually fades as the dead skin cells are shed.
Even many dermatologists now advise their patients to use products like this if they want to lighten their skin. Because these methods are much safer than direct exposure to sunlight or going to a tanning salon and being exposed to artificial ultraviolet (UV) light.
Types of bronzers that can be washed off
These can be used like regular makeup, for a special occasion, a party, or even just every day to give your face, legs, and body a beautiful glow. They come in several types.
| Bronzer type | Special points and how to use |
|---|---|
| Bronzing Powders | These are very easy to use. You can apply a little at a time to build up the color. You can apply them all over your face, along your nose, on your cheeks, and on your forehead. |
| Bronzing Gels | It's a little harder to apply than powder. Sometimes the results can be inconsistent. If you don't apply it properly, your skin may turn orange. |
| Spray Bronzers | These are very easy to use. You can quickly spray them on your face, neck, and chest. You can also spray them on top after you've finished applying makeup to give it a little color. |
| Stick Bronzers | Like a deodorant stick. You can apply these directly to your legs for an instant glow. You can use them with concealer to cover up blemishes and spider veins on your legs. |
Remember, these bronzers can stain clothes . Therefore, you can avoid staining your clothes by applying them and waiting until they are completely dry before getting dressed.
Sunless Tanners That Stain the Skin
These types of products, including lotions, sprays, gels, and mousses, all contain a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) . Don't worry, DHA is a very safe sugar to use.
Simply put, this DHA reacts with proteins in the top layer of our skin (the epidermis) to give the skin a temporary dark color, aka a 'fake tan'. As our dead skin cells naturally slough off, this color gradually fades over a period of three to seven days.
Which of these is the best type?
- Lotions : These are very easy to apply and spread smoothly on the skin.
- Gels: Dries quickly and is less sticky on the skin.
- Sprays: A little difficult to apply alone, you may need someone's help. But they can be easily used on areas like the face and neck.
- Mousses: These are less moisturizing . So, while they are good for oily skin, they are not so good for dry skin. Also, as the color fades, it may not fade evenly and may look patchy in places.
There are some sunless tanners that build up the tan gradually, over a few days. These are great for someone new to these things or someone who doesn't want to get a deep tan all at once.
To get the best results, this preparation is a must!
Unlike applying a cosmetic bronzer, applying a sunless tanner requires good preparation, otherwise the results can be ugly.
- Step 1: Waxing or shaving : If you are waxing or shaving, do it the day before you plan to apply the tanner.
- Step 2: Exfoliate: Before applying the tanner, take a shower and exfoliate your skin. This will remove dead skin cells and help the tanner absorb evenly into your skin.
- Step 3: Pay special attention to dry areas: Scrub very dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and hands thoroughly, as tanner can accumulate in these areas and turn them dark or orange.
- Step 4: No Moisturizer: After showering and scrubbing, don't apply any moisturizer, lotion, or deodorant. These can interfere with the tanner's ability to absorb properly into the skin.
- The only exception: Only on very dry areas, like hands or feet, apply a very light moisturizer before applying the tanner. This will prevent those areas from absorbing too much tanner and turning a darker color.
How to apply Sunless Tanner correctly?
1. Spot Test: Before applying it all over your body, test it on a small area of your skin to see if you are allergic to it. While most people are not allergic to DHA, some people may be allergic to the fragrances or preservatives in it. If you experience any allergic reactions, see your doctor immediately.
2. Preparation: Tie your hair in a ponytail. Wear an old dress or bikini. The tanner can get on your clothes before it dries.
3. Wear Gloves: Wear a pair of well-fitting latex gloves to prevent staining your hands.
4. Application method: Shake the product well and apply it in circular motions on your legs, arms, and body. This will eliminate the streaky look. Applying it evenly all over your skin will give you a beautiful, natural look.
5. Face and hands/feet: When applying to the face, apply less than the body. If the face is too dark, it will look unsightly. After removing gloves, apply a little tanner to the back of your hand and rub your hands together. Be careful not to get any on the palms. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess tanner on the creases of your hands and over the knuckles. Also, be very careful when applying to the feet and around the ankles.
What to do if and after stains appear
No matter how careful you are, sometimes dark spots can develop on areas like your hands and ankles. If that happens, you can lighten the discoloration by applying a little hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or whitening toothpaste to those areas.
To keep your tan longer, apply moisturizer regularly . Frequent swimming in pools, hot tubs, or the ocean will quickly fade your tan.
This is very important: Just because you have tanned your skin this way does not protect you from the sun. This is just a discoloration of the top layer of your skin. Therefore, you should definitely use a good sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every time you go out. Don't be fooled into not wearing sunscreen. It can seriously damage your skin. Ask your doctor for more information about sunscreen.
Take-Home Message
- Sunless tanning methods are much safer than exposure to sunlight or UV rays.
- There are two main types: Bronzers that wash off like makeup, and Sunless Tanners (containing DHA) that temporarily stain the skin.
- To achieve the best, most even result, it is essential to thoroughly exfoliate the skin before applying the tanner.
- Before applying any new product to your entire body, do a spot test on a small area of skin.
- Most importantly: The tan you get from these methods doesn't protect you from the sun. So, always use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when you go outside.
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