Tanning without sunlight is a popular form of gaining a more bronzed appearance during the summer as opposed to succumbing to the potentially harmful UVA/UVB radiation of the sun, which can cause skin damage due over-exposure. Self tanners are a great way to gain that bronzy glow in the warmer months as an alternative, but not all are created equal.
While obtaining bronzed skin from self tanners is one of the perks of summer, darkening your skin the inorganic method undoubtedly can cause some concern, especially where chemicals are concerned. So here we are going to take a gook at what to watch out for in Self-tanners so you can have a safe, yet effective tanning session.
Harmful Ingredients
A common active ingredient in self tanners, known as DHA, or dihydroxyacetone is the main ingredient that participates in browning your skin, a sugar that enacts with amino acids found in your skin that reacts. Although DHA can be found more organically in sugar or beets, or produced unnaturally in substances, such as glycerin, DHA is pretty safe. However, research suggests that it may be harmful to the skin’s DNA, although there is no hard evidence of that.
Other ingredients often found in self tanners, such as mineral oil, which is comedogenic, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, a skin and eye irritant, and artificial fragrances and colors, which could cause allergic reactions, may offer no harm immediately, or when utilized on occasion, but may do so in the long term. Studies also suggest that those who slather on self tanners are less likely to practice skin protection while out in the sun, so even if you are getting a tan by other means, it is still important to use skin protection.
Safe Ingredients
Although no self-tanner is 100% natural or purely without synthetic chemicals because it actually needs to work, your best bet is to seek out one that contains a list of as many natural ingredients as possible. One tell-tale sign of an ingredient that may not be the best for your skin is your ability to pronounce it or if it sounds very chemically, such as amyl acetate, which is used in the dry-cleaning business, or even isopropyl myristate, another comedogenic ingredient.
Self tanners that contain vegetable-derived DHA, healing and soothing ingredients such as aloe, shea butter, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, almond oil, natural fruit oil, etc. are the best way to go to still get the glow you desire without the caustic consequences, so a knowledge of ingredients and how they react to the skin is important
Tips for Successful Self Tanning
Always wear an SPF sunscreen even if you self tan because the sun’s rays can still cause damage to your skin, which would defeat the purpose of a self tanner. Depending on how long you will be out in the sun, choose an SPF of 30 or more.
Additionally, it’s important to exfoliate, because dead skin can cause self tanning work to appear blotchy, which actually look fake, so make sure that you slough off all that dead skin with a body scrub, as found in Janssen Cosmetics’ plethora of body scrubs, all formulated to gently renew and refresh your skin.
Try not to skimp on hydration, because you’ll still need a buffer to protect your skin and keep it looking and feeling its best without feeling greasy. Janssen offers a wealth of body creams that are formulated to meet your unique skin care needs
Lastly, always look for a self tanner that is creamy, smooth and lathers on easily. Avoid one that is sticky or too thick because you may end up looking blotchy. A little also goes a long way, so start lightly and add layers if you desire a deeper tone. Keep it simple, cover all the areas and crevices, such as behind the ears, nose, and around the eyes, and you’ll be on your way
to successful sunless self tanning!
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