Self-tanner instead of solarium
That’s what we dream of summer, sun, vacation, rest, relaxation and brown summer skin. But the summer tan is gone as quickly as the recovery after the holiday is gone, too. And the attempts to keep the pleasant skin colour often come to nothing. The rule of thumb is that if you find it difficult to tan, you will get rid of your tan just as quickly. There is nothing you can do about it – except to get a little “temporary colour” with self-tanning lotion. How long the self-tanner lasts, how to apply self-tanner correctly and whether self-tanner or a visit to the solarium is more harmful is explained below.
How does self-tanner work?
Self-tanners usually work by using the synthetic sugar dihydroxyacetone (DHA). The tanning effect on the skin is created by DHA chemically reacting with proteins on the top layer of the skin. This creates a pigment that is similar to the skin pigment melanin.
The colouring of the skin is usually visible after a few hours.
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Self-tanner and solarium
Since most self-tanners do not have UV protection, you can usually use the solarium after application. However, solariums are also subject to criticism: If you use the sunbed regularly, it has been proven that the risk of white skin and eye cancer increases. The high proportion of UV-A radiation in the solarium also hurts skin ageing.
Today’s self-tanners are less harmful than solariums. However, they are not entirely harmless to health.
To achieve the tanning effect, self-tanners contain the synthetic sugar dihydroxyacetone. This is not harmful in itself, but it can break down into formaldehyde over time. This substance is considered carcinogenic.
Is self-tanner harmful?
The proportion of DHA in self-tanners is now only around two to five per cent. Nevertheless, self-tanners should be used sparingly and, above all, the product should be stored suitably: DHA breaks down to formaldehyde more when exposed to heat. That’s why self-tanners should be stored in a cool place. It is also important to note the expiry date of the self-tanner and only use it once stated.
People with skin diseases such as psoriasis or neurodermatitis and people allergic to certain cosmetic ingredients should only use self-tanning products after consulting a doctor.
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Self-tanning cream, spray or mousse
The self-tanner stays on the skin best if you wait about three hours after applying it before exercising or doing other sweaty activities. Showering or bathing soon after application also endangers the sun’s look. Whether self-tanner as a cream, spray or mousse is a question of personal preference. The sun from the tube is also available as a self-tanning gel or self-tanning milk.
In any case, you should only use a special facial self-tanner for your face, not a body tanner. The skin on the face requires even more care than the rest of the skin on the body, and facial self-tanners are, therefore, specially tailored to these needs.
Self-tanner without DHA
Self-tanners without DHA are also available. These work, for example, based on carrots or another synthetic sugar (erythrulose), which breaks down more slowly.
How long does a self-tan stay on the skin?
The self-tanner only dyes pigments in the top layer of the skin. Numerous small flakes of skin detach themselves from this every day. The tanning effect also disappears quickly. Self-tanners usually only last a few days.
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Sunbathe with self-tanner?
You can go out in the sun with a self-tanner without hesitation. But Since self-tanners only colour the top layer of skin, they are not sunscreen. So, this tan does not protect against damage caused by UV radiation, such as sunburn.
An exception is self-tanners, which also have UV protection. This is then stated on the packaging. If this is not the case or if the sun protection factor of the self-tanner is only low, you should also apply sunscreen.
Apply self-tanner correctly
Two behaviours are critical to apply self-tanner correctly to achieve a good result and avoid uneven discolouration.
Scrub against stains
Self-tanners are best applied in the morning after showering. The excess fat was rinsed off by showering, and the skin was lightly peeled by showering and towelling. Dry skin cells can be removed with a body peeling or a loofah sponge because the colour lasts particularly well on smooth skin; otherwise, self-tanner can accumulate on the excess skin cells. This can result in an irregular result. Elbows, knees and heels can quickly look “dappled” without peeling.
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Wear gloves when applying.
Self-tanners have a high colouring potential. Once the skin has tanned, you have to wait for the next phase of cell renewal until the skin has regenerated and the coloured skin cells are shed. It is, therefore, advisable to wear gloves when applying the self-tanner or, in any case, to wash your hands thoroughly immediately after application before the self-tanner stains the palms of your hands.
More tips for applying self-tanner
If you want to apply self-tanner correctly, you can also follow these tips:
- So that the tan is nice and even, you should apply the self-tanner in small portions with a sponge. A lightly tinted self-tanner is worth it for the first time. Its colour makes it easier to see where the tanner has already been applied.
- This avoids tanning different body parts to different degrees because the skin was unconsciously rubbed there several times. This is particularly important in prominent areas such as elbows and knees because otherwise, they quickly look much darker than the rest of the body.
- Before applying a minimal self-tanner, a little body lotion as a primer ensures an even tan in the problem areas. Eyebrows and hairline are left out. Otherwise, the self-tanner will get caught there and tint unevenly.
- After applying the self-tanner, you should wait about 30 minutes before putting it on until it is completely absorbed into the skin. This is how you avoid stains on your clothes. Self-tanners are challenging to remove from silk and synthetic fabrics.
