Self-tanners and bronzers

Self-tanners

Many people want to achieve a tan or tanned skin without spending too much time in the sun or exposing themselves to the adverse effects of solar radiation. For this reason, bronzers or self-tanners have become the ideal option for those who want to show off golden skin both in summer and winter. These are cosmetics that, when applied to the skin, provide a natural tan over time. Self-tanners are not permanent, and their durability depends on their composition and application.

They are usually removed directly with soap and water; in a sense, they are like skin makeup or dyes. The longer-lasting ones are not as easily removed due to their DHA (dihydroxyacetone) content, providing a more permanent color to the skin.

DHA takes about 45 minutes to react, and we can't see the full effect until after 2 hours. The skin renews itself completely every 35-40 days, and this is how long it will take for the product to be completely lost if it's not removed first.

Self-tanners. Preparing your skin

Self-tanners are harmless, and their composition has been improved in recent years, making them easier to apply, absorbing more quickly, and providing a more luminous, natural tone. Before applying the tanner, it's important to exfoliate and moisturize your skin to achieve an even result. Particular care should be taken in areas prone to excessive pigmentation, such as knees, elbows, and ankles.

Bronzers don't stimulate melanin, meaning they don't naturally produce color. Therefore, it's important to use a bronzer that contains UV protection or some type of sunscreen to avoid damaging effects on your skin.

Types of self-tanners

We can differentiate the different tanning products according to their effects on the skin or the method of application:

• Instant tanners usually contain little or no DHA. These products typically last a day and can be removed with soap and water.
• Gradual self-tanners contain very little self-tanner, so you need to apply them more often to achieve or maintain your tan over time. They're ideal for the face, as they allow you to achieve your favorite shade without much effort.
• Tan extenders contain active ingredients that nourish and moisturize the skin, as well as a light amount of self-tanner to maintain your tan for longer.

We can find self-tanners in various textures. The most popular are spray, foam, oil, or stick. But we can also find them in lotion, cream, or gel. Furthermore, the use of tanning wipes to apply the product is increasing. Each format has its own advantages, so choosing the most appropriate one will depend on your skin type, personal preferences, and the area of the body where you'll be applying it:

• Tanning Spray: easy to apply and quickly absorbed. Ideal for covering large areas of the body evenly, although it requires care to avoid staining.
• Tanning cream: Provides a gradual tan with a thicker texture. Perfect for dry skin or for those who prefer a slower, more precise application.
• Tanning oil: provides extra hydration, leaving skin soft and satiny. Recommended for dry skin.
• Tanning lotion: Resembles a traditional moisturizer. Ideal for those looking for a more controlled application and extra hydration.
• Tanning gel: light and refreshing, ideal for oily or combination skin, as it does not feel greasy and is well absorbed.
• Tanning drops: Mix with your regular moisturizer to achieve a gradual, personalized tan. They're ideal for the face or specific areas.
• Tanning mousse: A light, airy texture that spreads easily. Very popular for its natural finish and quick drying.
• Bronzer stick: perfect for small areas or for localized touch-ups, such as on the face, décolletage, or legs. It's clean and convenient to carry in your purse or while traveling.
• Tanning wipes: very practical for quick and mess-free application. They're perfect for traveling or for maintaining your tan every day.

Are self-tanners harmful?

These types of products act on the outermost, most superficial layer of the skin and, by themselves, do not produce spots or redness. If any appear, it is due to improper application and will disappear within a few days when the effect wears off. It is not recommended for people with skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.

For some people with dry skin , although it will darken more quickly and become darker, it tends to dry out more due to lipid loss. For oily skin, it's important to note that this product will clog pores to some extent, and the skin will need to be exfoliated thoroughly to remove the product.

Tips for using self-tanners

Self-tanners are easy to apply and easy to use, but we recommend following a few steps to enhance their properties:

• To achieve an even color, we recommend exfoliating the skin beforehand, especially in rougher areas.
• It's important that the skin is adequately hydrated before application, as drier areas don't absorb the product properly, resulting in an uneven result.
• We recommend the use of protective gloves to avoid excessive tanning of the palm of your hand.
• Spread the product correctly, applying the same amount all over your body. If necessary, ask for help for areas that are more difficult to apply.
• Wash your palms, nails, and fingers quickly and thoroughly after applying self-tanner to remove any remaining product.
• Wait for the product to dry before getting dressed, to avoid staining your clothes with the product.
• It's important to patch test your self-tanner before applying it for the first time to see if it contains any ingredients that could trigger an allergic reaction.
• Remember that self-tanner does not protect against solar radiation, and it is advisable to avoid exposure to sunlight for the first 24 hours after applying the tanning lotion.

Best self-tanners

Among the best-selling tanning products is St. Moriz Self-Tanning Mousse , a fast-acting self-tanner. It contains olive milk and vitamin E, allowing you to control the tan over time.

From the St. Tropez brand we find the St. Tropez Self Tan Luxe crème mousse , which is a self-tanning mousse enriched with natural ingredients.

Finally, another of the most requested is the Ziaja Sun Tan Accelerator , which accelerates the tanning process.

Plus, on our website you'll find the best tanning and self-tanners at the best prices. Find yours from among the best brands on the market.

• St. Moriz Self Tanners
• St. Tropez Self-Tanners
• Freshly Cosmetics Self Tanners
• Clarins Self-Tanners
• Garnier Self-Tanners