There are many different choices we face on a daily basis. What to do, what to wear, what to listen to, where to go. To add complexity to these decisions, we must also factor in the variables. What to wear if the weather is warm or cool, what to wear if the weather changes at lunch, what to wear if there is a chance of rain, or our weekend tan lines can’t be hidden. An exhausting process sometimes, we know.
Something we should all factor into our self tanning routine is if the tanner we are using is suitable for our specific skin type. We may be influenced by a company's campaign, promising to deliver the ‘deepest, most natural looking tan’, but the reality is if we aren’t considering our individual skin’s needs and complexities, we may come out being left disappointed rather than bronzed and confident.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is probably the most influential factor when purchasing any topical product we are applying to our skin, cosmetic or otherwise. Sensitive skin can take many forms and affect individuals in many different ways. From Eczema to psoriasis to general skin related allergies, it’s incredibly important to take care of our skin, and to be mindful of the reactions we can potentially experience.
As sensitive skin can take on many forms and bare many diagnoses, we always recommend that a healthcare practitioner direct you on best practice of care. However, there are a few key ingredients and additives that are renowned for soothing and protecting one’s skin.
Natural DHA vs Synthetic DHA
DHA is the active ingredient in tanning products that allows your skin to develop a bronzed shade. The main benefit of using a natural DHA tanning product is avoiding that unwanted fake tan smell, as well as understanding that natural DHA reacts only within the top layers of our dead skin cells, ensuring that it is far less likely for the tanner to seep into your bloodstream. Wild, we know! Our best selling Self Tanning Mousse and Ultra Dark Tanning Mousse are both formulated with 100% natural DHA, along with a host of our other self tanners. For more information on the benefits of natural DHA vs Synthetic, check out our blog here.
DHA is the active ingredient in tanning products that allows your skin to develop a bronzed shade. The main benefit of using a natural DHA tanning product is avoiding that unwanted fake tan smell, as well as understanding that natural DHA reacts only within the top layers of our dead skin cells, ensuring that it is far less likely for the tanner to seep into your bloodstream. Wild, we know! Our best selling Self Tanning Mousse and Ultra Dark Tanning Mousse are both formulated with 100% natural DHA, along with a host of our other self tanners. For more information on the benefits of natural DHA vs Synthetic, check out our blog here.
Natural fruit and vegetable extracts
Some extracts that naturally soothe and nourish the skin are:
- Chamomile extract
- Coffee seed extract
- Pomegranate extract
- Cocoa butter
- Coconut oil
- Jojoba oil
When applied directly to the skin, chamomile extracts may help address hyperpigmentation, acne and redness. Coffee seed extract may help reduce redness, increase firmness in the skin's surface and boost collagen production. The antioxidants found in pomegranates have also been shown to help in the process of cellular detoxification, allowing the skin to be protected from oxidative stress that may cause signs of premature ageing. Our Ultra Dark Tanning Mousse was developed around these key ingredients to ensure a hydrating and nourishing application, every time.
Cocoa butter is extremely high in fatty acids which helps in hydrating the skin by creating a protective barrier across the surface. Coconut oil is also rich in fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants that may help protect the skin by improving elasticity and increasing moisture. For more information on this hero ingredient, be sure to read our blog here.
Jojoba oil is also incredibly kind to the skin. Jojoba oil is known for its deeply moisturising and antibacterial properties. It is also categorised as a natural hypoallergen and has been identified to possibly aid with collagen production, due to the natural antioxidants it harbours. We packed our Face Tan Water full of this little gem to ensure a gentle and soothing application could be achieved with every use.
Oily skin
If you have acne-prone or oily skin, be sure to stay away from any oil-based self tanners. Your self tanner choice should include any natural soothing ingredients and extracts listed above, as well as Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera has been shown to have natural cleansing properties and is known to deliver a lighter consistency in application, something that must be prioritised when we are working with oily skin.
Self tan available in a mousse or foam like consistency are also preferable as they are generally lighter on the skin’s surface. If you have oily skin and are looking for a self tan formula that isn’t too heavy on the skin’s surface, we recommend trying our 1 Hour Express Self Tan. This tanner’s formula is an incredibly lightweight and aerated mousse, allowing the skin to breathe underneath your tan.
Dry skin
If you have dry or dehydrated skin by default, you will need to be opting for a self tanner that is incredibly hydrating and nourishing. Some self tanners centre their formula around hydration, so be sure to look for key ingredients like cocoa butter, coconut oil and vitamin E. Our gradual face tan is a great substitute for a daily moisturiser. Rich in all things hydration, the Gradual Face Tan will add a subtle, buildable glow to your skin’s surface over time, whilst nourishing and soothing it.
If you have dry or dehydrated skin by default, you will need to be opting for a self tanner that is incredibly hydrating and nourishing. Some self tanners centre their formula around hydration, so be sure to look for key ingredients like cocoa butter, coconut oil and vitamin E. Our gradual face tan is a great substitute for a daily moisturiser. Rich in all things hydration, the Gradual Face Tan will add a subtle, buildable glow to your skin’s surface over time, whilst nourishing and soothing it.
We also recommend ensuring that you’re keeping your skin moisturised long after your initial tan application. Regularly moisturise with a hydrating creme or gradual tanning creme.
And finally, don’t forget to prep
Irrespective of your skin type, prepping the skin appropriately prior to applying your self tan will hugely impact the application and development of your tan. Read our blog here on our recommendations for appropriate skin prep and the do’s and don’t of self tanning.
