Self-tanning creates an effect tanned skin, without direct exposure to sunlight. Thus, this is an ideal option for those for whom, for medical reasons, exposure to both natural and artificial ultraviolet radiation is contraindicated.
Types of self-tanning
All self-tanning products can be divided into two types, based on their operating principle and durability. The first includes the so-called bronzers or bronzers.
A bronzer (bronzer) is a cosmetic product, which is used mainly for the face and décolleté. Serves as a base for makeup, evens out tone, models and corrects the face, giving it a slightly tanned shade with a radiant effect.
Bronzers exist in the form of gel or powder. When choosing a shade of bronzer, you should choose one that is one, maximum two shades different from the shade of the skin on which it is applied. The pigments that make up bronzers color the skin, but are not absorbed into it.
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Thus, the main disadvantage of these cosmetics is that they are not long-lasting (the product lasts 5-6 hours): if it gets wet, it can blur, stain clothes, and also crumble. But there is also a plus – bronzers are easy to wash off, and when used correctly, do not cause any harm to the skin.
The second type of product includes auto-bronzants.
Auto-bronzant— when we talk about self-tanning, these are often what is meant by these cosmetics. When applied to the skin, the pigments included in their composition (primarily the chemical dihydroxyacetone (DHA)) react with its upper layers, giving the skin the desired shade and last for several days, and sometimes weeks.
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The reaction does not occur immediately, but appears after a few hours, releasing a specific odor , which is masked by manufacturers using additional ingredients included in the products, such as almond, peach milk, and various oils.
The oils and vitamin E contained in auto-bronzants also help reduce skin dryness that may occur when using the products. Unlike bronzers, auto bronzers are usually applied not only to the face, but also to the entire body. You can choose a shade that is 2-3 shades darker than your skin.
Types of self-tanning products (auto-bronzant)
Self-tanners come in the form of lotion, body milk, gel, mousse, spray, cream, even jelly. Lotions and body milks with a bronzing effect give the skin a slightly tanned appearance.
The spray is easy to apply, quickly absorbed, leaving no stains or streaks. Not all self-tanning products are suitable for the face, which should also be taken into account. Basically, these are creams that are suitable for sensitive areas of the skin and are enriched with moisturizing components.
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There are also so-called “tanning wipes”. Outwardly, they are not very different from ordinary wet wipes, they are the same white, in individual packages. They are impregnated with a special composition containing the same dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which, when reacting with the keratin contained in our skin, gives it a dark tint. Napkins are convenient to use because they do not stain clothesbut they also have obvious disadvantages—the effect does not appear immediately, and since they do not leave marks, you can skip some places on the body and get spotted tan.
They also dry out quite quickly and lose their properties if the packaging is not tightly closed.
How to choose the right self-tanner
Cosmetics currently on the market with a self-tanning effect not only change skin tone , but also give it elasticity, tone, soothe, moisturize, and help fight the signs of aging. All these factors can and should be taken into account when choosing a product for a certain skin type, and based on the person’s age.
Pros and cons of using self-tanning
Self-tanners are very helpful if it’s the 5th month of winter outside, the vacation is still very far away, and you no longer have the strength to blend in with the surrounding grayness. A solarium is not suitable for everyone: you need to find time, money, and also be sure that it is not contraindicated for you.
Self-tanning products are more convenient and affordable and in most cases are absolutely safe. You can choose the shade you need, the effect is quite quick, but unfortunately, short-lived. Perhaps this is the main disadvantage of auto bronzers.
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One of the not obvious disadvantages is the difficulty of application, especially with regard to the back area. It won’t be easy here without outside help.
Contraindications
The main component found in most self-tanning products is dihydroxyacetone. It is a simple monosaccharide extracted from sugar cane, beets and glycerin. Another component found in some products is erythrulose, found in red ripe berries. That is, the main active ingredients are natural.
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But, of course, allergic reactions are not excluded, therefore, before applying the product to the entire surface of the face or body , you should try it on a small area of skin (for example, on the elbow) and wait a while to eliminate the possibility of an allergy.
You should not skimp on self-tanning products to avoid becoming a victim of low-quality manufacturers.
How to use self-tanning. Some useful tips.
The basic rule for using self-tanning: before applying any self-tanning product, use a scrub to remove the top, stratum corneum of the skin. In this case, the product will lie evenly, not in spots, and will last much longer. After peeling, you need to take a shower and let the skin dry for 10-15 minutes.
One day (to avoid possible irritation) before applying self-tanning, it is worth epilating. Do not use perfume or deodorant several hours before applying self-tanning.
Self-tanning is always applied from the bottom up, be it cream, gel, mousse, or milk. The spray is also applied from bottom to top, moving up and down. It should be applied to the stomach and chest in a circular motion, and on the arms, move from the hands to the shoulders. The back and shoulders are painted last.
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You can apply a rich cream to your eyebrows and lips to avoid a yellowish tint. It is better to apply the product to the knees and elbows without rubbing, so that they do not turn out darker than the rest of the body.
After applying the product, you need to thoroughly wash it off your hands with soap, not forgetting about your nails. You can also try applying self-tanner while wearing cellophane gloves to avoid staining your palms. It is better to get dressed after waiting 10-15 minutes so that the product has time to be absorbed and does not stain things.
To make the shade more saturated, you can reapply the product after 3-4 hours. And for a maintaining effect, repeat the procedure every 3-4 days.
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And you need to remember that the result often depends on the natural characteristics of the skin to which the product is applied, its composition, pH, etc. Therefore, first make sure on a small area of skin that you get exactly the result you expected.
How to remove self-tanner
If the experiment with changing skin tone is unsuccessful, and this also happens, then You can use lemon juice to remove and correct unwanted color. It is better to do this as soon as possible, before the product is completely absorbed into the skin.
Despite the abundance of self-tanning products on the market, none of them can beat the sun in terms of tanning quality, durability, and the benefits it brings and the healing properties it has. Unfortunately, they have not yet learned how to add vitamin D to self-tanning products.