Self-tanning at home, pros and cons, main types, examples of products for toning skin tones, tips and tricks for correct application to get the perfect tan. Self-tanning is a means for giving the body a tan. It is an artificial method of dyeing the skin, which is achieved by repainting its upper layer without exposure to sunlight. Different self-tanning products have different color intensities, and the end result also depends on the skin type.
Self-tanning properties for body tinting
Any self-tanner contains substances that can give the body beautiful shades. It can be used at any time of the year. Like any cosmetic product, self-tanning has both advantages and disadvantages. Let's describe in more detail what advantages this method has:
- Many experts argue that the use of atozagar is safe compared to sunbathing, which can lead to burns or complications from harmful radiation.
- Useful additives nourish and moisturize the skin, do not contribute to premature aging.
- After treatment, the top layer of the skin is smoothed out and becomes radiant.
- Saving time and money on natural tanning or going to the solarium.
- Suitable for home use due to its simple application method.
- It can be applied even during pregnancy.
Among the negative aspects of self-tanning are the following:
- The effect lasts for a fairly short time (from 2 days to 2 weeks). Most often this is due to the type of skin, its pre-treatment before the procedure, the type of product, the frequency of taking a shower, the use of additional hygiene products, the composition of the water (ordinary or sea water).
- It is hard enough to independently treat all areas of the skin, so it is worth resorting to outside help.
- Due to the fact that the skin on the whole body is greasy, the effect disappears unevenly.
- In some cases, you have to carefully select the product to achieve the best result.
- Some types of self-tanners have a specific scent.
- The product is not completely absorbed, so there may be traces of it on clothes and bedding.
- To permanently maintain the tanning effect, the product must be applied every 2-4 days.
Contraindications to the use of self-tanning body
Substances included in self-tanning products can affect the skin and the body as a whole in different ways, so it also has some contraindications for use.
Consider what prohibitions exist for artificial tanning:
- Predisposition to allergic reactions. To avoid unwanted effects, carry out a sensitivity test by applying a small amount of the drug to a small area of the skin for several hours. If as a result there are no red spots or other reaction, feel free to use the product.
- Avoid applying if you have a rash or acne.
- During an exacerbation of herpes, it is also undesirable to use it, so as not to transfer the infection to other areas.
- It is not recommended to frequently apply the drug to dry skin in order not to dry it out even more.
Types of body self-tanners
Numerous companies specializing in the production of this type of cosmetics produce self-tanners of varying color intensity and in various forms, including milk, cream, lotion, oil, wipes, spray, gel, pills. Let's consider the most popular ones.
Self-tanning gel
Has the easiest way to apply. Used when taking a shower. The result, the duration of the staining of the skin depends on how often it is applied. It differs in that it lays down very evenly. At the same time, it does not leave marks on the towel or clothes at all. Does not require thorough rinsing. The disadvantage is low color intensity.
Some examples of gel for creating tanned skin:
- Sublim Bronze by Loreal … After application, a bronze tint appears instantly, the gel is quickly absorbed and dries. Thanks to the instant effect, you can always see which areas have already been treated. Does not stain clothes. The cost is 1200 rubles.
- Terracotta Sunless Gel Autobronzant Teint? by Guerlain … It has a double action - toning and moisturizing. Doesn't clog pores. Full shade intensity is achieved one hour after application. In areas with dry skin, the color intensity is higher, therefore, to avoid blemishes, you need to moisturize the skin. Duration of staining - up to 4 days. One bottle can be purchased for 2500 rubles.
- Sun Touch by Nivea … Getting on the skin, the gel interacts with the cells of the epidermis, which leads to the appearance of a shade. Can clog pores, especially on the face. Absorbs longer than sprays. It is inexpensive - about 200 rubles.
- Silky Bronze Self Tanning by Sensai … It is absorbed quickly enough, so it leaves no residue. Doesn't clog pores. The price category is above average - from 2200 rubles. But the cost is justified by the economy.
Self-tanning milk
Most of the products of this variety do not leave stains on clothes, have a light texture. Among the most frequently purchased are the following products:
- Milk-self-tanning "Express" from the company Floresan … Can be used on face and body. Its cost is low (it starts from 100 rubles for 125 ml), has a pleasant smell, the bulk is quickly absorbed, leaves practically no traces.
- Self-tanning milk "Smooth tan" from Garnier … It contains many natural nutrients such as apricot extract. Does not dry out the skin. Paraben free. At the beginning of the course, it is applied every day to achieve the desired effect, then the application is limited to 2 procedures per week to maintain color. The cost for a bottle of 150 ml is 516 rubles.
- Milk-self-tanning "Sublim Bronze" from Loreal … After application, there is an instant effect, however, the first time you shower, it is almost completely washed off. 150 ml of the product costs 640 rubles. The method of application is similar to Garnier milk.
Self-tanning cream
Self-tanning in the form of a cream is characterized by a longer lasting effect. However, its effect should be much longer, which leads to additional expenditures of effort and time. After applying the cream, you can not put on for about 30 minutes, so that all the components have time to be absorbed into the skin.
Preparations in the form of a cream:
- Clarins Lisse Minute AutoBronzant Cream … Contains acacia micro-pearls, which are able to tighten pores and smooth wrinkles. This product is quite oily, so it should be applied in a thin layer, does not contain SPF, and has a pungent odor. Not suitable for oily skin. The cost is quite high - about 2,000 rubles.
- Self Tan Concentrate by Babor … Contains almond oil and, in addition to the tanning effect, has a lifting effect, as well as alcohol, so it is better not to use it for dry skin. The cost of a bottle is from 1,500 rubles.
Self-tanning lotion
Self-tanning lotions have a very delicate flowing texture. Using them, you can easily control the thickness of the applied layer.
Here are a few common products for fake tanning in lotion form:
- Self Tanning Gradual Hydrating Bronze Lotion 6 SPF by Lancaster … It is an excellent option for beginners, the full tint effect is achieved gradually with daily application. The price is approximately 1,500 rubles.
- The Shine of Summer by Dove … Self-tanning with reflective particles. Deeply penetrates and cares for the skin. After application, a shimmery shade appears. The average price is 440 rubles.
- Gradual Tanning Lotion Face Body by La Prairie … Perfectly moisturizes the skin. Allergic reactions are possible when used on sensitive skin. The cost is 3000 rubles.
- Kiss of the sun by Nivea … The composition includes grape seed oil. The tan color appears gradually. Helps moisturize the skin and increase its elasticity. Can be used daily to maintain the color effect. The cost is low and is approximately 325 rubles.
Body toning oil
Cosmetic oils for self-tanning are a source of useful substances, they thoroughly moisturize the skin and saturate it with vitamins. One of the disadvantages of this type of decorative means is the creation of an oily sheen on the skin and a film that can cause discomfort. Self-tanning oil is best used on dry skin to avoid unpleasant effects.
The following products are mentioned most frequently on the web:
- Huile Somptueuse Eclat Naturel Dior Bronze by Dior … Gives the opportunity to get an even natural tan. Does not leave a greasy film, makes the skin soft. 100 ml of the product costs 2,700 rubles.
- Floresan BODY BUTTER chocolate … It is a hard cream that melts on application. Has an interesting cocoa scent that stays on the skin for a while. The effect appears in 5-6 hours. When reapplied, the intensity of the color increases. Can be used to maintain natural sun tan color. In the official store of the company, 100 ml of oil can be bought for 122 rubles.
Self-tanning wipes
Self-tanning wipes have a fabric base impregnated with coloring agents. This form of product presentation is more suitable for use on the face and neck. Napkins are always easy to carry with you in order to refresh your tan at the right time. the effect comes instantly. Their use is not recommended for owners of fair skin.
Consider the popular tools:
- Sublime Bronze Eazy Tanner by Loreal … In addition to coloring components, wipes are impregnated with deodorant, exfoliating and moisturizing agents to make your tan as even and natural looking as possible. The cost of a package including 2 napkins is 220 rubles.
- Self-tanning napkin from Bronzeada … Dihydroxyacetone, which is part of the composition, interacts with the cells of the epidermis, stimulates the formation of a golden hue. They moisturize the skin well, and vitamin E helps to slow down aging. Available in packs with a different number of napkins (1, 4 and 8 pieces). A sample (1 packaged napkin) costs 200 rubles.
Self-tanning spray
Self-tanner spray is easy to apply from any position. Processing takes a short amount of time. Drying takes 10-15 minutes. When spraying, it is necessary to observe safety measures so as not to inhale aerosol vapors.
Common products:
- Aerotan SexSymbol by SexyHair … Does not contain dehydroxyacetone, therefore it does not interact with epidermal cells. The spray effect appears instantly. The product does not cause allergic reactions. Cost - from 1125 rubles.
- Sublim Bronze Automatic by Loreal … After spraying, there is no need to dispense the drug. Creates an even shade. Leaves no residue. The cost of this spray is from 650 rubles.
- Nivea Sun Touch Aerosol … Differs in convenient application. Gives an even, natural shade. But after prolonged use, the skin dries up, which leads to small spots in the places of the bends of the arms and legs, the uniformity disappears. Over time, the color loses its naturalness.
Features of using self-tanning
Self-tanning helps many people in different situations. For some, it is enough to use it only on the face and hands, provided that the rest of the body is covered with clothing, others need to treat the whole body, and still others pursue the goal not only to color the skin, but also to receive additional care. Let's consider several options for using bronzing cosmetics.
Applying a self-tanner for the face
The main rule is that you should not apply self-tanning products intended only for the body on your face. This is because the type of skin on the body and face is significantly different. Therefore, in some cases, the result may be unpredictable. As a self-tanning for the face, it is better to use special products that have a delicate texture, gentle composition and mild effect.
The sequence of actions for processing the face:
- For facial treatment, it is better to choose the time of day when it is possible to be at home for about 5 hours in order to wait for the results and, if possible, correct them.
- The skin on the face must be cleaned of any cosmetic products. You can use a moisturizing toner.
- For better distribution of the drug over the entire surface, apply it to slightly damp skin.
- Lubricate areas with smaller pores immediately with self-tanner. Then lightly treat the nasal area, center of the forehead. Do not treat the skin around the eyes.
- Finally, soften the edges where the hair starts. To do this, use a moisturizer, with which you can distribute the dye in these areas.
When buying a toner for the face, special attention should be paid to the intensity of the color. Let's describe several well-established selection rules depending on hair and skin color:
- The mark "light" means light skin. A darker tone is not worth buying to avoid an unnatural color. The rest of the bronzes will be difficult to wash off, even with a strong desire.
- Marked "medium" - light brown, brown hair, peach skin. Although other shades will also look uncritical.
- Mark "dark" - dark hair, dark skin. Other self-tanning options can add a yellow tint, degrading the look.
Applying a moisturizing self-tanner
Self-tanning products with a moisturizing effect are more targeted at dry skin, which can be damaged by regular tinting products in the form of flaking. Additional hydration, nutrition, care can improve coloration, prolong the duration of the drugs and at the same time ensure the normal functioning of the skin.
Natural extracts, oils and other useful additives help to increase the protective functions of the epidermis, its resistance to external influences.
It is not recommended to use moisturizing self-tanners on oily areas of the skin. they can enhance the shine. So, if the skin on the face is oily or combination, then it is better to choose a specific bronzate that is most suitable for a specific type.
Moisturizing self-tanners are easier to spread over the body for an even tint. Reduces the risk of divorce.
How to use a self-tanner for the body
There are home tanning products that cannot be used on the face, but only on the body. Read the instructions carefully.
To achieve a pouring tan, treat the areas that are most exposed to the sun. To make the tan look more natural, do not darken unnecessarily the neck, curves of the arms, legs. It is not recommended to stain the armpits at all.
The product must be distributed in the smallest layer and as quickly as possible, because each individual product has a different penetration and color intensity.
How to apply a self tanner with sun protection
The vast majority of artificial tanning products do not contain ingredients that protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. However, for some people, the tandem "self-tanning + SPF" is a priority among decorative cosmetics. After dyeing the skin artificially, we do not give up walking in the open sun, which can cause irritation or burns on the body.
An excellent representative of such bronzes is Milk with SPF 6 filter from Clarins (from 1650 rubles). To a greater extent, this preparation is suitable for light sensitive skin. This milk gives a dark complexion, moisturizes the epidermis and creates a barrier on the skin against the adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Based on the reviews on the Internet, we can conclude that Clarins SPF 6 Milk is quickly absorbed (from 5 to 10 minutes), after this time it does not leave marks on clothes, the coloring effect appears after 2-4 hours and lasts up to 5 days, shade looks natural, there is no yellowness.
Application rules for self-tanning with SPF do not differ from the basic recommendations for the use of similar products. The only difference is that protection from sunlight is mostly necessary only in the hot months of the year. Therefore, in winter, you can buy ordinary bronzes.
How to use a self-tanner bronzer
In the summertime, self-tanner can be used as a sun-color maintenance product or as a color correction for the whole body.
On public beaches, it can be difficult to get a uniform shade due to swimwear, the skin under which remains much lighter when light streaks peek out from under summer clothes.
On nudist beaches, too, everything is not rosy. The fact is that not the entire surface of the body tans evenly in the sun due to the change in posture on the beach, the position of the sun in the sky during the day. The shoulders and face are painted in a dark color faster. And places of bends of arms and legs and areas with denser skin, on the contrary, acquire a summer shade more slowly.
In this case, bronzes come to the rescue to correct the imperfection of a natural tan. This type of self-tanning application is the most economical, because there is no need to treat the whole body, just apply the product to light areas.
Rules for applying self-tanning to the body
To achieve the most correct result, observe the following rules:
- Test the new tinting agent for color shade and intensity.
- Be sure to cleanse your skin with a commercially available scrub or homemade exfoliator just before or the day before your procedure. Perfectly smoothes the epidermis and relieves it of coarse or dry particles with a mixture of baking soda and salt in equal proportions, diluted with milk for washing or liquid soap.
- It is recommended to remove unwanted hair on the legs, in the bikini area.
- Apply to clean, damp skin to avoid clogging pores. Slightly steamed skin absorbs components better, but dark spots may form in the pores. On the skin moisturized with the cream, there is a better chance of distributing the self-tanning in a thinner layer. it then dries a little more slowly.
- Use the product in small portions. Rub it in quickly in a circular motion.
- Treat areas with tighter skin immediately, then more sensitive areas.
- Don't try to dye your skin too dark. The best option is 1-2 shades darker than the natural color.
- If the dyeing process is not carried out in the summer, and it is not planned to treat the whole body, because it is under the clothes, then for more naturalness it is worth treating the hands as well. In this case, the drug does not need to be applied to the inner surface of the palms, nails. After a few minutes, you can slightly moisten your palms with clean water and use it to distribute the product again.
- Do not apply long-drying products before bed, so as not to lubricate during the night, staining the bed linen.
- In the case of dry skin, it is recommended to apply moisturizers 15-20 minutes before the procedure.
- Wear gloves to protect your palms from staining, or use a glove to dispense the product.
- If applying with bare hands, wash thoroughly immediately after completion. Nails can be brushed.
- Application should be carried out sequentially - from bottom to top or vice versa.
- Do not let the product drip.
- Do not shower immediately after the procedure, some products may rinse off immediately.
- Apply moisturizers after the preparation has completely dried (the terms are indicated on the package).
- You can repeat the procedure no less than half an hour after the effect appears. The processing frequency is indicated on the product packaging.
Each bronzing or chocolate shading agent has its own specific recommendations. Detailed instructions for application are present on the product packaging. How to apply self-tanning - watch the video:
Among the many products for self-tanning, it is quite difficult to decide on the most suitable product. The recommendations for use described above, information on the properties of a particular type should be taken into account. However, the best option is to select a self-tanning agent empirically.
