Self-tanning products, or self-tanners for short, refer to a cosmetic product that tans the skin without the use of UV light.
The use of self-tanning products is gentler on the skin than sunbathing and works within a few hours.
Self-tanners are available for both the body and the face.
Self-tanners usually contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as well as a monosaccharide (simple sugar).
Choice of shade
There are different shades – from a light to an intense tint. To achieve a natural result, the tone should be only a few shades darker than the natural skin tone.
Application of self-tanning products
Before applying self-tanner, the skin should be cleansed and exfoliated – both on the face and body – so that the result is even. Furthermore, the legs should be depilated beforehand – ideally the day before, so that the skin can calm down.
For the face, a special face cream should be used for self-tanning, as this can be better distributed on the face. For the body, lotions are best suited.
For an even result, the self-tanner should be applied in circular motions to avoid a streaky result.
Note: The thicker the horny layer, the more intense the result of the tanning. Therefore, hands, elbows, knees and feet should only be rubbed sparingly with the self-tanner.
To achieve the longest possible result, rubbing with self-tanners should be done once or twice a week.
Self-tanners can be used for any skin type.
Dry skin should be tanned with lotion or milk, oily skin rather with gels.
Sprays are suitable for hard-to-reach areas of the body such as the back.
Tanning in the beauty salon
In the cosmetic studio, the self-tanner is applied with the help of an airbrush technique. Thus, a particularly even result is achieved and even hard-to-reach body regions can be perfectly tanned.
Please note: Although self-tanners tan the skin, they do not protect it from UV radiation! For this reason, many self-tanners are offered in combination with sunscreens. However, these should have sun protection factors of 30 or more to be effective.
