How Does Self-Tanner Work?
Getting a tan doesn’t have to mean baking in the sun or laying in a tanning bed, both of which come with risks of skin cancer and other factors that age your skin such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. “Using tanning beds before age 35 also increases your risk of developing malignant melanoma by 75%.” The good news is that self-tanners offer a safe and effective way to achieve a beautiful glow without the harmful UV rays. Learn about the key ingredients that help self-tanning lotions give your skin a natural-looking tan.
What Are Self-Tanners?
Self-tanning, also known as sunless tanning, refers to topical beauty products designed to create a natural tan. Unlike makeup bronzers that sit on top of the skin and wash off at the end of the day, self-tanners create a temporary change in your skin color. Self-tanners come in several forms, including lotions, mousses, and serums.
How Do Sunless Tanning Products Work?
The top layer of your skin consists entirely of dead skin cells. These cells constantly shed and replace themselves in a natural cycle that takes about a week or two. When you apply a sunless tanner, the active ingredients (e.g., hyaluronic acid, peptides) interact with the top layer of your skin. As this process happens, it creates brown pigments that give your skin that sun-kissed look. Since it only affects the outermost layer of skin, the color isn’t permanent. As your skin naturally sheds those dead cells over time, the tan gradually fades.
What is DHA in Self-Tanner?
The key ingredient behind this bronzing effect is dihydroxyacetone, better known as DHA. DHA is a simple carbohydrate, often derived from plant sources like sugar beets or sugar cane. It’s the only sunless tanning ingredient currently approved by the FDA for cosmetic use on the skin.
When DHA interacts with the amino acids on your skin, it takes a few hours for the color to fully develop. This is why you need to wait between four to eight hours before showering after applying self-tanner. The amount of DHA in a self-tanner determines how deep your tan will be. Lighter, gradual tanners usually contain around 3% to 5% DHA, while darker formulas could have up to 15%.
What is Erythrulose in Self-Tanner?
Brown Bee’s self-tanners also include a secondary active ingredient called erythrulose. Like DHA, erythrulose is a sugar that reacts with the amino acids on your skin. While DHA gives you that quick, initial color, erythrulose develops more slowly over several days. When both of these ingredients are in self-tanning products, the result is a more natural-looking, longer-lasting tan that fades evenly rather than turning patchy.
Self-Tanner Application Tips
To get the best possible results, you need to know how to apply the self-tanner correctly. Self-tanning products cling to dead skin cells, so uneven skin can lead to an uneven tan. Dry patches, especially on elbows and knees may absorb more product and appear darker or blotchy. Check out our how-to videos for tips on applying self-tanner.
Self-Tan Prep
- Exfoliate your entire body 24 hours before applying self-tanner using an exfoliating mitt to remove dead skin.
- Don’t shave or wax at least 24 hours in advance to allow pores time to close and help prevent dark spots.
- Before applying tanner, make sure your skin is clean and completely dry.
- Pay extra attention to rough areas like ankles, knees, elbows, and knuckles.
- Moisturize very dry areas (e.g., elbows, knees, and heels) with an oil-free lotion to help prevent them from absorbing too much product.
Applying Self-Tanner
- Always use an application mitt when applying self-tanner. It helps prevent your palms from staining and ensures a smoother, more even application.
- Start from the bottom and work your way up.
- Use long, sweeping circular motions to blend the product evenly to avoid streaks or patchiness.
- Save your hands, feet, and face for last because these areas need only a small amount of product.
- Use whatever product is left on the application mitt to lightly blend over the tops of your hands and feet.
- For your face, choose a self-tanner made specifically for facial use, since body formulas can be too heavy and may clog pores.
Post Self-Tan Care
Once you finish applying the self-tanner, wear loose clothing while the tan develops because tight clothes can rub the product off. Try not to sweat or get wet during the development time, which is usually between four to eight hours. When it’s time to rinse, use lukewarm water and avoid harsh soaps or exfoliating tools. Let the water gently wash away the guide color that shows where you applied the product, until the water runs clear. Afterward, pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing to help keep the tan even.
Shop Brown Bee’s Self-Tanning Products
Achieve a natural-looking glow without harmful UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. Shop our selection of self-tanners to find the perfect formula for your skin.
FAQs
How long does a self-tan last?
Most self-tans last about 5 to 10 days, depending on your skin type, how well you prep beforehand, and how often you exfoliate or moisturize afterward.
Do I need sun exposure for self-tanner to work?
No, self-tanning products do not require UV light. The color develops entirely through a surface-level chemical reaction.
Why does my self-tan look uneven sometimes?
Uneven application usually happens when skin isn’t properly exfoliated or moisturized. Dry patches can absorb more product, leading to darker areas.
Can I wash off self-tanner right after applying it?
No, because the color needs several hours to fully develop. Washing too soon can prevent the tan from forming properly.
Does self-tanner protect me from the sun?
Self-tanner does not contain SPF, so it won’t protect your skin from the sun. You still need sunscreen when exposed to UV rays.