Self Tanning Tips: Choosing and Using Natural Tanners

Self Tanning Tips

Summer may be a distant memory. That doesn’t mean you can’t sport a healthy glow. Follow our self tanning tips on choosing and using the best natural tanners.

Whether you plan to hit the beach or are simply tired of looking at lifeless skin color, there are healthy options to achieving tanned skin. Forget tanning beds or spray tans and get your glow on at home.

Sunshine is good for us. It triggers the body to produce vitamin D (something most of us are low on this time of year) and is a natural mood booster. Of course, overexposure and inadequate protection increases our risk for skin cancer, sun spots, and premature aging. Moderation is key. Around 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure daily is recommended. Beyond that, be sure you are using safe sun protection.

So tanning the old fashioned way is out. We’ve heard about the dangers of tanning beds, and spray tans are said to be a detriment to health due to inhalation, chemical or not.

That leaves self tanning lotion. Easy to use, can be applied right in your own bathroom, and offers a natural looking tan. Better still, you have healthy options here.

While self tanners have come a long way from the orange streak-inducing products of yester-decades, not all of them have made the jump to using nontoxic ingredients. Why skip the tanning bed just to slather yourself in chemicals? Many mainstream self tanners contain dyes, synthetic fragrance and preservatives, and other harmful ingredients we try to steer clear of.

Safe natural self tanners are made with plant-derived ingredients Dihydroxyactone (DHA) and Erythrulose. DHA is derived from sugar beets or cane sugar and Erythrulose is found in fruits like raspberries. The sugars react with the amino acids in the top layer of skin to create a tanned effect. These natural tanning ingredients are not only safer for skin and body, but create a more natural looking tan than chemical tanners.

Don’t know where to start? Following are healthy all natural self tanners for face and body. They not only provide desired results but look and feel like regular moisturizer.

Self Tanning Tips True Natural Anti Aging Self Tanner

True Natural Self Tanner Anti-Aging Face & Body

Self Tanning Tips True Natural Perfect Tan

 

True Natural Perfect Tan Facial Self Tanner & Moisturizer

Self Tanning Tips Chocolate Sun Cocoa Illume Lite for Face

Chocolate Sun Cocoa Illume Lite for Face

Self Tanning Tips Lavera Self Tanner

Lavera Self Tanning Lotion

Self Tanning Tips True Natural Tropical Tan

True Natural Tropical Tan Face & Body Self Tanner, Dark Tan

Self Tanning Tips Chocolate Sun Absolute Sun Sunless Tanning Cream

Chocolate Sun Absolute Sun Sunless Tanning Cream

Self Tanning Tips for Application:

For best results, start with clean, freshly exfoliated skin. This goes for face too. Apply as you would your regular face or body moisturizer, working in smooth fluid motions to ensure even coverage. Go slightly lighter over tops of feet, ankles, knees, and elbows. Lightly wipe over eyebrows and lips with a towel after applying tanner.

Some practice will help, but this is not rocket science. Just a good, safe tan.

Related on EcoSalon

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The Dark Truth Behind Tanning Addiction

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Image of woman in the sun via Shutterstock

Liz Thompson

Liz Thompson is an organic beauty expert who has been researching and writing on the subjects of natural beauty, health, and wellness for over 10 years. She specializes in sharing safe beauty products and her knowledge on healthy ingredients with her readers, and helping organic beauty brands and shop owners share their message and products with the world through her writing services.