Achieve Beautiful Bronzed Skin with These Self-Tanning Products

Baking under the sun or via a tanning bed is bad for the skin. Exposing the skin to UVA/UVB light can lead to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, leathery skin, or worse, skin cancer. But if you want to achieve that enviable J.Lo glow without exposing your skin to harsh light, go for self-tanners.

A self-tanner darkens the skin without sunlight. It works by promoting the production of melanin in the skin to give the illusion of a tan. Some tanners contain chemicals that tint the skin to mimic a sun-kissed complexion. In today’s post, we are listing down all types of self-tanning products you can use to achieve a bronzed, glowing skin:

Spray Tan

Spray tan is a product applied in a mist form. The product is typically formulated with tyrosine or dihydroxyacetone. Tyrosine contains amino acids that increase the production of melanin in the skin. Spray tanning works gradually to give the skin a sun-kissed glow. However, tyrosine could increase the skin’s sensitivity to ultraviolet light so avoid sun exposure after getting a spray tan.

Dihydroxyacetone or DHA self-tanners work by triggering a reaction within several amino acids that sit on the epidermis. The chemical reaction causes the dead skin cells to darken. This leads to a bronze-looking skin. The color change of the skin is only temporary. The sunless tan will fade within a week.

Tanning Pills

Tanning pills are pills formulated with canthaxanthin. The chemical is absorbed by the layers of fat under the skin, causing the skin to appear darker. Tanning pills are not recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration. There were reports that these products led to health problems such as eye irritation and digestive issues.

Tanning Lotions

Tanning lotions offer sunless tan in a cream form. These products are formulated for specific skin tones and feature varying levels of SPF. Tanning accelerators are also used to help darken the skin more quickly. There are three different types of tanning lotion: outdoor, indoor, and self-tanning lotion.

Outdoor tanning lotion is formulated with chemical bronzer and moisturizer to darken the skin. Usually, this product comes with sun protection (SPF 5 to 15) to protect the skin from UVA/UVB rays. For those prone to burning, opt for outdoor tanning lotion with very high sun protection (SPF 45 to 100).

Indoor tanning lotion is designed to be used at indoor tanning beds and does not always contain SPF. This product is designed to accelerate the process of tanning the skin while offering some protection from intense light from a tanning bed.

Self-tanning lotions are formulated with natural or synthetic additives that darken the skin for weeks at a time. This product may or may not contain sun protection. Self-tanning lotion is applied by rubbing the product evenly on the skin.

Bronzer Powders

Bronzer powders are makeup that warms up the skin. You have to layer the product to bring color back to the skin. Bronzer powders usually come in very large pans and are applied with a makeup brush. When not blended properly, bronzer powder can look unnatural and cakey.

Bronzer Gels and Stick

Bronzer gels and stick are similar to bronzing powders. Used as makeup, these bronzers warm up the skin, adding a healthy glow. Because they come in gel or stick form, the result is very natural looking. Bronzer gels and stick can be applied using the fingertips or a makeup brush.