Our awareness of the dangers of tanning increases every year. Exposing the skin to UV rays or regular visits to the solarium are no longer something to be proud of. However, not all of us like a pale complexion. Fortunately, there is a way to get tanned skin without harming it. Before we decide on an artificial tan, however, it is worth checking how self-tanning devices work and whether their use is absolutely safe.
Summer is in full swing, which means the season of holidays and hours spent on the beach. However, it is worth remembering that sunbathing without moderation can do much more harm than good, and we are not just talking about temporary suffering caused by sunburn. It is known for a long time that UV rays destroy collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in our skin. Thus, they accelerate the appearance of wrinkles and skin aging. Unfortunately, that's not all - they contribute to discoloration and even cancer.
For this reason, even on a cloudy day, you shouldn't forget about a cream with a high filter. Of course, we know how a tan works (of course, the subtle one) - optically slims and firms our body. For this reason, so many of us cannot imagine giving up on it. However, instead of torturing your skin in the sun, it is worth choosing much safer methods, i.e. self-tanners. How do they work? What do they have in their composition that they can conjure up an olive tan in just a few hours? About it below!
A way to get an artificial tan
One of the most popular methods is the self-tanner, which reigned on our market several years ago. It is worth noting, however, that today's cosmetics have little to do with the memorable lotions and sprays, thanks to which the entire population of Polish cities has suffered from the orange peel (we are not talking about cellulite! :)). Unfortunately, many of us already have an opinion on them and avoid these specifics like fire - really unnecessarily. What is the alternative to traditional self-tanners?
A method that is gaining more and more popularity is spray tanning, i.e. Airbrush Tanning. This technique, of course, came to us from the United States. Why is it so eagerly used? First of all, for the sake of convenience. Contrary to the use of a self-tanner, which is time-consuming and sometimes tedious, in this case it is enough to put yourself in the hands of a specialist who will literally transform us from an albino into a mulatto in just a few minutes. You will learn how exactly both methods work later in this article.
At this point, however, it is also worth recalling completely natural ways to tan. Our grandmothers already knew and used the miraculous effects of carrots and other products containing beta-carotene. Regular consumption of this substance supports the secretion of pigment, which means that our skin will acquire a slightly golden color over time. We might as well start rubbing carrot seed oil or a homemade self-tanner into the epidermis. How to prepare it?
Homemade cocoa tanner
Natural cosmetics are becoming more and more popular recently. We have been using home masks, scrubs and even creams for a long time. So who said that we cannot try to create a self-tanner? For this purpose, it is enough to find a sealed glass container in which we will place all the ingredients in turn:
- a glass of liquid coconut oil,
- 1 teaspoon of cocoa,
- XNUMX/XNUMX teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
The mixture should be mixed thoroughly and rubbed into the skin every day after bathing. Unfortunately, we will have to wait a while for the effect, even several weeks. However, such a tan will give the skin a delicate golden shade and even out its color.
How does a self-tanner work?
Time to solve the mystery - how does the cream cause a tan? Of course, the composition of the product is responsible for everything. Usually, in self-tanners we find DHA, i.e. dihydroxyacetone - a substance that reacts with amino acids contained in the cells of our epidermis, changes their color..
Importantly, the self-tanner does not reach the dermis, and therefore does not permanently affect its health. Color changes only occur in cells, which die over time and peel off on their own. For this reason, such a tan is not permanent. It is also worth remembering that the final color of the tan depends on the thickness of our epidermis and the amount of the applied preparation.
Are self-tanners safe? What are their disadvantages?
DHA was approved by specialists for use and use in cosmetics already in the 70s. Despite this, scientists to this day have not stopped studying it. It has been discovered that products containing DHA can become dangerous if left on store shelves for too long or exposed to sunlight. Under the influence of external factors, dihydroxyacetone can begin to decompose into harmful and even carcinogenic formaldehyde. Should we then begin to be afraid and avoid self-tanners like fire?
If we use these cosmetics as intended, or keep them on the shelf for too long, we have nothing to be afraid of. Remember to use only freshly opened cosmetics and try to use them as soon as possible. In older or badly stored products, pH changes take place - chemical changes that result in the formation of formaldehyde, which is an irritating and even dangerous substance. Its action manifests itself as a skin allergy, irritation and drying of the epidermis.
Some of us avoid self-tanning for another reason, namely the specific smell that cosmetics produce when in contact with our skin. It is worth noting that this aroma has nothing to do with the aromatic qualities of the product itself, while it is still in the packaging. The reaction of DHA with the skin's amino acids is to blame for everything. During the "tanning" process, a rather unpleasant aroma is created, sometimes compared to that of ... frying meat. Producers are doing their best to neutralize it. Unfortunately, to no avail.
An alternative to DHA, i.e. self-tanner with erythrulose
Fortunately, we are not doomed to DHA at all. If you are really bothered by the specific smell of these cosmetics or you are concerned about formaldehyde, there are still cosmetics based on erythrulose. The resulting tan looks even more natural - it is homogeneous and minimizes the risk of unsightly stains or discoloration practically to zero. Cosmetics using this substance have a much longer shelf life, what's more, they do not convert into formaldehyde.
These cosmetics, however, have their drawbacks. In their case, a tan does not appear until 24 hours or even 2 days after applying the preparation. Due to their properties and less popularity, such self-tanners, unfortunately, cost more than traditional ones. Regardless of which preparation we choose, we must be aware that in each of them we will find - or even should find! - preservatives. Both DHA and erythrulose are chemically sugars. And since there are sugars, bacteria may appear ...
Or maybe spray tanning?
This increasingly popular method is perhaps one of the safest ways to get a beautiful tan. Moreover, such a treatment will not only darken our skin, but also moisturize and nourish it. What exactly is spray tanning? How does it work? First of all, it is worth saying that the so-called Airbrush Tanning takes place in a beauty salon, in a specialized booth.
Immediately before the treatment, wash the make-up thoroughly, remove antiperspirant and perfume residues. The beautician first performs a dry peeling that smoothes the skin. After that, it is time for the actual treatment, i.e. the tanning itself, which takes about 15 minutes. The time needed to dry the body should also be added.
What is the difference between a spray tanning product and a tube self-tanner?
Contrary to appearances, the standard self-tanner has a different composition than that used by a professional beautician. The preparation used for spray tanning is a special mixture of two substances - DHA and erythrulose. It is also enriched with the DMI component, which supports and preserves the tan. What's more, it also contains aloe vera extract and vitamins A and E, thanks to which the preparation not only tans the skin, but also strongly moisturizes the epidermis.
Unfortunately, this method is not for everyone. There are several contraindications, namely skin allergies, cuts, fresh wounds, excessive sweating, and even asthma. It is also worth remembering about the relatively high price - one treatment for the whole body usually costs about PLN 100. For the effect to be more durable, the treatment should be repeated after 7 days. The color in such a situation can last up to several weeks.
Tan? Yes, but the "fake" one!
Of course, there is no ideal method that is completely free from disadvantages. After all, if we want to enjoy golden skin, it's good to put a tan from a tube or a spray applicator. It is really not worth exposing yourself to the harmful effects of sunlight. Unless we want to pay for a tan with additional wrinkles or even a serious skin disease.
You will soon read about how to choose a self-tanning preparation and how to apply it to enjoy a successful tan, you will read soon on our blog!
