Tan is my happy color. I just feel much better when I am tan. With tanning comes risk. I have not always been a sunscreen user. Until very recently, I didn’t apply it to my face daily. It is now part of my morning routine Honestly, I start to look like an overcooked pot roast when I am out in the sun a lot. It is not a look I am aiming for. Now, I am obsessed with my sunscreen in the morning. I love how it feels on my skin and under my makeup. You can read more about the top 3 less expensive sunscreens I tested out here on my blog.
Why Sunless Tanning is The Best Option
In a perfect world, our sun damage education would start at a young age. We would know that seeking shade, and proper sunscreen application keep our skin looking healthier and making it healthier. Sun damage causes earlier wrinkling of the skin and increases the likelihood of skin cancer.
When I was a teenager in the 80’s *GASP*, I would rub baby oil on my skin and lay out in the Las Vegas sun on a typical 120 degree summer day. Literally cooking my skin like bacon . Ok, until recently, I was still doing my own version of that. Not anymore. Sunless tanning has rescued me from both damage from the sun and the pasty reflection in the mirror.
Self Tanning To The Rescue
Asking myself, how can I safely be tan was a question I already knew the answer to. You can’t be safely tanned by UV rays. It just is not safe. Self tanners in the past always made me look yellow or at minimum, orange. I tried out 3 tanning products and have to say, they surprised me.
Tan my Face..Please!
First up, Isle of Paradise Self- Tanning Drops.These face tanning drops really work! Isle of Paradise tanning drops in dark are now part of my tanning process. I am adding them to my morning moisturizer 2-3 days a week. I use the dark drops and for me, 7 drops a few times a week leave me with a healthy glow. I also find them really hydrating and do not make my skin sticky. I will be honest, I still love a real suntanned face more but I am trying to be smart!
Bronze My Body…Please!
This body tanner is truly a lotion with tanning benefits. It makes your skin really soft and glides on like a lotion. It does however, have that kind of self tanner scent to it but really, they all do. It is a small price to pay in comparison to skin cancer.
My mom used to use Jergens self tanner on her legs in the winter and I was never a believer. She often looked a little streaky and orange. I have since learned that the main reason that happens is due to application. This product is great though when applied correctly. You will see a gradual, soft tan that deepens over time. You can use it daily until you get the color you are trying to achieve and then every few days to keep it. It really does a nice job and gives you a glowy tan with no UV damage.
I cannot stress enough that you MUST exfoliate regularly to get the best self tanning results. You can use an exfoliator or even just scrub a little harder than you usually do with a washcloth or loofah. This helps remove dead skin buildup and leaves newer skin ready to take on the product. I also highly suggest using a tanning mitt. It not only keeps your hands from turning orange but it helps spread on the product evenly and makes a world of difference. I love this one . Trust me, it is worth the $7.21
Take me to Tahiti
The tropical tan look is sometimes what we want. Nothing says healthy like the tanning you get on a relaxing vacation. HALT! NO tan is healthy so remember that! You can still get that look by using this tanning mousse by St. Tropez . It is so easy to use with the mitt I mentioned above. There is a reason this mousse has almost 17,000 reviews. It gives a deep tan that I love. It is also great when you have something a little more skin showing that you want to wear and you want that extra deep tan. You will look tan, keep that in mind. This is not a subtle glow.
In 4-6 hours, color will begin to develop and you will be hooked. It has a nice added color component so you can see where it is applied and where you missed. I love that. Yes, the price is a little higher than other products but this can will probably last you about 4-6 months. Once you get to the color you want, use it less often.
Can I Skip the Sunscreen Now?
NO! A tan is not protection against UV damage. A ‘base tan” does not make your skin safe from the sun. Please use a sunscreen every day. Even if you are driving, staying home or it’s cloudy and raining. You need to stay protected.
Self tanning is a great and safe alternative to outdoor tanning. 70 year old you will thank you for limiting sun exposure and self tanning to still feel bronzed and looking like you just stepped off the island. Aloha!
