Self tanning before and after photos

Since the 1920s, perfumers, and therefore ladies of all ages, have been experimenting with cosmetic products that can imitate a natural tan. First came bronzers - something similar to a foundation that paints the body the desired color, and after the first one the shower is completely washed off. Later, from the 60s, self-tanners, or what we call self-tanning, settled on the shelves. Their current maximum is to maintain a golden or chocolate effect from 3 to 14 days.

There are few contraindications, but they do exist. Do not use self-tanners or bronzers:

1. with inflammatory processes on the skin (rash, ulcers);
2. after operations, unhealed wounds and cuts.

What it is

Self-tanning is the result of a chemical reaction in the upper stratum corneum of the skin to produce brown pigment (melanoids) without the participation of the sun.

The development of self-tanning can be called a completely natural process; it’s just that the substances that are produced in the epidermis under the influence of sunlight were produced artificially, but the skin darkening reaction itself remained the same.

Three main substances that can trigger this reaction have been discovered and are used today:

1. dihydroxyacetone,
2. acetyl tyrosine (N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine) and
3. erythrulose.

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a monosaccharide, the phosphate of which is a traditional participant in metabolism in the body.

Once in the stratum corneum of the skin, it reacts with proteins and amino acids, forming a brown pigment. Used both in self-tanning and as an enhancer in bronzers. Considered the safest. Artificially obtained from hypoallergenic sugar beets, sugar cane, palm oil or glycerin. The percentage indicates the intensity of the effect of the product. Darkening begins after 3-4 hours, and can retain color for 3 to 5 days.

Disadvantages of DHA

1. When interacting with skin, an unpleasant odor is released. Many brands try to drown it out with fragrances, sometimes quite successfully.
2. Dries the skin. The higher the intensity of the tan color, the more such a preparation dries the skin, so in addition to the main substances, self-tanning products include moisturizing and nourishing natural ingredients: honey, ginger, herbal decoctions and vitamins.
3. Instability when interacting with oxygen and high temperatures. In other words, you can’t store self-tanner for a long time after opening the package, just like you can’t keep bottles, jars and napkins in the sun in summer and near heating devices in winter. If the drug has changed color, it is already contraindicated to use it; dangerous free radicals begin to form in it.
4. Uneven rinsing. The drier the skin area, the faster the dead cells are replaced. It is necessary to choose preparations with moisturizers and continue to nourish the already bronzed body with moisture.
5. Uneven coverage and an unpleasant carrot tint. The natural tan color of the upper stratum corneum, as it turned out, is exactly that – orange or reddish. Under the influence of the sun, it becomes brown due to chemical reactions in the deeper layers of the skin, when tissues are “burned out,” which is dangerous for humans, and as a result, there is an increased production of melanin.

Cosmetics should not be harmful to health, so two ways out of this situation have been found in modern preparations.

Firstly, natural coloring additives, bronzers - caramel, carmine, walnut or sugar cane peel extracts, henna, carrot oil and the like. When exposed to ultraviolet light, they darken the skin and give a bronze tint. These properties ensured their place in the main composition of conventional bronzers.

Secondly, use auxiliary active components. So, quite recently they learned to combine dihydroxyacetone with Melanin - melanin (eumelanin or pheomelanin). Eumelanin is responsible for the production of dark brown pigment, and pheomelanin is responsible for red pigment. Red pigment is needed for a more natural tanning effect, for example, in winter, when the blood vessels narrow and the skin acquires a bluish tint. Sometimes auxiliary active components perform two tasks at once - provide a beautiful tone and help avoid streaks and spots, which are not uncommon when using pure DHA. Erythrulose is most often used for these purposes, and acetyl tyrosine is used a little less often.

Erythrulose (raspberry sugar) – a natural acid, participates in the formation of brown polymers – melanoids. It is extracted by processing ripe raspberries or, more often found on an industrial scale, from polysaccharide molecules with the addition of natural coloring substances. Can be used alone or in addition to DHA to penetrate deeper into the skin for a long-lasting, even tan. It appears after two or three days and lasts up to 7 days. Disadvantages: with more than 5% of its content in the preparation it gives a yellow color.

N-acetyl-L-tyrosine – amino acid, a natural accelerator for the production of brown pigment without the participation of the sun. The effect is after 3 days, the reaction finally stops after a week. This tan lasts on the skin for up to 14 days. However, experts are wary of this component: to date, there is no experimental scientific data confirming the safety of its long-term use.

Every girl's dream is to get an even, beautiful tan with an incredible chocolate tint. But what if it is not possible to fly away on a long-awaited vacation, or your skin simply does not take a tan, but immediately burns? It is for such cases that self-tanners were invented. There is no need to lie on the beach for half a day, save money for sunny countries, or expose your skin to scorching UV rays. You can get a high-quality and even tan in 6 hours while sitting at home and watching your favorite program on TV.

But how can you decide which self-tanner is of the highest quality from the entire range offered? It is for this occasion that in this article we have prepared a rating of the TOP 7 best self-tanning products for the face and body. You will find reviews, prices, and descriptions of each of the miracle remedies below.

Content:

7 best self-tanners

When compiling a rating for our article, we noticed that choosing a self-tanner is not so easy. The choice is simply huge. From the entire list offered, we have selected the 7 best in terms of quality and customer reviews. In this article we will look at the following types of products:

1. Sublime Bronze Airbrush;
2. Gelee Auto-Bronzante Express;
3. Bronze Self-Tanner Shimmering Glow;
4. Nivea Sun;
5. Flash Bronzer;
6. Complete Care;
7. Summer Glow.

Let's take a closer look at each of the presented products.

Sublime Bronze Airbrush

An even tan is distributed to every area of ​​the skin thanks to its smoothing effect. Immediate absorption occurs without leaving greasy marks on clothes. Thanks to a special component, the natural pigment of your skin, melanin, is completely copied, which, in turn, is produced in the sun. Thus, with daily use you will get a perfectly even tan, without spending time in the scorching sun.

Price list: from 580 rubles.

pros

1. getting a perfectly even tan in just 7 days;
2. instant absorption;
3. adds natural shine to the skin.

Minuses

A friend advised me to buy this product. I was afraid at first because I know that some self-tanners leave patches on the skin. After using L'Oreal, I saw how high quality the product is. Lays down evenly, beautiful color, no frills. There is a natural shine. I will use it.

Gelee Auto-Bronzante Express

An ideal product for obtaining an even tan with a delicate golden hue. The soft texture is easily absorbed, allowing the skin to breathe and maintain its natural silkiness. The additional consistency of natural oils adds softness and smoothness to the skin. Applying self-tanner every day helps you achieve a deep shade that radiates beauty.

Cost: 2049 RUR.

pros

1. composition of natural oils (silk, flax, tea tree, jojoba);
2. gives the skin a golden tint;
3. smoother and softer skin;
4. even tan;
5. result after the first use.

Minuses

1. slightly runny gel consistency.

This self-tanner is my salvation! I have been purchasing it for 4 years and have never regretted it. Such a high-quality tan that everyone around me is wondering where I was vacationing! Shiny, silky skin with a golden tint, and the smell is simply magical, thanks to the large number of oils in the composition. I am delighted!

Bronze Self-Tanner Shimmering Glow

The peculiarity of this product is its infrequent use to obtain the perfect tan. With 1-2 applications per week, you can achieve the desired result and maintain it. Absorption occurs instantly, eliminating greasy marks on clothing. Thanks to the shiny particles in the consistency of the product, the skin gets a perfect, natural shine, without a greasy feeling. It is also a delightful facial skin care thanks to its nourishing oils.

Price: 1400 rubles.

pros

1. visible effect after 4 days of use;
2. shimmering particles in the composition of the product;
3. even, deep tan;
4. nourishing oils (silk, jojoba);
5. serves as additional care for facial skin.

Minuses

1. you need to wait 10-15 minutes, then put on clothes.

Quite an expensive pleasure, but the quality is noticeable from the first uses. Tan without marks on your favorite clothes. Shimmering particles create a highlighter effect throughout the body, radiating the skin from the inside. Incredible self-tanner with a pleasant smell, I recommend it.

Nivea Sun

An excellent budget option. The peculiarity of this self-tanning is the visible result within 4-6 hours after application. Ideally located on the skin and touches hard-to-reach areas due to the spray. Absorbs quickly without leaving any traces. The only downside to this product is the complete exfoliation of the entire body before using it. Otherwise, the self-tanner may lie unevenly, or even worse, not produce results.

Price tag: from 400 rub.

pros

1. skin protection with oils (jojoba, tea tree);
2. penetration of tanning into hard-to-reach places;
3. perfect tan;
4. natural shine of the skin.

Minuses

1. Before use, it is necessary to scrub or peel the skin.

A good option, you just have to worry a little so that it doesn’t come off and delights you with a sunny shade for a long time. You need to do peeling, otherwise it simply won’t stick to the skin, and there’s no tanning to speak of. As soon as the skin is in order, the self-tanner takes effect instantly, and after only 4 hours my skin acquired a beautiful, even tone.

Flash Bronzer

The word itself from the name bronzer speaks for itself. This miracle product combines both tan and bronzer with shimmering particles. The rich consistency of nourishing oils does not prevent our product from being instantly absorbed into the skin and does not leave greasy marks on the hands. And the natural base of oils carefully cares for and moisturizes your delicate skin of the face and body.

Cost: from 1200 rub.

pros

1. combination of self-tanner and bronzer;
2. absorbs quickly;
3. does not give a feeling of fat;
4. After 4 days of use it gives a rich golden tan.

Minuses

At first I was scared when choosing the price, because not all expensive self-tanners are really high quality, but I’m just delighted with this! I didn't regret the purchase at all. The bronzer saturates the skin with radiance, and the self-tanner itself applies well and gives a golden hue. I recommend!

Complete Care

This self-tanner represents the ideal price-quality ratio. Its functions gently nourish and protect the skin. The product is also instantly absorbed, allowing you to put on clothes immediately after using the product. The result is visible within a few hours. The skin is soft, shiny and tanned.

Price tag: 290 rub.

pros

1. nutrition and protection;
2. absorbs quickly without unpleasant traces;
3. result 4 hours after application.

Minuses

I recently purchased it and have been using it so far so good. The skin is soft, as if after professional care, and, on top of that, tanned. The tan goes on evenly, without flaws and the price is good. Thanks to the manufacturer!

Summer Glow

Ideal option from Dove. All products from this brand are distinguished by their tenderness and care. The same can be said about this self-tanner. Its delicate consistency gently nourishes and saturates the skin with beneficial substances. Absorbs quickly and does not leave greasy marks or unpleasant shine. Ideal for lovers of a discreet and shallow tan. The first application gives a slight golden tint. A completely deep shade can be achieved after 5-7 applications.

Price tag: from 150 rubles.

pros

1. the possibility of obtaining from a weak tan to a strong one;
2. absorbs well;
3. Gives the skin comfort and softness.

Minuses

I didn’t think that this self-tanning product from Dav would turn out to be such a wonderful product. A low price is far from an indicator of low quality. Ideally envelops the skin, nourishes and softens it. Of course, I would like to see the effect immediately, but at first the tan appears to a minimal degree. Then stronger and stronger. The product is good. I recommend!

Comparison of presented self-tanners

In order for you to compare the products presented above, we suggest looking at the comparison table.

How to apply self-tanner correctly?

Before using a self-tanner, you need to familiarize yourself with a small list of functions for proper application.

1. First, you need to understand is the product suitable for you or not?. Apply a small amount of skin texture and wait 12 hours. If self-tanning does not cause redness, itching or flaking, then you can safely use it.
2. Cleanse your skinfrom dirt and epilate so that self-tanning does not accumulate around the hairs and there is no spotty effect.
3. Apply to skinface and body light cream, without nourishing oils.
4. Apply self-tanner using quick rubbing movements, starting from your legs and moving towards your shoulders. It's best if someone helps you. The neck and back should be self-tanned at almost the same time as other easily accessible parts of the body.

Benefits and harms

Self-tanning is a procedure to give a bronze, golden hue to your skin. And as we know, any procedure has its positive and negative qualities. Let's look at this using the example of the benefits and harms of self-tanning.

Benefit:

1. possibility to give skin any shade, without ultraviolet radiation at any time of the year;
2. some remedies include useful components with nourishing oils, and serve as protection and softness for the skin;
3. presence in the composition bronzer and small shimmering particles provide radiance from within and self-confidence.

Harm:

1. some products consist of synthetic fibers, therefore, it is difficult for the skin to breathe, which leads to dehydration and peeling in the future.

If you purchased an inexpensive self-tanner and doubt its quality, you can add moisturizers without nourishing oils to it. Then you will protect your skin from drying out and dehydration.

Self-tanning is a product that contains substances that stimulate the production of melanoidin (the pigment that gives the skin a brown tint). A few hours after applying self-tanning, pigment formation begins in the upper layer of the epidermis, causing the skin to “tan.” This effect lasts for several days until the stratum corneum peels off naturally.

Self-tanning is safe because it only acts on the top barrier layer. Adding various moisturizing and nourishing components to the composition only benefits the skin. Various formats of the product - spray, milk, lotion, oil - allow you to choose the best option.

We have compiled a list of the best self-tanning products based on expert assessments and reviews from real customers. Our recommendations will help you make a choice that suits your needs and desires. There are many competitors in the beauty industry, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend paying special attention to them:

Mid price category

1. Uriage Bariesun
2. James Read
3. L'Oreal Paris
4. AVENE