There are products that can give your skin a bronze tan all year round without the sun. Let's find out how they work, and at the same time learn how to use them correctly in order to get the maximum benefit for ourselves.
- Tanning cream: what is it?
- The mechanism of operation of bronzers
- Precautionary measures
- How to Apply Self Tanner
- Review of tanning creams
Tanning cream: what is it?
Tanning creams are products that can be used to achieve a dark skin tone without going outside. It is a safe alternative to harmful UV rays. There are two types of creams with the “tanning without tanning” effect. And their operating principles are different.
Self-tanning (bronzer, bronzer, auto-bronzant). This product contains a substance that reacts with skin cells, as a result of which they acquire a golden or bronze hue. The effect lasts for several days until the cells begin to peel off naturally.
Bronzer. Tinting cream gives the skin a dark shade due to special pigments. The fake tan lasts until your first shower.
The mechanism of operation of bronzers
Bronze powders and fluids are released every year in summer makeup collections, but body foundations with a tanning effect are a rare product. This is not powder or foundation, but a gel or spray, saturated with coloring particles that are firmly and quickly fixed on the skin and give it a bronze tint. Often the texture is equipped with reflective microspheres that create a blue effect. This tan lasts all day and is washed off with shower gel.
The active ingredient of this product is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), obtained from sugar cane or beets. It reacts with amino acids in the uppermost, stratum corneum of the epidermis, causing the skin to change its color.
Bronzers have been on the market for decades. But self-tanners of the past cannot be called an ideal cosmetic product: the color turned out to be unnatural, with a yellow or orange tint, stained, and washed off even worse.
Despite the fact that the same active substance still plays the main role today, modern auto-bronzants do not repeat the “mistakes of youth” and have significantly improved both the speed of tanning and its quality.
DHA 1-3%. The minimum concentration of the active component gives the skin a light golden tint. This dosage is typical for lotions for daily body care with a gradual tanning effect.
DHA 3-5%. The optimal concentration used in most self-tanners creates a universal shade of medium intensity.
DHA 5-8% and higher. A high concentration of dihydroxyacetone colors the epidermis in the color of dark bronze or chocolate. This artificial tan looks natural only on naturally dark skin.
Precautionary measures
It has been proven that dihydroxyacetone is harmless to the body and does not penetrate deeper than the stratum corneum of the epidermis. It is important to remember that auto-bronzants do not contain SPF and do not contribute to the production of the natural pigment melanin. This means that the skin “under the cover” of artificial tanning remains defenseless against ultraviolet radiation.
How to Apply Self Tanner
On the face
The day before exfoliate using a scrub or gommage.
Apply to dry skinso that the cream penetrates well into the epidermis.
Wait 10 minutes until completely absorbed.
Apply regular on top daily cream.
Repeat the procedure every day until the desired shade intensity is obtained.
On the body
To ensure an even tan, swipe exfoliation.
Apply to the roughest and driest areas of skin (elbows, knees) moisturizing cream.
Apply self-tanning starting from the ankles and gradually rising to the knees, hips and higher.
Before getting dressed, give some cream be completely absorbed.
For supporting For tanning, use auto-bronzant 2 times a week.
After applying tanning cream, wash your hands immediately, otherwise your palms will turn yellow. And this will immediately reveal the artificial origin of your dark skin tone.
Tools Overview
Wash-off BB cream with tanning effect BB Body, Garnier. Tinting bronzer instantly gives the skin a natural tan without streaks or blemishes, visually evens out the texture and color of the skin, and moisturizes for 24 hours. Absorbs quickly and does not stain clothes. Can be applied in several layers for a more intense shade.
where to find?
Milk-self-tanning “Even tan” for face and body, Garnier. Gives a natural, uniform shade and moisturizes the skin for a long time. Apricot kernel oil promotes more lasting results.
where to find?
Self-tanning gel Sublime Bronze “Cool Freshness” for face and body, L’Oréal Paris. Gives a shade close to the color of the natural pigment that the skin produces in the sun. Non-sticky texture absorbs quickly.
where to find?
Dry self-tanning body spray Ambre Solaire “Even tan”, Garnier. Micro-spraying allows you to “tan” even hard-to-reach areas. The spray provides a tanning effect without spots or streaks. It has a refreshing aroma and contains apricot kernel oil to leave skin soft and smooth.
where to find?
Self-tanning wipes Sublime Bronze “Instant effect” for body and face, L’Oréal Paris. Cloth wipes are an ideal format for traveling or for getting started with self-tanning. The optimal concentration of the active substance ensures a golden tone from the first use. The formula contains exfoliating particles that even out the surface of the skin for an even tan.
where to find?
Self-tanning is a means to obtain a beautiful, even skin tone without spending a lot of time under the hot sun. They temporarily color the skin in darker tones, mask imperfections and uneven pigmentation. This is a good option when you need to temporarily tidy up your skin but don’t have time to sunbathe. People who are afraid of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation also resort to tanning creams. Despite the fact that all such products dry out the skin, their effect is still softer. There is a wide selection on the market from different manufacturers and at different prices. How to choose the one that suits the effect on the epidermis? This material is intended to answer this question.
Mechanisms of operation of bronzers
There are two large groups into which self-tanning balms are divided. Bronzers and auto-bronzants. They have one goal - to give the skin a healthy, dark complexion. But the principle of action and the final result differ significantly.
Bronzant
It's practically a skin paint, to put it in the simplest terms possible. This product has almost no effect on the skin. influence, but only temporarily colors it in a darker shade. To better understand what a bronzer is, you need to use it at least once. But it is worth considering that it can stain light clothes in hot weather.
Autobronzant
Already a more serious remedy. Interacts with the top layer of skin, coloring it in the desired shade. It can last for several days and in most cases is not afraid of water. The principle of its action and scope of application are clear, but it is worth considering that such a balm can have a noticeable effect on sensitive skin.
How to apply
To apply self-tanning correctly, you need to follow some simple rules:
- Find out how the skin reacts to a small amount through experimentation.
- Wash the areas where the cream will be applied with soap and free from hair.
- They usually start from the lower part of the body and gradually move up.
- Distribute in an even thin layer. The smallest portions should be used on the ankles, knees and elbows.
- When treating the face, the eyelids and lips are not affected.
- Wait for the cream to be absorbed for about half an hour.
- Wash the hands.
- If necessary, repeat the procedure once every 2-3 hours in the case of a bronzer and once every 3-4 days with an auto-bronzant.
The importance of the first point cannot be underestimated. If an allergic reaction begins when the cream is distributed throughout the body, it will be too late to correct anything.
Precautionary measures
Even such a seemingly harmless method of caring for your body can cause harm if used carelessly. The main precautions include:
- abuse leading to an unnatural, too dark shade;
- strict adherence to instructions to achieve the desired result;
- constant use will lead to uneven tone;
- use during pregnancy and lactation
- allergy;
- dry skin will be subject to even greater drying;
- diseased dermis;
- damaged cover.
For normal healthy skin, a high-quality self-tanner will be harmless if you do not overdo it. However, not everyone has good skin.
Even if you have complete confidence in your body, it would not be superfluous to consult with a specialist. His recommendations will guarantee the right choice.
TOP best
The large size of the modern cosmetology market makes it possible to choose the ideal option for yourself. But it is impossible to try everything in the world. There just isn't enough money. To help lovers of painless tanning make their choice, here is a list of the 7 most popular, reliable self-tanning creams.
Kolastyna
Products from a Polish manufacturer have good coloring properties. They are quickly absorbed, and for high-quality action, a large amount of balm is not required, which makes it very economical. When applied it has an unobtrusive, pleasant smell. It leaves no odor after drying. The composition contains ingredients that compensate for the drying of the skin from the main components of self-tanning. The full effect appears after 5 hours. Full list of characteristics:
- quick drying;
- skin care;
- no odor;
- efficiency;
- price.
Avene SPF-30 with tinting effect
French cream combines the benefits of three cosmetic products at once. The sun protection function with the SPF-30 index will protect you from all types of rays in the city or for a couple of hours on the beach. Tinting properties will help make your skin tone even and slightly tanned. It will also mask pigment spots or marks from an unsuccessful tan. Moisturizing and protecting components will prevent the epidermis from drying out and developing diseases associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Avene is famous for using proprietary developments in its products based on thermal water extracted from natural springs in France. The beneficial effects of the minerals contained in it have been proven by the company’s specialists themselves. The main advantages of French self-tanning cream:
- versatility;
- high-quality protection;
- taking care of skin health;
- hydration;
- more than 100 years of experience;
- using only natural ingredients;
- use of thermal springs.
Avene products are at the top of the world cosmetology.
When choosing Avene products, it doesn't hurt to be careful. The variety of sunscreen brands can confuse even an experienced user. Choosing the wrong product can have unpleasant consequences.
Garnier Ambre Solaire – BB Body
The next giant in the world of cosmetics also comes from France. The tanning line is called Ambre Solaire and celebrates its 82nd anniversary this year. During this time, specialists from the company learned how to use natural resources for their products as efficiently as possible. BB Body cream is a wash-off product for artificial temporary tanning. The fast absorption rate will prevent the user from staining his clothes. Gives the skin a natural, healthy color, evens out the texture of unhealthy or unevenly tanned skin. For a long time it is able to maintain moisturizing properties. A distinctive feature is the ability to apply several layers for a deeper shade. The list of specifications is as follows:
- long history of the line;
- natural ingredients;
- high-quality hydration;
- uniform tone;
- easily absorbed;
- multi-layer application possible.
This balm is not a complete product for long-term self-tanning. This is a bronzer that does not last long, does not have any effect on the epidermis and is easily removed if necessary.
Yves Rocher Ensoleillant Sun Shine
The history of the Yves Rocher company began with a little boy who, from childhood, was puzzled by the secrets of the plant world around him. By the age of 29, he founded his own company producing cosmetics from natural ingredients. Now the French company has grown to a global level and supplies its products to most countries of the world. The line of tanning creams Ensoleillant Sun Shine contains a unique component - an extract from the Tahitian gardenia flower. This gives the skin care and a pleasant aroma. The product gives a slight tanning effect. But this can be changed by applying additional layers. The delicate structure is easy to apply and dries quickly, and the moisturizing properties will prevent the dermis from drying out. The list of benefits and characteristics of Ensoleillant Sun Shine looks like this:
- unique natural ingredients;
- quality care;
- hydration;
- adjustable shade;
- quick-drying;
- gives the skin a pleasant aroma;
- nice texture.
Sun Care Dawn
The German company is one of the youngest in this top, its founding date is 2011. Despite this, she has already managed to gather an impressive army of fans, which speaks volumes about her quality. Balm Dawn has a combined effect. One of its purposes is sun protection according to the SPF-30 standard. The product received its name for its special radiance effect, which is most noticeable under bright sunlight. This effect does not look unnatural or cheap, which is a merit of the company’s specialists. The high-quality texture is easy to apply and leaves no feeling of presence on the skin. The product does a good job of tone leveling. Resistant to minor effects of moisture such as sweat or splashes. List of characteristics of Sun Care Dawn:
- wide application;
- powerful sun protection;
- giving a good tone to the cover;
- unique shine effect;
- no noticeable texture;
- moisture resistant;
- applies only once every 14 days;
- contains healthy oils.
Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream
Clarins is another French company. The brand is over 60 years old. During this time he gained many fans. Delicious Self Tanning Cream Luxury self-tanning cream. The use of aloe vera juice moisturizes the skin throughout the entire duration of the balm. Cocoa extract gives the skin a natural tone and a pleasant chocolate aroma. The effect of application appears after two hours, which is very fast. The light texture is easy to apply, absorbs quickly and leaves no residue. In addition to its main functions, the balm can slow down cell aging. All the benefits of the product from Clarins look like this:
- hydration;
- pleasant, natural color;
- unobtrusive aroma;
- slowing down aging;
- easy application;
- fast action.
Allergy sufferers should pay special attention to the content of cocoa extract. This is not the most common ingredient for such a product.
Dove Energy Glow Self Tanning Lotion “Summer Glow”
The brand itself begins its history in the second half of the 60s of the last century. But almost until 2000, he dealt only with branded cream soap. Now the company’s product range includes many body care products, including the “Summer Glow” bronzer from the Energy Glow Self Tanning Lotion series. The balm gives a natural bronze tone with a slight shine. The color intensity may not be enough for many, which is the only significant drawback of this choice.. Dove has taken years of experience using dry, irritating soaps into tanning products that hydrate and protect the dermis from environmental stressors. Properties of Dove Energy Glow Self Tanning Lotion “Color Shine”:
- natural shade;
- hydration;
- availability of nutrients;
- texture is easily absorbed and applied;
- evens out the color.
This is one of the most budget products of this type. Its price is 200-250 rubles.
Video
In this video you will learn how to make face masks with a tanning effect.
To protect the skin from exposure to UV rays, various creams with filters have been developed; the latter can be included in decorative cosmetics. There are several varieties: SPF filters, UV or PPD. Additionally, each has subgroups.
The most common are foundations with SPF-filters. They are believed to protect against negative solar radiation. However better give preference to foundation creams with UV- or PPD-filters. This is the prevention of skin photoaging and negative effects on moles. The important point is the protection time. For each type of filter it may vary, this is reflected in the name.
It should be taken into account that the duration of protection is reduced with intense sweating, when washing or wiping the skin with wet wipes.
The protective effect of any foundation begins only after 20-30 minutes after application.
Foundation with filters can protect skin from sun damage. However, the duration of action is short. Therefore, you should try to spend less time in intense sun.
Each type of filter has its own characteristics. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, translates as “sun protection factor” and is the most common component in decorative cosmetics, including foundations. There is always some number next to the SPF index. It needs to be decrypted as follows:
- SPF 15 provides sun protection for 150 minutes;
- SPF 30 – for 300 minutes;
- SPF 40 – for 400 minutes;
- SPF 50 – for 500 minutes.
After time, the protective effect disappears; the product must be reapplied to the skin.
Additional filters are also indicated on the packages. This is UV or PPD. The latter are produced mainly by Japanese manufacturers, the degree of protection is reflected in the form of plus signs: “+”, “++”, “+++”.
It is believed that the most optimal level of protection from solar radiation is provided by products where the ratio SPF/PPD less than 3 (sometimes expressed by the index PA). This is always indicated on the packaging.
The choice of foundation with sun protection should be based on skin color, season of the year and radiation intensity, as well as the amount of time spent outdoors.
Features of choosing by texture:
- in the summer, you need to give preference to light foundation creams (fluids), according to the required shade of the skin;
- medium and dense will protect the skin from solar radiation, but will additionally create a greenhouse effect, which can provoke the appearance of acne and other troubles, in addition to a feeling of discomfort and a mask on the face.
You should also choose SPF-filters based on skin type:
- Light skin requires reliable protection. Therefore, during prolonged exposure to the sun, preference should be given to an SPF labeled greater than 30. If a girl spends most of her time indoors, it is recommended to take at least SPF
- Normal skin requires an SPF of at least 20 in hot climates, and at least 10 in moderate climates.
- Dark skin and very dark skin require virtually no protection. However, sometimes experts recommend using a minimum SPF.
There are post-peel foundation creams, which protect from the sun after chemical treatment. They are used regardless of the time of year, and the main effect is due to the content of substances that create a mechanical barrier to the penetration of sunlight. These are usually iron oxide supplements.
Review of the best creams with tonal effect and sun protection:
- Light foundation "Spectacular SPF 10" from "Helena Rubinstein". Moisturizes and somewhat softens the skin, smoothes the tone and adds radiance. Sun protection is small, but it is enough for average skin types in hot weather.
- Foundation “Nude Magique SPF 29” from “L’Oréal Paris”. It has a light and soft texture and is available in the form of a cushion. The product can be camouflaged to match your skin tone. Easy to apply, protects against pigmentation and skin aging. Suitable even for fair-skinned girls in hot climates.
- Moisturizer with foundation effect “Naked Skin One & Done SPF 20” from “Urban Decay”. The cream has several functions at once: corrects imperfections, moisturizes, closes pores and protects against the harmful effects of the sun.
- Foundation, makeup base from the company “Vichy” “Dermablend” with sun protection level SPF 25. Suitable for sensitive skin that is prone to acne. SPF 25 is suitable for girls with fair to medium complexions.
- Creamseries«BBDream Fresh SPF 30"fromMaybelline. Helps even out complexion, moisturize the skin, disguise all redness, oily shine and other imperfections. High degree of UV protection suitable for very hot climates. Additional inclusions of aloe and chamomile extract will help the skin breathe.
- Foundation "LuminescenceSPF35" from "GiorgioArmani» will provide care, perfect makeup and reliable sun protection. The cream easily adapts to the skin tone, removing all its imperfections. Easy to apply and quickly absorbed. Glycerin provides additional hydration throughout use.
- «PhotodermMax» from BioDerma. It has one of the highest degrees of protection against solar radiation - SPF 50, and is available in only one natural tone.
- Effective post-peeling cream “Rose de Mer” from “Christina”. Reliably protects the skin after exposure at any time of the year, preventing the effects of UV rays by 99% due to iron oxide.
- Foundation from the Lumene company with an additional radiance effect “Glow”. It has 6 shades, which allows you to perfectly match your skin tone, SPF 15.
- "Ever Matte" from "Clarins" is a foundation that has an additional mattifying effect. This is the most suitable option for summer. Also suitable for skin that is prone to excess sebum production.
Read more in our article about sunscreen foundation.
Read in this article
Does foundation protect from the sun?
Everyone likes beautiful and tanned skin, but not everyone realizes how dangerous ultraviolet radiation can be, due to which the skin becomes darker.
Solar radiation consists of several wavelengths, each of which has different effects on human skin. Basic:
- UVC ̶ this is short-wave radiation, they are absorbed to a greater extent by the ozone layer of the Earth, but when they come into contact with human skin they have the most negative effect. As long as people are protected from it.
- UVB ̶ these rays are currently dangerous for humans. It is through them that you can get an even and beautiful tan. They are easily delayed by light clothing and do not even pass through glass or sunglasses. When exposed to them, a person’s skin immediately becomes red and begins to blister.
- UVA ̶ this type of rays penetrates light clothing and glass, while passing into the deep layers of the skin and causing photoaging due to its effect on collagen and elastic fibers. UVA radiation leads to the formation of age spots and new moles; with prolonged exposure, the skin becomes very dry and lifeless. They are responsible for a slow tan, which becomes noticeable only after two or three days and then lasts for a long time.
Both types of radiation reaching the skin can be dangerous, both UVA and UVB rays. They can affect cell division processes, disrupt DNA structure, change the functioning of the immune system and become an impetus for the development of skin cancer. And they are the culprits of skin photoaging and the development of photodermatoses.
To protect the skin, various creams with filters have been developed; the latter can be included in decorative cosmetics. There are several varieties: SPF filters, UV or PPD. Additionally, each has subgroups.
The most common are foundations with SPF filters. It is believed that they protect against 2 types of negative solar radiation. However, some experts are inclined to believe that this type of protection only works in relation to UVB rays, which in fact can cause sunburn, but are not as dangerous as UVA.
To protect against the latter, you should give preference to foundation creams with UV or PPD filters. This is the prevention of skin photoaging and negative effects on moles.
Another important point is the protection time. For each type of filter it may vary, this is reflected in the name.
It should also be taken into account that the duration of protection decreases with intense sweating, washing or wiping the skin with wet wipes.
The protective effect of any foundation begins only 20-30 minutes after application.
Foundation with filters can protect your skin from sun damage. However, the duration of action is short, and the effect is additionally reduced when exposed to other physical factors. Therefore, in addition to using cosmetics, you should try to spend less time in intense sun.
And here is more information about the La Roche-Posay sunscreen.
Main types
Each type of filter has its own characteristics. SPF or Sun Protection Factor is translated as “sun protection factor” and is the most common component in decorative cosmetics, including foundations. There is always some number next to the SPF index. It needs to be decrypted as follows:
- SPF 15 provides sun protection for 150 minutes;
- SPF 30 for 300 minutes;
- SPF 40 – for 400 minutes;
- SPF 50 for 500 minutes.
After time, the protective effect disappears, and the product must be reapplied to the skin.
Additional filters are also indicated on the packages. This is UV or PPD. The latter are produced mainly by Japanese manufacturers and their degree of protection is reflected in the form of plus signs: “+”, “++”, “+++”.
How to choose foundation with protection
The choice of foundation with sun protection should be based on skin color, season of the year and radiation intensity, as well as the amount of time spent outdoors. The basic selection rules are easy to remember.
It is recommended to set the following guidelines for texture. In the summer, preference should be given to light foundation creams (fluids), according to the desired shade of the skin of the girl’s face. Medium and dense ones will protect the skin from solar radiation, but will additionally create a greenhouse effect, which will provoke the appearance of acne and other troubles, in addition to a feeling of discomfort and a mask on the face.
You should also choose SPF filters based on the girl’s skin type. The rules are as follows:
- Light skin requires reliable protection. Therefore, during prolonged exposure to the sun, preference should be given to an SPF labeled greater than 30. If a girl spends most of her time indoors, then a protection level of at least SPF is recommended.
- Normal skin requires an SPF of at least 20 in hot climates, and at least 10 in moderate climates.
- Dark skin and very dark skin practically do not need protection, since it is given to them by nature. However, sometimes experts recommend using SPF with minimal protection.
In addition, there are post-peel foundations that protect from the sun after a chemical peel. They are used regardless of the time of year, and the main effect is due to the content of substances that create a mechanical barrier to the penetration of sunlight. These are usually iron oxide supplements.
Review of the best creams with tonal effect and sun protection
Among foundation creams with sun protection, you can find both cheap and expensive options. Below are a number of the most popular and effective:
- Light foundation "Spectacular SPF 10" from "Helena Rubinstein". This product moisturizes and somewhat softens the skin, smoothes the tone and adds radiance. Sun protection is small, but it is quite enough for average skin types in hot weather. No redness, pigmentation or burns are guaranteed.
- Foundation “Nude Magique SPF 29” from “L’Oréal Paris”. It also has a light and soft texture and is available in the form of a cushion. The product can be camouflaged to match your skin tone, giving you an even more perfect look. Easy to apply, protects against pigmentation and skin aging. Suitable even for fair-skinned girls in hot climates.
Palette of foundation shades “Nude Magique SPF 29”
- Moisturizer with foundation effect “Naked Skin One & Done SPF 20” from “Urban Decay”. The cream has several functions at once: it corrects imperfections, moisturizes, closes pores and protects against the harmful effects of the sun.
- Foundation cream-base for makeup from the company “Vichy” “Dermablend” with a level of sun protection SPF 25. Suitable for sensitive skin that is prone to acne. The foundation will hide all redness, even out skin color, and visually reduce the appearance of pores on the face. In addition, SPF 25 will provide adequate protection for girls with fair or medium complexions.
Foundation cream-base for makeup from “Vichy” “Dermablend”
- Cream series “BB Dream Fresh SPF 30” from “Maybelline”. Helps even out complexion, moisturize the skin, disguise all redness, oily shine and other imperfections. High degree of UV protection suitable for very hot climates. Additional inclusions of aloe and chamomile extract will help the skin breathe.
- Foundation "Luminessence SPF 35" from "Giorgio Armani" will provide care, perfect makeup and reliable sun protection. The cream easily adapts to the skin tone, while removing all its imperfections. Easy to apply and quickly absorbed. Glycerin provides additional hydration throughout use.
Foundation "Luminessence SPF 35" from "Giorgio Armani"
- Cream foundation “Photoderm Max” from “BioDerma”. It has one of the highest degrees of protection against solar radiation - SPF 50, and is available in only one natural tone.
- Effective post-peeling cream “Rose de Mer” from “Christina”. It reliably protects the skin after such serious exposure at any time of the year, preventing 99% of ultraviolet rays from entering the dermis due to iron oxide.
- “Glow” is a popular foundation from the company “Lumene” with an additional shine effect. It has 6 shades, allowing you to perfectly match your skin tone. Has SPF 15.
- Ever Matte by Clarins ̶ foundation, which has an additional mattifying effect. Light on the skin, most suitable for summer. Also suitable for skin that is prone to excess sebum production.
Find out more about sun protection for the body here.
To maintain youth, beauty and health, women's skin needs additional protection at any time of the year. Foundations containing various types of solar radiation filters are ideal for everyday life. You need to choose them based on your skin type and color, and the time you spend outdoors.
Useful video
Watch the video about tinted sunscreens: