How to pefect self tanning
December 13, 2009 by Jo · Leave a Comment
Self tanners are the only way to give some summer colour to the skin and stay safe from the damaging effect of the sun’s rays.
All the sunless tanners use the same basic chemical ingredient to turn the skin brown. – dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is a simple sugar that browns the skin by means of its interactionnwith the amino acid arginine which is found in skin cells
They do vary in the amount of DHA as in how fast you will turn brown and how dark you will go with one application. The products also vary with the method of application, you can choose from mousses, sprays, sponge and creams.
It may take some experimentation to find what works for you but if you are new to tanning, choose one that goes gradually brown. Better to perfect your technique than with a self tan that goes dark quickly.
Most important is the technique you use:
- Leave yourself plenty of time to apply the self tanner – this is not a job to rush!
- To have as even a tan as possible – exfoliate first.
- Moisturise the knees and elbows that tend to go darker.
- Be sparing and take care to evenly apply on the feet, ankles and backs of the hands.
- Wash your hands immediately afterwards to avoid those tell tale orange palms.