Ever noticed how Miley Cyrus and your favorite celebrities and influencers manage to rock that sun-kissed, just-back-from-the-beach glow even in the dead of winter? Yeah, we’ve been wondering too. Turns out, maintaining a flawless bronze isn’t just about good genes; it's an art form.
And that art form is called Self-Tan.
What is Self-Tan?
Self-tan products, also known as self-tanners, offer a sunless solution to achieving a bronzed look without the exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. These products contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a color additive that temporarily darkens the skin by reacting with amino acids on the skin's surface, creating a tan appearance.
Self-tanners come in various forms such as lotions, mousses, sprays, and wipes, providing options for different skin types and preferences. The resulting tan typically develops over a few hours and can last several days, depending on the formulation and the user's skin care routine. Self-tanning is a safe alternative to traditional tanning methods, helping to avoid the risks associated with UV exposure such as premature aging and skin cancer.
Guide to building a 6-step self-tanning routine
- Before you even think about self-tanning, let’s talk exfoliation. Sloughing off those dead skin cells is key to avoiding patchy faux tans. Use a gentle body scrub or an exfoliating mitt a couple of times a week to keep your skin smooth and ready to soak up all that tanning goodness.
- Hydration station: Hydrated skin is happy skin, especially when it comes to tanning. Moisturize daily with a rich lotion that doesn’t just sit on top of your skin but gets deep into those pores. This will help your tan apply more evenly and last longer.
- The perfect fake tan: No UV rays required—grab a high-quality self-tanner. Mousse, lotion, spray? Pick your potion. Apply in sections (legs, torso, arms), and use a tanning mitt to get that expert blend. Don’t forget areas like your wrists and ankles for a seamless tan.
- Gradual glow: For a low-maintenance approach, incorporate a gradual tanning lotion into your daily routine. These lotions give a subtle color that builds over time, perfect for keeping that glow without going full glam every day.
- Maintenance mode: Extend the life of your tan with touch-ups using a gradual tanning lotion or bronzing mist. Stay hydrated, keep exfoliating, and your bronze will be the envy of everyone at your next gathering.
- Now that you’ve got the tan, it’s time to highlight. Use a shimmering body oil or a highlighter on your cheekbones, collarbones, and shoulders to give your tan that extra pop.
And remember, a good sunscreen is non-negotiable—even if you’re rocking faux glow, protecting your skin from the sun is a must. So, there you have it—your ticket to that all-year-round, Miley-worthy bronzed look. No sun required, just a little bit of prep and some clever tricks of the trade.
