Fake Tanning Myths
Posted by Hannah McManus, 4th June 2021
Getting that glow should be easy
Forget about complicated routines and hard-to-follow regimes. We’re here to make fake tanning effortless, giving you simple steps that really work. To help you on your quest for perfectly tanned skin, we’ve busted some of the most popular tanning myths below.
Fake Tanning Myths
Fake tan isn’t safe
If you’re new to fake tanning, you might be wondering: is fake tan safe? The good news is that fake tanning is pretty much safe for everyone. The main ingredient that changes your skin colour is called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Research by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that this ingredient is not a health risk. Plus, our dihydroxyacetone is derived from natural plant sources, like sugar beet.
Obviously, it’s always good to be careful if you have very sensitive skin or allergies. Opt for natural fake tan if you can; the gentle ingredients are less likely to irritate. Our vegan and cruelty-free fake tans are your go-to.
Fake tan smells like biscuits
Fake tan has a reputation for being, well, a bit whiffy. Why does fake tan smell? As the dihydroxyacetone (DHA) develops, it can end up smelling a bit like biscuits (some people describe it as a yeasty smell). Obviously, no one wants to smell like yeast. So, what’s the solution?
Choose a premium fake tan that includes ingredients that neutralise the DHA scent. Our effortless tanning mousse has a refreshingly fruity scent and vegan ingredients to make sure you never smell like biscuits when you get that glow.
Fake tan provides sun protection
If you love getting bronzed, you’ll know that a gorgeous glow can help you feel more confident. But achieving that perfect tan should never be at the expense of your health. Fake doesn’t protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Always wear at least SPF 15 when you’re heading outside.
While fake tan won’t protect you from the sun, it’s a great alternative to sunbathing or going on tanning beds (which we definitely wouldn’t recommend). Just remember to wear SPF on top of your faux glow.
Fake tan will make your skin go green
Why does fake tan go green? The good news is that most don’t. Good quality tans (like ours!) won’t turn your skin into anything but beautifully bronzed.
Remember to store your fake tan in a cool, dark place and avoid exposing the bottle to sunlight. Sometimes, improperly stored tan can go green when it reacts with the sun. Avoid putting on old tan too.
Fake tan is hard to apply
Whether you tan every week or prefer to keep it for special occasions, getting bronzed should be effortless. You shouldn’t have to deal with patches, dry bits or streaks.
While some fake tans are trickier than others, we’ve got your back. Start off with our revolutionary three-step shaving system the day before you tan. Don’t forget to buff any dry areas with our Exfoliating Tanning Mitt. Then, apply your favourite Tanning Mousse using our super-silky Velvet Tanning Mitt. Use our Back Applicator to get to those hard-to-reach areas, and buff your hands and feet with our Kabuki Brush. The guide colour in our vegan fake tans helps you see where you are applying, making it even easier to get bronzed.
The result? A gorgeously even glow, without the faff (and no streaks in sight).
Fake tan is bad for your skin
Is fake tan bad for acne? Will self-tan irritate eczema? There are a lot of questions out there about whether fake tan is bad for your skin. Fake tan itself isn’t bad for your skin, but it might not be the right choice if you have a sensitive complexion.
Ultimately, it depends on your skin. Everyone is different. If you’re prone to irritation or breakouts, it’s worth testing your chosen tan on a small area first. It’s best to avoid areas of extreme irritation or open wounds as well.
Avoid picking a fake tan that includes a lot of harsh ingredients. Natural fake tans (like ours) contain soothing ingredients, like coconut oil, to help take care of your skin when you bronze. They’re vegan and cruelty-free too!