Why choose self-tan over a sun tan?
Posted by Hannah McManus, 22nd June 2021
We love gorgeous, glowy skin...
Who doesn't love a good glow? Especially in the summer months. Whether it's a sun-kissed look or a touch of golden bronze, getting a tan can help you feel more confident and look your best.
But getting a tan isn’t always simple. Spending too much time in the sun or using sunbeds can lead to serious health problems. Plus, those harmful UV rays can prematurely age your skin (wrinkles? No, thanks). While you might look bronzed for a bit, exposing your skin to too many harmful UV rays just isn’t worth it. If you’re wondering why it’s better to avoid sunbathing and sunbeds, we’ve got you covered. And we’ve got a bunch of tips to help you get that gorgeously bronzed skin, without damaging it.
What are the dangers of sunbathing?
Vitamin D is important for your keeping your body healthy. We should spend short bursts of time outside, especially in the summer months. But while sunlight is good in moderation, too much can be really harmful. It’s always best to cover up with clothing, sunscreen and a hat if you’re spending a long time in the sun. Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun is hottest.
But why do we need to be so careful in the sun? Getting sunburned or tanned damages your skin cells, increasing your risk of skin cancer. It can also cause premature ageing, eye irritation and painful burns.
What about the dangers of sunbeds?
Sunbeds or sun lamps might seem like a great way to get a tan, especially when the sun isn’t shining. But these artificial UV rays can be even more harmful to your skin than natural sunlight. They often give out bigger doses of UV rays than the midday tropical sun. They’re also not a good choice for people who burn easily, those with very fair or dark skin or people under the age of 25.
Instead of paying for time on a sunbed, opt for a safer option that still gives a beautifully bronzed glow.
Is fake tan safe?
Instead of spending too long outside in the sun (or on sunbeds), it’s much safer to tan your skin with a high-quality fake tan. Fake tan contains a natural ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the cells on the surface of the skin. This reaction creates a tanned colour without damaging the deeper layers of your skin.
DHA is safe for most people, but it’s always worth doing a patch test before applying just to be sure.
What’s the best fake tan?
Not all fake tans are created equal. Look for the best fake tan to suit your skin type and the colour you want to achieve. Our fake tanning mousse is suitable for all skin types and comes in two shades (medium and dark) to help you achieve the colour you want. Plus, it contains hydrating ingredients to help nourish your skin at the same time.
We love our tanning drops too, which are perfect for tanning sensitive areas like your face. You could add them to your favourite moisturiser for a double dose of hydration and control your glow by adding as many drops as you want.
When choosing the best fake tan, we always recommend looking for natural ingredients. Our fake tanning mousse and drops are vegan, cruelty-free and don’t contain any nasties that could irritate your skin.