Ahh fake tan…love it or hate it, it’s here to stay and even itchy people, like myself, are still trying to master it.
It’s a bit of a struggle, trying to find what doesn’t react with my skin and then it clinging to my dry patches. It has taken me many years to realise that staying moisturised is the only way that a dry-gal like myself will ever be able to fake tan with confidence.
I’ve had my time of bad tan, so I did some research and Googling and found out that there is a specific chemical that is used in self-tanner called DHA (dihydroxyacetone) that can cause a reaction in the skin. It also happens to be the most common skin colouring agent used in fake tans and is the reason for the nasty curry/biscuit smell.
The chemicals react to dead skin cells and this is what causes any streaking…now imagine that for someone with A LOT of dry skin.
Some wash-off tans don’t have DHA in them, and in general Google-search advice has said to steer clear of it and opt for the tanning agent ingredient Erythrulose instead. I’ve been on the search for tans that have a reduced amount or no DHA in them.
But I’ll be honest though, it’s VERY difficult to find something on the high street that is free from DHA and doesn’t cost an arm and leg. So what I’ve opted to do instead is to just prepare and minimise the effects it has on my skin. There is a certain amount of ‘just deal with it’ and ‘it’s just the way my skin is’.
My favourite self-tanners:
Sunkissed (£2.99 BodyCare) smells like coconuts when applying.
Dove Dermaspa Summer Revived Medium – Dark Lotion (Boots/Superdrug £7.99, but often on special for £3.99)
My tan routine:
The week before tanning: make sure to clear up any really rough patches (using hydrocortisone if needed) so that there is less dry skin for the tan to cling to.
The day before tanning: exfoliate using a glove and cream-based shower gel and shave. (obvious moisturise as if my life depends on it, as per every day).
Before tanning application: shower, moisturise as normal. Wait an hour, then apply a small amount of emollient (Diprobase or Aqueous – thick creams) to eczema affected areas.
Then tan to the gods.
Après self-tan application: Stay on top of moisturising like a crazy lady.
Annnnd repeat.
If I’m just feeling like a summer glow, which is most of the time (because sometimes I really can’t be bothered to faff with full fake tan for it to go patchy) I use Dove gradual tanning lotion in the shade dark.
TIP: I use the dark shade so that one application gives me a glow straight away, for the best glow I only need to apply it twice.
So good luck tanning everybody, if anyone has any tips that I need to know about, please let me know in the comments ↓
Until next time
Hannah xo
Hannah Lymn: Social Media Specialist 