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FAQ
Usually between two to five days, but it varies between products. Your skin type also affects its durability, and how often you shower does too. To keep the results nicer for longer, you should exfoliate your skin a few days before applying the product.
As the days pass, the colour from the product will fade; usually, it will take a week to fully disappear. If you want to remove it quicker there are tan removers you can use.
It’s different from product to product, but usually, you should let the product develop for at least four hours. Read the product packaging, as the exact time for your particular product should be on the package.
In self-tanners, there is an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is a type of natural sugar. When you apply the cream or foam onto your skin, the proteins and amino acids of the skin react to the DHA, creating a darker shade.
Yes, self-tan only covers the outer layer of skin, and because a natural tan affects the deeper layers of skin, you can still tan naturally. It could be a good idea to not lie in the sun right away after applying the tan though, as your skin can initially become a little sensitive.
No, self-tanners are not damaging for your health or skin.
Three tips for buying self-tanners
Self tan is available in many different formulations:
Self tanning spray are usually easy to apply, and apply evenly to the entire body, including hard-to-reach areas.
Self tanning mousse is also easy to apply and often feels wonderfully soft on the skin. It dries quickly and doesn't feel as sticky.
Self tan drops are often mixed with a skin cream.
Self tanning serums are often designed for easy facial use
Self tanning gel is cooling and glides on easily. However, it may take a while to dry
Self tanning cream is perhaps the most classic consistency. It can also be one of the trickier ones to achieve an even result with, as it can look streaky if you're not careful
Many people associate self tans with an orange result. The easiest way to ensure that the colour does not become too strong is to look at what kind of result the product promises.
- Those that promise a light result are suitable for people with a lighter skin tone.
If you have a deeper colour, you should instead look for those that will give you a medium or strong/deep result.
It’s a good idea to supplement your purchase of a self tan with a body scrub and a good body lotion. It is important that the skin is not dry when applying self-tanning products, as the result may become blotchy and uneven. If you exfoliate and lubricate the skin regularly before a self tan treatment, your result will be much better.
In case you are pregnant and wondering whether it’s safe for you and your baby to use self-tanners, NHS has some information about this.