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It seems that Hollywood stars just live on paradise islands – they have such an even, beautiful, sunny skin tone. But – just shh! – often this is the merit of self-tanning. It is to them that they mask the traces of fatigue from many hours of filming and the “pavilion” pallor of the skin.
Who needs self-tanning and why
Even some 150 years ago, a tan was a sign of low origin. In aristocratic circles, they were proud of their porcelain-colored skin, protected it from the sun under closed clothes, hats and umbrellas. They say that after a certain princess appeared on the beach with bare hands, she was not allowed into the Nobility Assembly.
Everything changed at the beginning of the XNUMXth century. The fashion for sports and outdoor recreation has come. Since then, a natural tan is not just considered decent – it has become an indicator of beauty and well-being.
Artificial tanning products
The main character in self-tanner composition—— dihydroxyacetone (DHA), it is he who paints the skin in the desired dark color. The name is strange, even frightening, but in fact it is the sugar contained in the skin of the chestnut.
Try peeling a fresh chestnut that has just fallen from a tree and you will see how the skin on your hands begins to darken.
Pigment for self-tanning is also obtained from cane sugar and beets. When applied to the skin, it reacts with keratinocytes and as a result, a rather dark shade of brown can be obtained. After 3-5 days, the cells naturally or with the help of a scrub are exfoliated, but until that moment the skin remains “colored”.
The most popular self-tanning formats are – spray, milk and BB cream. Let’s talk about their advantages and disadvantages.
Spray
It is easy to apply, evenly distributed over the skin, leaving no stains or streaks. Doesn’t stain hands. With him, there is a chance to independently tint the skin even on the back (obviously, with a very good stretch) and on the back of the legs – although it is still more reliable to resort to the help of a girlfriend or friend.
Do you want your self-tanner to go on evenly? Ask a friend for help.
Milk
BB body cream
This, of course, is not self-tanning, but it can also give the skin a sunny tint. The main advantage of BB-cream over other products is that it not only tints the skin, but also masks imperfections, correcting them. The product also moisturizes and nourishes the skin. Depending on its purpose, it can also mattify and control sebum production. For a light tan effect, choose a shade slightly darker than your natural skin tone.
How to properly apply tanning products
We have already written about how to apply BB cream correctly. We will talk about self-tanning – the technology for applying these products is slightly different.
Apply self-tanner correctly and you are a goddess!
To get started, choose the right shade. The concentration of dihydroxyacetone varies. If it is 1-3%, the effect of self-tanning will be minimal, but the skin will lose painful pallor and acquire a healthy, rested look. If DHA is 3-8%, you will get a real caramel tan. Products with a high concentration of dihydroxyacetone are sold only in specialized stores and are intended primarily for professional dancers and bodybuilders. In real life, they look unnatural. It seems that the light shade should suit the pale-skinned, and darker shades, medium or dark, for the dark-skinned ones. But in fact, fair-skinned girls are better off choosing shades of medium, and dark-skinned girls – light. This is due to the fact that keratinocytes of dark skin are tinted faster.
Prepare your skin. Thoroughly clean it with a peeling or scrub, then moisturize with a cream – so self-tanning will lie better.
Stock up on wet wipes and cotton pads so that, if necessary, you can quickly wipe off the excess.
Test self-tanner on a small area of skin – see how it is applied, if it causes unwanted reactions, etc. If everything is fine, after 10-15 minutes, proceed to the next step.
Apply self-tanner evenly in a thin layer. Move from top to bottom: first treat the face and shoulders, then the stomach, hips and legs. If it is a spray, spray it from a distance of 25 cm, if it is a milk, mousse or gel, apply it with the palm of your hand with stroking movements. Do not want to get your hands dirty – use a special mitt.
Don’t rush to get dressed. You need the tanner to be well absorbed.
For a richer shade, repeat the procedure after 3-4 hours, but be sure to wash your hands during the break so that your palms do not stain.
To maintain results apply self-tanner every 3-4 days, of course, without forgetting about the routine cleansing and moisturizing of the skin on a daily basis.
Beautiful, healthy skin tone is probably the main reason why we use self-tanner.
Safety measures
you are taking antibiotics or hormonal drugs – in combination with auto-bronzing agents, this can cause hyperpigmentation, it is better to consult a specialist;
there are abrasions, scratches or inflammation on the skin;
there are dermatitis, acne and other skin diseases in the acute stage.
Tanning products
Top of the best, according to the editors of Healthy-Food, products that lie flat and provide a natural result.
Rinse-off body BB cream with tanning effect, Garnier
Self-tanning spray for the body “Even tan”, Garnier
where to find?