When hemlines rise and boots and opaque tights give way to sandals, we ALL get self-conscious about blinding people with our pasty skin tones. A great self-tanner is the interim solution until some outdoor activity kisses us with a healthy glow.
Additionally, a bottle-tan is a safer alternative to a sun tan. Dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, the active ingredient in many sunless tanners, comes from sugar beets or sugarcane. The nontoxic compound reacts with amino acids in the skin’s outer layer, which causes it to darken. So before applying make sure you exfoliate very well. You want that layer to be as clean and smooth as possible.
A great self-tanner or bronzer hides a multitude of sins, ladies. It’s a real go-to choice for your warm weather skin. Here are a few to check out:
Lavera Sunless Tan Self-Tanning Lotion
Usable for both face and body this lovely option soothes skin with organic aloe, calendula extract, jojoba oil, and rose water.
Origins The Great Pretender
Impatient? Origins’ self-tanner for the body has a tint that bronzes your skin immediately, even before the tanning ingredients start working! Bonus: It has a little shimmer.
Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Translucent Bronze Concentrate
Really meant to hide skin imperfections, this product has a secret (shhh!) “off-label” use as a bronzer. Works for face and body for a fantastic sun-kissed look.
Nature’s Gate Sunless Tanner
Available at Whole Foods, this product has a lovely rich creme that has a hint of tint as it goes on. Paraben, phthalate free, it contains no animal derived ingredients and is never tested on animals.
