Tanning & Bronzing

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Do you prefer to be beautifully bronzed or pale and interesting?!

Over the course of history, the desire for a tan has changed, as it has been known to reflect how wealthy (or not) you were. These days, a tan is still something that many people desire, but at what cost?

Prolonged and unprotected exposure to the sun is widely known to be dangerous to our skin, which means that the days of baking in the sun should now be over.

This does not mean you can kiss goodbye to the sun-kissed look just yet though, as there are now a range of amazing natural tanning products on the market that will leave you looking great and feeling even better.

The benefits of false tanning

The light we see from the sun is made up of UVA and UVB rays.

UVA has a longer wavelength and is associated with skin ageing, whilst UVB has a shorter wavelength and is responsible for skin burning.

Both can be extremely harmful as they can damage the DNA in skin cells which can lead to melanoma as well as premature ageing.

That means that exposure to the sun in pursuit of a tan could lead to all sorts of complications.

It is for this reason that the false tanning market has seen a massive boom, as people move towards a safer and more artificial way to enjoy a tan.

False tanning is a great short-term fix, so it can be used for a wedding or party. It is also easy to maintain if you prefer a year-round glow.

Once upon a time, home tanning might have resulted in a patchy tan the same colour as a tangerine, but these days, most false tan offer a natural looking shade that no-one will suspect is not real.

The best way to apply false tan

When it comes to applying your own tan, you need to make sure you prepare properly, to be sure of an even colour.

That means exfoliating every bit of skin that you want to tan, in order to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth base for your tan.

You should also remove any unwanted hair in advance, since waxing, shaving and hair removal creams can strip the skin and are likely to take your tan with them.

If you have dry areas such as your elbows, ankles and knees, give them a little extra attention with your moisturiser.

Applying your tan just with your hand can mean that your tan will be uneven, so using a Sunkissed Supersoft Single Sided Tanning Mitt will help.

A tanning mitt keeps colour off your palms and makes your tan streak-free if you apply in careful circular motions.

Make sure you think about every spot, including the inside of your arm or the backs of your knees.

Build up the colour gradually to ensure it stays even and then leave the colour to develop as it dries.

You may then need to wash off the guide colour to avoid transferring it onto bedding or clothes.

What natural tanning products should I use?

There are many different tanning products available and it is personal preference as to which works best for you.

The TanOrganic Self Tanning Lotion offers a beautiful bronzed look that fades evenly whilst also being eco-certified and cruelty-free.

A self tan mousse is a great way to get an instant glow, and we love the Sunkissed Medium Self Tan Mousse. Its lightweight formula contains aloe vera for silky smooth skin and a delicious coconut fragrance to remind you of holidays even when you’re not there!

Another alternative for your tanning routine is a tanning oil like the TanOrganic Self Tanning Oil. These give you a natural-looking glow without the worry of transfer or a fake tan smell.

Gradual tans

If you want your tan to look more like an afternoon in the garden than two weeks on Love Island, you might prefer a gradual tan.

These give a very light colour that can be built up day after day until you reach your perfect shade.

Facial tanning

If the whole fake tanning process seems too much like hard work, you could consider facial tanning.

There are some great tanning products designed just for the face that give you a healthy glimmer without having to reach the tricky bits on your back.

False tanning is now the only safe way to get a tan, and there are many vegan, eco and organic tanning products available to suit your needs, your skin and your ethics.