Sunless tanners can give you that “I just spent a day at the beach” look without the harsh and dangerous side effects of actually spending hours and hours in the direct sunlight.
Sunless tanners allow you to avoid destroying your skin and possibly developing skin cancer. In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day (2018 data).
So why not be smarter and use a sunless tanner to help add that summer glow to your skin? One of the best sunless tanners: St. Tropez.
But, before we get into some of our favorite sunless tanners, lets look at other reasons why sunless tanners are a smart beauty option for you.
Why Use a Sunless Tanner
Aside from the obvious mentioned above (it’s so safe!!) there are so many other reasons why sunless tanners should seriously be added to your beauty routine. This doesn’t have to only be a part of your summer beauty routine, although summer is when we see the most glowing skin.
Add a sunless tanner to your year-round beauty routine to reap the benefits 365 days a year. You only have your skin one time, don’t ruin it – nourish and protect it!Â
You instantly look healthier and younger.
Having a fresh glow to your skin instantly gives you a healthier look and feel. Your mood can be lifted by not having dull and lifeless looking skin.
One of the most proven ways to look younger and remain looking younger – avoid the sun!
Having a tan without the sunspots and wrinkles is without a doubt the best way to go!Â
You can create an even glow all year round.
No more awkward “farmers tan” and random tan lines (we’ve all been there!).
Using a sunless tanner gives you the option to create an even tan from head to toe. By using a sunless tanner, you get to decide just how tan you want to be, without having to spend hours upon hours in the sun.
BONUS: you get to be tan all year round. No more waiting for the summer sun to arrive in the dead of winter to feel great about your skin.Â
Slimmer figure and Whiter looking teeth
Yes, you read that correctly and its true.
Applying sunless tanner can give you a thinner appearance and make your teeth look whiter.
Sunless tanner = confidence booster?
Having a tan can help hide imperfections and play a trick to the eye, instantly giving you a slimmer look. The same goes for whiter teeth: as your skin darkens your teeth look whiter, creating another trick of the eye.Â
Easy to apply
There are so many sunless tanning products out there and in so many forms: lotions, sprays, mousse, gel, etc.
Due to high popularity over the years, sunless tanners have gotten easier and easier to apply.
However, just because you’ve used one doesn’t mean you can apply another the same way. Read, read, read directions!
Not all sunless tanning products are the same, so it is always in your best interest to read the directions carefully before applying.
How to Apply Sunless Tanner
There are a few basic tips to remember when applying sunless tanner (despite the brand and product form).
In addition to the main tips listen below, when applying the sunless tanner make sure you don’t get the product in your eyes, nose or mouth.
Although sunless tanners are safe externally on your skin, the sunless tanners should never be inhaled or ingested. Also, once you are finished applying the sunless tanner, wash your hands! It’s never a good look to have your hands darker than the rest of your body.
If you can, invest in an applicator mitt to avoid this beauty blunder.Â
Exfoliate
Absolutely the first step to creating a healthy looking sunless tan, exfoliate.
Removing dead skin cells and smoothing out your skin helps create an even looking tan. Spend a little extra time on your elbows, knees and ankles — places where the sunless tanner could build up darker if not properly exfoliated.
Dry Your Skin
Make sure your skin is dry before applying the sunless tanner, especially if you just took a shower to clean and exfoliate your skin.
Having dry skin helps the tanner go on evenly.
Apply in Sections
Massage the tanner in a circular motion into sections of your body (i.e. start with legs, then torso, then arms, then face, etc). Once you are finished one section move on to the next.
Lightly blend at joints and on face
Your joints (knees, elbows and ankles) tend to absorb more of the sunless tanning products.
In order to not have dark spots, lightly blend a smaller amount of tanner to the joints. The same goes for you face – lightly blend a smaller amount of sunless tanner over your face and neck.
Be super gentle around your eyes and lips.
Give Time to dry and avoid water
Read the directions, some tanners take longer than others to dry and require a certain amount of time before showering (or touching any water).
If you are applying at night, wear loose fitting clothing to bed in a cool room (avoid sweating right away!).
Sunless tanners are a safe alternative to add a beautiful glow to your skin.
Although you will have a glowing complexion, it is still important to wear SPF every day. Be smarter about your skin health, start with a sunless tanner and finish with a daily SPF.
Here are a few top-rated sunless tanners for you to chose from. Remember, read directions before you apply!
St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
A super-lightweight, easy-to-apply, tinted mousse that dries in 60 seconds and delivers a rich-bronze glow.
Tan Towel Self Tan Towelette
Easy to apply and dries in seconds. Exfoliates for even and consistent results.
Beauty by Earth, Organic and Natural
Formulated with the best organic and natural ingredients, so you’ll never have to worry about what you are putting on your body.
Skinerals Self Tanner Sunless Bronzer, Organic
Minerals, not chemicals. Skinerals cares about your skin and donates a portion of every bottle sold to skin cancer research.
