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by Iris George
If you’ve ever experimented with a faux glow, you’ll know that sunless tanners have come a long way, baby. As savvy shoppers started moving away from harmful UV rays in favour of safer bronzing methods, many self-tanning products began to emerge. But in these early days of sunless tanning, self-tanning solutions were often hard to use, clumpy, uncomfortable, and well...orange.
Thankfully, thanks to some truly amazing advancements in tanning technology, there are now dozens of ways to get a gorgeous golden hue without looking like a citrus fruit. And many glow-getters will swear that the best way to get a natural-looking tan without exposing yourself to harmful UV rays is to use self-tanning water.
Light on the skin and easy to apply, tanning water formulas leave you looking like you just returned from a week in Ibiza (minus the hangover). So, if you're in the market for a sunless tanning solution that will give you your best bronze yet, read on. Here’s everything you need to know about self-tanning water and its many benefits.
In a nutshell, tanning waters are clear sprays that contain water, vitamins, and the active tanning ingredient, DHA (dihydroxyacetone). Self-tanning water acts gradually, meaning that once you apply it to your skin, the tan develops over a few hours, giving you a beautiful, natural-looking bronze.
The active ingredient in tanning water and many other sunless tanners is dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. DHA is the special sauce in the self-tanning recipe that gives your skin a beautiful temporary glow.
How? When you apply DHA to your skin, it creates a chemical reaction with the dead skin cells on the surface to darken your skin temporarily. This then lasts until those dead skin cells are shed – in a few days up to around a week. Since tanning waters also contain more hydrating ingredients than other sunless tanners, they also help to moisturise and soften your skin.
Not all tanning waters are equal though, so make sure you shop around. Or, for an ultra-hydrating, botanical-enriched formula with skincare benefits, check out our Antioxidant Face Tanning Micromist. With 100% natural DHA and micromist technology for advanced absorption, this supercharged tanning mist drenches the skin with hydration while nourishing with a cocktail of antioxidants.
Plant extract HyalurosmoothTM boosts skin’s hydration by 40% in only 30 minutes, as our antioxidant complex boots collagen and smooths the appearance of fine lines. All while delivering a flawless faux glow.
Tanning water has many benefits that place it above its sunless self-bronzing counterparts – especially when tanning the face. Not only does it help hydrate your skin, but it’s also less messy and lightweight. Learn more about the benefits of using self-tanning water below.
Unlike traditional self-tanners that can be thick and messy, our micromist allows for a fast, easy, and foolproof application. The lightweight and ultra-convenient formula can be spritzed on in a flash for an even delivery of bronzing ingredients that delivers a natural-looking, I-woke-up-like-this glow. The smaller molecules also supercharge the penetration of skin-loving ingredients for more effective tanning and a radiant and hydrated finish.
Many of us have experienced a self-tan fail that leaves our skin feeling dry and looking patchy. Thankfully, self-tanning water contains ingredients that hydrate and nourish the skin while delivering a quenched, even glow. If traditional sunless tanners have left your skin feeling tight and dry, trust us – a quality tanning water (like our Antioxidant Face Tanning Micromist!) will restore your faith in UV-less tanning.
Some self-tan solutions feel greasy and sticky, but tanning water is lightweight and fast-absorbing – just like water. Ultra-gentle, tanning water doesn't clog pores like other sunless tanners. So it’s an ideal choice for oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin, as well as dry.
In a rush? Self-tanning water dries in minutes, or in the case of our Tanning Micromist, 30 seconds, meaning you can get up and go quickly after applying it. That means no more waiting around for traditional self-tanners that take hours to dry, only to still feel a little bit greasy afterwards.
Like any other self-tanning product, there are a few steps you need to take to prepare to wear your temporary bronze. The process is very similar to other tanning products. All you have to do is follow the easy instructions below!
Before applying your product, make sure you wash your face to remove any dirt, makeup, deodorant, and other products that might still be on your skin. The key to a perfect face tan is giving your skin a clean slate to start with. Leaving any other products on your skin could interfere with how the tan develops, giving it an uneven and splotchy appearance. So don’t skip this step.
To ensure the most even application possible, slough away any dry, dull skin cells by exfoliating. This will allow optimal delivery of the tanning and skincare actives and prevent any patchiness.
If you’re going for a golden sun-kissed complexion, seal the deal by spritzing your (dry, clean) face with a tanning mist. Treat it like a regular face mist, and don’t use any more than you normally would. If using our micromist, we recommend spraying a light layer all over the face and neck and allowing it to absorb for 30 seconds. There’s no need to blend, unless you were a little overzealous with the spritzing. After a minute or so, lock all that hydration in with your usual moisturiser (plus SPF is heading outside). Then watch as your gorgeous tan develops over the next six hours.
Without the help of UV rays, sunless tans can last between 5–7 days, but results depend on how you take care of your skin. Keep showers short and sweet to extend your glow, and know that some skincare ingredients should be used with caution. In the shower, instead of using coarse loofahs or sponges, gently hand-wash with our pH-balancing Smoothie Shower Gel, available in two stunning scents to keep you smelling your freshest.
Thanks to tanning water, summer can last all year long. Extend your beautiful beach glow with the best self-tanning products. And for more skin care tips and tricks, check out our blog!
Edited By: Pip Jarvis and Iris
