We’ve all heard it: using a fake tan is considerably safer than lying in the sun or tanning booth as real tanning works by exposing you to UV radiation that damages the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer. Long gone are the days of an orange hue though, if you do choose to do it the fake, safer way.
Let’s be honest – if you live in the UK, and particularly as overseas travel is still partially restricted, there’s not much chance of getting a tan courtesy of Mr. Sunshine just yet. Could this actually be a blessing in disguise? Just before the UK properly starts opening up again, there's never been a better time to experiment with a good false face tan!
We also realise that pearly white skin is also beautiful (hello Nicole Kidman!) so by no means are we saying you need to tan to be beautiful! But when you have some stubborn blemishes and spots, a little bit of colour can boost your confidence and help even out your complexion. Keep reading to find out which self-tanners we love, and how it can fit into your beauty regime.
Is it good for acne?
Well – at EcoFeminii we love this time of year, because a wee tan isn’t completely unbelievable! We find that if we’ve had a bad breakout, a little self tan goes a long way to evening out the complexion, and diverting attention from angry red spots. Sometimes it means we don’t even need foundation, further saving our skin from unnecessary potentially pore-blocking products.
How to Do it, and What to Avoid!
It’s advised that you choose whether you want to have a facial or a spray tan, but not to have both at the same time, as the tanner will seep into open pores after a facial, risking uneven skin tone! It’s best to wait a day or two after your facial.
It’s also suggested that the use topical or oral acne medication prior to getting a spray tan can dry out the skin, which can affect the results of the tan, potentially leaving uneven results. If you can’t just stop using these medications (you’d need to discuss it with your doc!), make sure your skin is well hydrated and moisturised the day before going ahead with your face tan.
What can help is a good exfoliation beforehand, to remove any dead skin cells and create an even skin surface upon which the tan can be applied, increasing the chances of a nice even tone. Ensure the face is cleansed thoroughly, then splash the face with cold water to close those pores. It’s recommended to steer clear of AHAs and retinol at the same time as self-tanning.
What Tanner Should I Use on my Face?
Some say that using a fake tan designed for the body on the face doesn't do a very good job and will more often than not cling to any blemishes on the face and give an uneven tan. But I’m undecided – having tried Garnier’s Ambre Solaire No Steaks Bronzer for Body on my face (because that’s all I had in my cupboard!), I saw a great result. Others swear by tanning drops, tints and creams specifically formulated for the face. Innovations in false tanning have led to formulations designed specifically for the face that are packed with skin-loving ingredients that won’t block our pores or impact the condition of your skin.
The Benefits?
Face tan can replace foundation if you want to take a break from makeup but still want a bit of colour to your face. They require minimal effort and won't wear off throughout the day. This is particularly helpful in the summer months, when you don’t want to wear heavy layers of foundation or concealer.
If you choose a lighter shade, you can gradually build this up over a few days, achieving the exact colour you were hoping for. You can go as subtle or as bold as you choose!
Enjoy a foundation-free, gorgeous glow this summer! Tag @ecofeminii in your instagram pictures as we’d love to see the effects you achieve.
*Please note that this article does not constitute medical advice. If you require medical advice speak to your doctor, and check with a medical professional before making changes to your diet.