Self Tanners

Self Tanners at Walgreens

A sun-kissed glow may enhance the beauty of your skin, but the effects that the ultraviolet (UV) energy of the sun has on your skin are anything but beautiful. Tanning outdoors or in a tanning bed can increase your risk of developing wrinkles, dark spots and even some forms of skin cancer later in life. Plus, tanning can lead to painful sunburns in the short term. That doesn't mean that you have to forgo a golden glow. Walgreens can help you get the look of a tan without ever having to set foot outdoors with a diverse assortment of self tanners.

One-Day Color

Some self tanners provide short-term benefits, leaving behind a touch of golden sun-kissed color that lingers until the product wears off or is washed away. Tinted moisturizers are often used to give the complexion a tanned appearance. These products hydrate skin and contain pigments that give the appearance of a radiant tan. Airbrush tanning products are designed for use primarily on the body. These products usually spray on and leave behind a layer of color that quickly dries. These spray-on color products are very popular for giving the arms and legs a tanned glow.

Self Tanners with Traditional Formulas

Traditional self tanners slowly darken skin to a tanned appearance with results that last for multiple days and do not wash off. Conventional self tanners work because of an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This substance causes a reaction with the keratin in your skin, and the golden color is a side effect of that reaction. Some sunless tanners have erythrulose derived from sugar cane added to their formulas to slow down the reaction and provide a more even, natural color. In addition, self tanners may contain walnut shell or iron oxide to give you an instant burst of color while the results from the other ingredients develop.

Comparing Forms

Conventional self tanners come in a number of forms. Lotions and creams make it easy to tell where you have applied sunless tanner, reducing the risk of missed spots. Sprays allow you to quickly apply self tanner and are great for reaching difficult spots like your mid back and the backs of your thighs. Wipes allow you to control application in the same way that lotions and creams do but leave less mess behind. Some brands offer self tanner in just one form, while others offer the same product in multiple forms.

Tips for Best Results

To get the best results from your self tanner, test a little on an inconspicuous area first to ensure that you like the color. Exfoliating your skin with a loofah or a body scrub can improve absorption and give you richer, more even color. It is typically best to apply sunless tanner in sections starting with your head and ending with your feet. After application, it is a good idea to wipe your knees, elbows and ankles with a damp washcloth in order to reduce the risk of dark spots. Read the directions for use provided by the manufacturer for other tips and advice.