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Sian Victoria © - utan self tanning products

Why You Should Pick Facial Self-Tanners with Natural Ingredients

The desire for a sun-kissed glow has led to the increasing popularity of facial self-tanning, but not all self-tan products are safe for our skin due to harsh chemicals. Opting for facial self-tan products with natural ingredients is key to ensuring that our skin is protected while providing additional benefits that enhance our complexion.

This blog post will explore the reasons why natural ingredients should be chosen for facial self-tan products and how they can provide hydration and anti-ageing properties to nourish our skin. Natural is the best way to achieve a radiant, healthy tan without sacrificing the health of our skin. So, let's study the benefits of natural facial self-tan products in-depth.

Why You Should Avoid Certain Chemicals in Tanning Products

The facial self-tanning products found in the market often contain synthetic and chemical components that can be harmful to the skin, making it imperative to select a safer alternative free from these ingredients:

Artificial fragrances and parabens

Though they may promise immediate tanning, their prolonged usage may result in various skin problems. Synthetic fragrances and parabens, for example, can cause redness, itchiness, and skin irritations as they are known allergens. People with sensitive skin must be extra careful as they are more prone to such reactions.

Dihydroxyacetone

Another ingredient often found in self-tanners is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), responsible for darkening the skin. Although it is generally deemed safe, it is believed to cause genetic alterations when absorbed in large quantities. The usage of sulphates in these tanners further causes skin dryness and irritation as it disrupts the natural pH balance and strips the skin of its natural oils, increasing the likelihood of bacteria and infections.

Oxybenzone

The inclusion of oxybenzone, another harmful chemical, is also a cause for concern as it has been linked to damaging coral reefs when washed off in the sea. It is, therefore, essential to prioritise the use of kinder self-tanning products to avoid the potential harm caused by such risky chemicals.

The quick gratification of achieving a tanned look is not worth chancing long-term skin damage, choosing a safer, healthier self-tanning product is the most viable option for both you and the environment.

Skin Benefits of Natural Ingredients in Facial Tanners

Facial self-tanning products that utilise natural ingredients offer a range of benefits that extend beyond a glowing, sun-kissed complexion. These natural components provide vital nutrients that hydrate, nourish, and promote healthy skin. For example, aloe vera, a common ingredient in natural tanners, has remarkable moisturising capabilities. It penetrates the skin without leaving any greasy residue, making it ideal for all skin types. Additionally, aloe vera contains antioxidants like beta-carotene, and vitamins C, and E, which help maintain skin firmness and hydration.

Jojoba oil is another natural ingredient that can mimic the skin's natural sebum, making it an effective moisturiser and skin healer. The oil's antioxidant properties can prevent premature ageing, diminish wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity. Some natural tanners feature green tea extract, a substance known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea is high in catechins, which are potent antioxidants that protect the skin from harmful free radicals, reduce inflammation, and promote elasticity.

Cocoa butter is also an advantageous natural ingredient, as it is rich in fatty acids that moisturise and nourish the skin, promote elasticity, and form a protective barrier to keep skin hydrated. Additionally, many natural self-tanners use vegetable-based DHA, a safer alternative to chemically derived DHA found in traditional tanning products. This natural ingredient interacts with the amino acids in the skin to produce a brown colour without causing genetic alterations or harming the skin's protective barrier.

Using facial self-tanning products with natural ingredients can improve skin texture, elasticity, and overall health. Not only will you achieve a natural-looking tan, but you'll also provide your skin with a variety of essential nutrients. By selecting natural tanning products, you'll enjoy the benefits of a sun-kissed glow while treating your skin to a multitude of advantageous ingredients instead of potentially causing skin irritations, poor skin health and possibly blocked pores and spots.

How to Get a More Natural-Looking Facial Tan

For those seeking a natural-looking facial tan, it all starts with proper skin preparation. The first step is to ensure that your skin is thoroughly cleansed and exfoliated before applying any natural tanning product. This will eliminate dead skin cells and other impurities, resulting in a smooth and even application.

To further enhance your chances of achieving a streak-free finish, hydrate your skin with a light moisturiser, paying close attention to areas that tend to be drier, such as the forehead, nose, and around the eyes. By keeping your skin well-moisturised, it is less likely to absorb the tanning product unevenly, giving you a more natural and consistent result.

When it comes to application, be sure to use a gentle, circular motion to evenly distribute the tanning product, taking care to blend it seamlessly into your hairline and neck to avoid any unsightly lines. For added convenience, you can also use a facial tanning brush or mitt to make the process even smoother.

While it can be tempting to apply more products than necessary, less is more when it comes to achieving a natural-looking facial tan. Start with a small amount and gradually build up to your desired shade. For those who prefer a deeper tan, you can always reapply after the initial application has fully developed, which usually takes around 24 hours.

After application, be sure to allow your face to dry completely before applying any makeup or skincare products and avoid touching your face in the meantime. This will ensure that the tan develops evenly and without any unsightly streaks.

Finally, it is important to remember that a natural facial tan develops over time, so be patient and resist the urge to apply more product prematurely. To maintain your tan, keep your skin well-hydrated and exfoliate gently every few days. Note that some skincare products, such as acid-based exfoliators or retinol, may cause your tan to fade more quickly than normal.

What Natural Ingredients to Look Out For in Face Tans

When searching for a self-tan product for the face that's both natural and beneficial for the skin, it's essential to take note of specific key ingredients. These ingredients possess skin-friendly properties that can result in a safe, healthy, and flawless-looking tan.

Aloe vera is a well-known ingredient that is admired for its hydrating and soothing capabilities. It is frequently used in natural tanning products because it helps to keep the skin moisturised and diminishes the chances of uneven or patchy tanning.

Jojoba oil is an excellent moisturiser that enriches the skin and provides a smooth and even application of the tanning product. Its antioxidant properties can help safeguard the skin from harm.

Green tea extract is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid in calming and protecting the skin from harmful free radicals.

Cocoa butter is high in fatty acids that moisturise and hydrate the skin, leading to a natural-looking tan that is even and consistent.

Vegetable-based DHA is a safer alternative to chemically derived DHA. It works by reacting with the amino acids in the skin to produce a brown colour without causing any damage.

Erythrulose, a natural keto-sugar, provides a gradual tan and works together with DHA to prevent streaks and patches.

Chamomile extract, recognised for its calming properties, can soothe any irritation, and provide a delightful fragrance to the product.

By selecting a facial self-tan product that includes these beneficial ingredients, not only will you achieve a gorgeous tan, but your skin will also be nourished and well-cared for.

A Word of Caution on 'Natural' Claims in the Skincare Indusrty

In the world of skincare, the term natural has become a buzzword, often used liberally in product marketing. Whilst opting for facial self-tan products with natural ingredients can be beneficial, it is important to approach the term natural with caution. The unfortunate reality is that this term is not always regulated, allowing products to be labelled as natural even if they contain only a small percentage of natural ingredients alongside a host of synthetic ones.

Likewise, organic is another buzzword that may not always stand up to scrutiny. Being labelled as organic does not automatically mean that a product is free from harmful chemicals. It is worth noting that an ingredient can be organic and still be harmful to the skin, such as certain essential oils that can cause irritation or photosensitivity.

To ensure the safety and efficacy of your skincare products, it is imperative to do your due diligence. Do not rely solely on buzzwords on the packaging; take time to read the ingredients list, research unfamiliar terms, and learn about potential allergens or irritants. Furthermore, keep in mind that just because a product is natural does not necessarily mean it is safe or better for your skin. Natural ingredients can still cause reactions in certain individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin or allergies. Always perform a patch test when trying a new product, regardless of its claimed naturalness.

Lastly, it is important to remember that a quality product does not have to be 100% natural to be beneficial for your skin. What matters most is the balance and synergy of ingredients that work together to nourish, protect, and enhance your skin's health while providing a radiant, natural-looking tan. It’s the same when it comes to searching for vegan and cruelty-free skincare brands, some mainstream brands try to appear that they have these accreditations but when you take the time to investigate closely, they don’t.

So, when shopping for skincare products, take the time to do your research, read labels carefully, and always prioritise the safety and health of your skin. Don’t believe everything a brand says as the marketing of products and their communication strategies can be very misleading.

Sian Victoria © - Before & After Utan self tan

Utan Self Tan Review

utan (previously UTAN & Tone) gifted me their new Weekly Self Tan Medium Lotion and Nourishing Night Cream, which promised to give me a natural golden hue and a gradual face tan. Intrigued by the UK vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand, I did some research and discovered that they utilise quality and mostly natural ingredients and their Instagram before-and-after shots looked impressive, so I eagerly accepted the gift and looked forward to enhancing my fair complexion with a radiant summer glow.

Utan Weekly Self Tan Medium Lotion

To prepare for the application of the utan Weekly Self Tan Medium Lotion, I took a shower and gave my entire body a thorough exfoliation. I made sure to pay extra attention to my elbows, ankles, and knees, which tend to be the driest areas of my skin. If your skin is similarly dry, it's helpful to apply regular body lotion before the tan, but make sure it's fully absorbed before applying the self-tanner.

Donning a tanning glove, I took a generous amount of the tanning lotion and began applying it in circular motions, starting with my legs and working my way up. For even coverage on my back, I enlisted the help of a friend and waited for my skin to dry before getting dressed.

What sets the Weekly Self Tan Medium Lotion apart from other self-tanners is its addition of a body sculpting complex. This blend helps tone and firm the skin by claiming to flush out toxins, providing an extra benefit not found in many other self-tanning products. It’s also rich in antioxidants with the inclusion of fruit and seed extracts, it also works instantly and contains shea butter and aloe vera for added skin nourishment.

Utan Nourishing Night Cream

Before applying the utan Nourishing Night Cream, I made sure to exfoliate my face and neck and wore gloves to protect my hands. This night beauty cream boasts a rich blend of antioxidants, vitamins C, B5, B6, B9, and K, as well as the anti-ageing nutrient Hyaluronic acid and an organic, super-moisturising formula that promises to protect, condition, and hydrate the skin.

After just one use, I was delighted with the results, which can take up to four hours to fully develop. As someone who dislikes the strong scent of some tanning products, I was pleased to discover that this one is odour-free. I plan to continue using it once a week throughout the summer to maintain my newfound radiance.

To conclude

Opting for self-tanning products containing natural ingredients is a wise choice for your skin, as it not only ensures better care but also offers numerous benefits for your skin apart from just a sun-kissed glow. Familiarising yourself with the contents of your tanning products and being cautious of harmful chemicals is crucial.

However, simply relying on natural ingredients does not guarantee effectiveness, so it is recommended to conduct thorough research before selecting. Striving for a harmonious blend of natural ingredients that nourish your skin can lead to a radiant tan and keep your skin healthy and rejuvenated.