Fair skin suffers a lot under the UV rays. People go to extreme lengths to get that sun-kissed glow that slightly changes the skin tone bringing a different vibe for the day out. However, tanning in the sun is an extreme length because of the adverse effects on the skin, especially for anyone going for a deeper tan. Self-tanning options are available to eliminate the risks one has to undergo to get tanned skin. You no longer have to risk your skin health because we will share our top picks for the best self-tanner for fair skin for a natural-looking tan.
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What is a Self Tanner for Fair Skin?
A self-tanner is a skin that gives your skin a tanned look without the risks of having to get exposed to the sun's dangerous rays. A self-tanner has the advantages of a natural look, especially for lighter skin tones that are more exposed to the dangers of getting exposed to ultraviolet rays. Self-tanners for fair skin offer more than a fake tan. The products give a healthy glow that is more evenly spread compared to lying out in the sun. The self-tan option is excellent for sensitive skin and all skin types, regardless of the sensitivity. Now that we know how handy these products are let us look at the best self-tanners available in the market to give you that golden glow without risking your skin.
Best Self Tanner for Fair Skin
Faux glow is the way to go without placing your skin at risk of getting sunburn. According to the great reviews the product enjoys, Jergens is by far the best self-tanners in the market. The reviews tell a success story behind the efficiency of the skincare product on sensitive skin. Jergens creates gradual sunless tanning that gives a natural glow and deepens the skin tone without leaving any streaks that are a nightmare experienced with other products.
Jergens is a fresh scented tanner that refreshes you while boosting healthier skin, unlike most self-tanners. The versatile tanner gives a deeper shade for medium to pale skin, offering a wide variety of applications for different skin tones.
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Bondi Sands is a self-tanner enriched with aloe vera that works well to protect pale skin while giving a beautiful finish. The easy-to-apply formula is made for any skin type, including pale skin. Aloe vera is a great product that heals and rejuvenates the skin leading to a healthier outcome. Bondi Sands stands out because of the streak-free tan that is difficult to achieve except only by the best self-tanners in the market. Bondi Sands has proven itself as a worthy product that many outdoorsy people and models love.
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St Tropez self-tanning mousse is a wonder in the skincare industry. The self-tanner for fair skin works to give a sun-kissed glow that looks believable and identical to a natural tan. The self-tanning mousse makes it in the top five because of the skin care product's impressive features. St Tropez self-tan is a 100% natural self-tanning product. The tanner provides 24-hour hydration that pale skin requires to stay healthy and protected against the elements. In addition, the formula used to make the tan is lightweight and non-sticking, offering maximum comfort while wearing the self-tanner.
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Tan-Luxe is a gem in this list of self-tanning products. The product gives you the chance to create your tan, an option that is least likely to be offered by other brands. Tan-Luxe has mastered the art of letting you be in control by giving letting you actively be a part of your skincare journey. The tan blends in with your skincare regimen because you can mix the skincare with your moisturizer or serum. No other product can beat that.
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True to its name, Organic Pharmacy gives you a fully organic option nourishing sensitive skin and pale skin alike. The tan has a streak-free finish and is made with DHA from shea butter and coconut oil which are both products that are great for the skin. In addition, organic Pharmacy provides a fresh and mild fragrance that does not clash with your other skincare products. The tan takes long before returning to a medium tan, a feature you can rely on when you are away for a long time. In addition, you have the option to build up your tan gradually. Organic Pharmacy is a certified organic product that works perfectly for different people and will work for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Self Tanners
a) Does Sunless Tanning Prevent Sunburns?
Sunburn has due to exposure to ultra-violet rays. Unless a product contains sunscreen, there is no way you are escaping sunburn if you are exposed to harmful rays. Fairer skin tones and skin types, just like any other skin type, get affected so much by the different types of radiation from the sun. Take note that radiation is strong enough to harm your skin even when underwater. Therefore, you need to ensure you apply sunscreen when going out into the sun or when having an outdoor activity. Some self-tanners for pale skin have sunscreen, while others do not.
When picking products with sunscreen, you need to check for the sun protection factor, or the SPF, which indicates how many ultraviolet rays the sunscreen will protect you against. Sunscreen lasts for only a while once applied and may need to be reapplied. Check for the details to ensure you are doing your skin justice.
b) How Do Self-Tanners for Fair Skin Work?
Different types of skin tones get affected differently when exposed to the sun. However, the one consistent reaction of the skin to the sun is the darkening of the skin's surface, also known as tanning. Therefore, a self-tanner alters the skin tone to appear like it has undergone tanning under UV rays. From medium skin tones, fair skin to darker skins, self-tanners work by adding a tan look.
Most sunless tanners contain a compound known as DHA, which stands for dihydroxyacetone. DHA is a compound that contains a color additive that makes the body appear tanned once applied. DHA reacts with dead cells to mimic tanning. Dead cells are primarily on the skin surface, hence the effectiveness of the compound. The reaction leads to the skin simulating a tan, leading to an evenly spread natural glow on the skin. Getting an even tan while lying out in the sun on the beach might be one of the hardest things one can ever try out.
c) How Long Does Self Tanning Last?
We have established that the fake tan results from DHA reacting with dead skin cells to give the tanning effect that looks natural and has a golden glow. Therefore, the tan is dependent on how long cell regeneration takes to occur. The standard time to have a cell turnover is about a week to ten days. As the cell turnover occurs, the tan appears as though it is vanishing because the dead skin cells are disposed of.
The self-tanning body oil or lotion will only last as long as you treat it. If you exfoliate your skin or scrub off the dead cells, your tanning process will be as good as over. However, using strong soaps with harsh chemicals might lead to a reduction of the tan. The best way to maintain the tan is by reducing how much you scrub your skin when going for a smooth look.
d) How Often Can I Self Tan?
Body self-tanners work by reacting with the skin, as we have seen above. A quality self-tanner will take as long as the skin takes to have a complete cell turnover, about a week. Therefore, a most natural tan will give you a consistent look throughout. A long-lasting tan eventually comes to an end, and it might be time to get a new tan to maintain the desired depth. For a natural-looking color, follow the instructions on the product you are using. Many tanners can be used daily. However, it makes no sense to use a self-tan every day, given the body's process to tan. If you exfoliate regularly, it might be best to let your tan stay up to three days before tanning again for a natural finish.
Tips on Using a Self Tanner
i) Exfoliate First
The first thing you should do before self-tanning is to exfoliate because of the body's process. Getting rid of dead skin gives the self-tan a longer-lasting effect before the body regenerates and replaces dead skin in its next round of rejuvenation. Exfoliating first ensures the body gets an even tone that will look nice and natural. Applying tanning products on clean skin will give you an instant glow and a natural tan that you can not achieve by going out to tan in the sun. Just like any other skin product, exfoliating before applying the sunless tanner increases the effectiveness. You can achieve the most natural-looking tan if you do use the self-tanning products right.
ii) Drying Time
Whether you are going for a subtle glow or a deep tan, the goal is to have a flawless tan. Throwing on a cloth immediately after tanning will not do any justice to your fair skin because the tan will be as good as left on the shelf untouched. Without letting the tan dry, wearing clothes will only lead to the self-tanner wiping off, leaving your skin looking uneven and unprotected. Allow your skin to dry before wearing clothes. It is understandable that you might want to go out and enjoy your new look, but spending a few minutes to let the tan dry will be worth it. Remember to wear loose clothing if you can to maintain that golden glow.
iii) Joint Areas
Imagine how awkward you would look if your skin were evenly tanned except the joint areas. Achieving a natural glow is easy as long as you use a few tricks when applying the self-tanner. Any inconsistency with the tanning is easily noticeable for anyone with pale skin, and it is best not to skip the following tip when applying the self-tanner.
Since the elbows, knees and other joints tend to absorb more self-tanners, dilute the tanner slightly to reduce the shade. Therefore, when the joint areas absorb the tanner, your skin will look natural and consistent with the tone.
iv) Wear Sunscreen
Imagine having a slight tan on your skin, only to get a sunburn and mess up your look. Trust me; you will look funny. Self-tanning is an excellent motivation to stay out of the sun and prevent harming your skin while keeping that radiant glow. Whether using drugstore self-tanners or any other product, wear sunscreen for a natural-looking result. Keeping away from direct exposure to the sun is a surer way of keeping your fair skin protected at all times.
