Add
a hint of colour to your skin this winter. Just because the sun’s gone, it
doesn’t mean we have to dwell in the pale until September!
Keep
self tan in your body routine this season, and you’ll see a boost in your
complexion, as well as your confidence.
The
sciency bit:
Self
tanning products have come a very long way from the orange, streaky, burnt
biscuit smelling nightmares of a few years ago, so there really is no excuse to
cook your skin in the sun or on a sunbed. Even though self tan has been around
for years, many people still don’t know how it works, so we got the science
buffs from Caribbean Tan to explain. ‘The main active ingredient in nearly all
self tans is dihydroxyacetone or DHA, a sugar cane derivative; this reacts with
the amino acids on your skin’s surface. This process produces pigments, called
melanoidins, which is similar to the melanin pigments which are produced by sun
exposure, but without UVA and UVB damage to the underling layers of skin,
giving the skin a ‘tanned’ look.’
Application:
The
most important part of winter self tanning is the application. We’re not aiming
for Brazilian beach babe, but rather a warm and radiant glow.
Exfoliating
before you apply self tan is the best way to ensure an even colour, and even
more so in winter. Our skins are drier in the cooler months, so will need even
more attention than in winter. If you don’t exfoliate, the product will soak
into dehydrated areas more than others, resulting in patches. This is why you
need to pay special attention to knees, elbows, hands and feet as these tend to
be drier than the rest of the body. Adding a thin layer of moisturising cream
to these areas after exfoliating is even better.
Realistically,
most of your body will be covered in winter woolies, so you don’t have to go
for the full body application, and have to stand around in the cold waiting for
it to dry.
Just
stick to doing you face, arms, chest and décolleté area.
As
far as products goes, rather opt for products designed for pale or medium skin
tones, as this will give a subtler colour. Apply it slowly, using a small
amount of product at a time. Wait for it to dry completely before getting
dressed and remember to apply moisturising cream every day to keep the tan for
longer.
All
of the Caribbean Tan home products are available from Clicks and Dis-chem
stores countrywide and from selected beauty salons.
