Choosing the Best Self Tanners for Sensitive Skin
Having sensitive skin makes finding the right self tanner tricky. The wrong formula can lead to irritation, redness, stinging, and even eczema flares. But with the growing quality and variety of sensitive skin self tanners, getting a safe, natural glow is possible.
What Makes Sensitive Skin React
Sensitive skin is prone to reactions from skincare products due to an impaired protective barrier. This allows irritants to more easily penetrate and trigger inflammation, allergic responses, or flare-ups of conditions like eczema or rosacea.
Common self tanner ingredients like fragrances, alcohols, chemical sunscreens, and harsh dyes are frequent offenders. So checking the ingredient list is vital when choosing any cosmetic product for delicate skin.
Self Tanner Ingredients to Avoid
Watch out for these reactive ingredients in self tanning products if you have easily irritated, allergy-prone skin:
- Fragrance - natural oils or synthetic fragrances
- Alcohol denat - extremely drying and irritating solvent
- Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) - main tanning agent; can cause reactions at certain dosages
- Erythrulose - alternative tanning agent akin to DHA
- Parabens - preservatives; may disrupt delicate hormonal balance
- Chemical sunscreens - can sensitize skin to the sun
Choosing Gentle Self Tanning Ingredients
Seeking out self tanners with short ingredient decks focused on skin-nourishing botanical extracts is your best bet for avoiding adverse reactions.
Plant oils high in fatty acids like argan, coconut, avocado, and marula gently replenish dryness while providing a subtle glow. Some brands also use plant melanins from radish roots or black tea leaves for sensitive, eco-friendly tanning.
Tips for Using Self Tanners with Sensitive Skin
Do a Patch Test First
To check for potential irritation or allergic response, do a patch test by applying a small amount of self tanner to your inner arm for 24-48 hours before wider application. If no redness or reaction occurs, you should be able to use it safely on larger skin areas.
Gently Exfoliate First
Sloughing away any dry, dead skin cells allows self tanner to absorb evenly for a smoother, more uniform result. Just don’t over-exfoliate delicate skin. Use a soft cloth or moisturizing acids like lactic acid.
Moisturize Dy Areas Well
Dry patches caused by conditions like eczema rapidly absorb self tanner and get darker than surrounding skin. Intensively moisturize those areas before applying self tan for an even glow.
Use a Tanning Mitt
Tanning mitts provide a smooth, consistent application so you can control the intensity of color better. The moisture-locking suede side also keeps self tan from absorbing too quickly into dry areas.
Apply Light, Even Layers
Build a gradual, believable glow with multiple light layers over several days instead of one thick application. This creates the most natural looking tan and allows you to gauge any skin reactions easily.
Best Self Tanners for Sensitive Skin
These expert-recommended self tanners use clean, non-irritating formulas perfect for delicate skin:
1. Sans [ticks] Self Tanner
A clean, vegan formula packed with nurturing botanicals like aloe vera and coconut oil ensures this spray tan nourishes skin instead of irritating it.
2. Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
Color-customizing tanning drops allow you to control the depth of color to your comfort level. The oil-serum base utilizes skin-loving ingredients free of common irritants.
3. Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Specifically designed for the delicate facial area, these drops provide a custom bronzed glow using vitamin and antioxidant-rich botanicals to soothe and heal.
4. Vita Liberata Sensitive Self Tanner Mousse
Specially formulated for sensitive skin with aloe vera, shea butter, and vitamin E, this mousse gives an easy, streak-free application for flawless results.
5. Coola Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion
A PETA-certified, 70-85% organic lotion utilizes plant stem cells, algae extracts, peptides to nourish sensitive skin while providing a natural-looking golden tan.
Maintaining a Healthy Glow
Caring properly for your sensitive skin ensures you can enjoy the confidence boost of a sun-kissed tan safely. Avoid over-exfoliation, stay well hydrated, and use soothing skin remedies like aloe, coconut, and oatmeal if any irritation arises.
With some mindful patch-testing and observation for reactions initially with new self tanning products, those with sensitive skin can discover natural-looking bronzers that make skin glow without compromise.FAQs
Can I use self tanner if I have eczema or rosacea?
Yes, choosing an irritant-free, sensitive skin formula and patch testing first allows those with eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis to safely use self tanners. Just ensure you exfoliate gently and moisturize dry areas well before application.
What’s the best way to apply self tanner for sensitive skin?
Use a tanning mitt and apply light layers over 2-3 applications rather than one thick application to better gauge skin tolerance and achieve an even glow with no streaks.
Should I moisturize before or after self tanner?
Moisturize dry areas like knees, elbows, and any eczema-prone patches first before self tanner application. This prevents uneven absorption and blotchiness. After tanning, continue moisturizing daily to enhance glow.
What ingredients should I avoid in self tanners?
Steer clear of alcohol, fragrance, chemical sunscreens, sensitizing oils, and common preservatives like parabens. Seek out short-ingredient formulas focused on gentle skin nourishers like aloe, shea butter, antioxidants, peach/apple extracts.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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