Summer is here, and many of us are eager to get a sun-kissed glow. However, with the dangers of sun exposure and tanning beds, self-tanning has become a popular and safer alternative.
Self-tanning products provide a natural-looking tan without the harmful UV rays. While some self-tanning products can be expensive, there are several great options available for under $20.
In this blog post, we will explore the best self-tanners for under $20 and their health benefits, providing medical terms to explain the science behind them.
1. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer is a popular self-tanning product that provides a gradual, natural-looking tan. The product contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a colorless sugar that reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of the skin to produce a brown color. In addition to providing a tan, the product also moisturizes the skin with ingredients like glycerin and vitamin E.
Health Benefits: DHA does not penetrate the skin’s deeper layers, reducing the risk of skin cancer. Glycerin and vitamin E provide hydration and nourishment to the skin, reducing the risk of premature aging.
2. Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion
Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion is another affordable self-tanning product that provides a natural-looking tan. The product contains DHA and erythrulose, a sugar that reacts with the amino acids in the skin to produce a brown color. The product also contains aloe vera, which soothes and moisturizes the skin.
Health Benefits: DHA and erythrulose do not penetrate the skin’s deeper layers, reducing the risk of skin cancer. Aloe vera provides hydration and soothes the skin, reducing the risk of inflammation and irritation.
Neutrogena Build-A-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning is a gradual self-tanning lotion that provides a natural-looking tan over time. The product contains DHA, which reacts with the amino acids in the skin to produce a brown color. The product also contains glycerin and vitamin E, which provide hydration and nourishment to the skin.
DHA does not penetrate the skin’s deeper layers, reducing the risk of skin cancer. Glycerin and vitamin E provide hydration and nourishment to the skin, reducing the risk of premature aging.
4. L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Water Mousse
L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Water Mousse is a lightweight self-tanning product that provides a natural-looking tan. The product contains DHA and glycerin, which provide hydration to the skin. The product also contains aloe vera, which soothes and moisturizes the skin.
Health Benefits: DHA does not penetrate the skin’s deeper layers, reducing the risk of skin cancer. Glycerin provides hydration to the skin, reducing the risk of premature aging. Aloe vera soothes and moisturizes the skin, reducing the risk of inflammation and irritation.
5. St. Moriz Professional Tanning Mousse
St. Moriz Professional Self-Tanning Mousse is an affordable self-tanning product that provides a natural-looking, streak-free tan. The product contains DHA and erythrulose, which react with the amino acids in the skin to produce a brown color. The product also contains aloe vera, which soothes and moisturizes the skin.
Health Benefits: DHA and erythrulose do not penetrate the skin’s deeper layers, reducing the risk of skin cancer. Aloe vera soothes and moisturizes the skin, reducing the risk of inflammation and irritation.
VI. Guide to a Natural-Looking Tan
Choosing the right color is crucial for achieving a natural-looking tan. The color of the product should complement your skin tone, rather than looking too orange or fake. To ensure that you select the right color, it’s a good idea to test the product on a small area of skin before making a purchase. This will allow you to see how the product looks on your skin and make any necessary adjustments before applying it to your entire body.
Here are some tips to help you achieve a natural-looking tan:
- Exfoliate before applying sunless tanner: Dead skin cells can cause the product to apply unevenly and create streaks. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin’s surface before applying sunless tanner.
- Apply the product in thin layers: It’s better to apply several thin layers of sunless tanner than one thick layer. This will help you achieve a more even application and prevent streaking. Use a tanning mitt or gloves to avoid staining your hands.
- Allow the product to dry completely: Sunless tanners can take several hours to dry completely. Avoid coming into contact with water or getting dressed until the product has dried to prevent streaking or uneven color.
- Moisturize daily: To extend the life of your tan, moisturize your skin daily. This will help prevent the color from fading too quickly and keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated.
- Avoid over-application: It’s easy to get carried away when applying sunless tanner, but too much product can result in an unnatural-looking tan. Pay attention to the instructions on the product and apply only as directed.
By following these tips and taking the time to choose the right product and color for your skin, you can achieve a beautiful, natural-looking tan that will last for several days.
VII. Last Thoughts
The use of self-tanning products provides a safer alternative to sun exposure and tanning beds, as they offer a natural-looking tan without the harmful UV rays. While some self-tanning products can be expensive, there are several affordable options available for under $20.
These products provide hydration, nourishment, and protection to the skin, reducing the risk of premature aging, inflammation, and irritation. So, the next time you’re looking to achieve that perfect summer glow, consider reaching for an affordable self-tanning product instead of basking in the sun or hitting the tanning bed.
