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When I was a teenager, my grandmother, her brother, and her sister had minor surgery to remove skin cancer on their faces. Although none of them had to undergo chemo or more treatments for the skin cancer, it still left a lasting impression on me. I stopped visiting tanning beds and started wearing sunscreen on my face daily and all over when I would be outside. Now, almost 20 years later, I have to say that was a smart move. My skin looks great for my age. Most people can't believe I have a 15-year-old son because I don't look my age. I still want to get a healthy glow for summer so my skin doesn't have that winter pasty look, so I turn to self-tanners. After using them for several years, I learned some sunless tanning tips for a smoother application. Keep reading for my tips and tricks and a whipped coconut sugar scrub recipe.
Sunless Tanning Tips
Sunless tanners give you a tan without sun exposure. The active ingredient in these products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When you apply the tanner to your skin, the DHA reacts with the dead skin cells to temporarily tan your skin. As the dead skin cells fall off, your tan will fade. This is why it's important to exfoliate before you tan. I prefer to use a sugar scrub to exfoliate, so I made a coconut lime scrub to use before I used a self tanner.
The skin on your elbows, knees, and ankles is thicker than the rest of your skin, so go light with the tanner on these areas. You might just want to hit those areas every other day so they don't get too dark. If they do get dark, use the sugar scrub to slough off dead skin cells to lighten your tone.
After you tan, it's important to let it dry completely and not get it wet. Even a little drop of water can run and ruin your look. Be careful washing your hands after you use the tanner and keep your hands pointed down so you don't drip down your arms.
Even though sunless tanners will give you a natural looking glow, you still need sunscreen when you go outside.
I've been using JERGENS® Natural Glow® Wet Skin Moisturizer and the JERGENS® Instant Sun® Sunless Tanning Mousse. Both are available in two shades, so you can go as dark as you'd like. I like both products, but they do have different uses.
I've been using JERGENS® Natural Glow® Wet Skin Moisturizer lately because my skin is still dry from having the furnace running at home. It gives me a gradual tan while adding moisture to my skin. It works different than other sunless tanners because you apply it to your skin right after you shower. Turn the water off and before you dry off, apply it all over. Then gently pat your skin dry. I use it daily to keep my color.
In the late spring and summer, I'll switch to JERGENS® Instant Sun® Sunless Tanning Mousse. This gives you an instant tan, but you can still build it up daily and then use it once a week to maintain color. It comes out in a foam, so it's easy to apply.
Both JERGENS® products are available at Walmart. I found both in the lotion aisle, but you might find them in a separate display in the health and beauty section.
DIY Whipped Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub Recipe
I love using sugar scrubs, and I especially love whipped sugar scrubs. They are so light and airy, so they feel amazing on your skin. This one smells just like summer with the natural coconut scent and the added lime essential oil.
What You Need
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 10 drops lime essential oil
Directions
Place the coconut oil in your stand mixer and use the whisk attachment.
Beat for 10 minutes until light and fluffy. It should look like homemade whipped cream when it's done.
Remove the bowl from the mixer. Add sugar and essential oil. Add coloring if desired. I used 3 drops of green food coloring. Stir well with a spoon.
I used lime essential oil, but you could also make this with any other essential oil or omit it completely for a coconut whipped sugar scrub.
Do you use sunless tanners? Learn more about JERGENS® and their full line of sunless tanning!
Do you use sunless tanners? Learn more about JERGENS® and their full line of sunless tanning!
