Sunless tanning, also known as self-tanning, spray tanning or fake tanning refers to the effect of a suntan without the sun.
I find that when it comes to tanning it is a little bit like trying to find a foundation shade to match your skin tone, a very daunting task.
There is never enough information on what shade to choose and how to go about it.
This article will explain what spray tanning is about, how it works as well as bust some myths about it.
About Caribbeantan:
Caribbeantan was born out of pure inspiration back in 2003, when we saw a need for a better, safer way to achieve a beautiful, bronzed holiday look, without damaging your skin by exposing it to harmful UV rays or harsh chemicals.
The Caribbeantan Professional Salon System was the first professional self-tanning salon application system in South Africa, which subsequently sparked the Salon Spray Tan phenomenon.
In 2007, Caribbeantan became available on the shelves of beauty stores, which contributed to it quickly becoming consumers’ number one choice for self-tanning.
Caribbeantan is now available at most drug store chains and the bigger online retailers in South Africa.
The Science Behind Self-Tan
What is DHA?
The active ingredient in most self-tanning products is DHA (Dihydroxyacetone).
DHA is a colourless sugar that interacts with the dead cells located in the stratum corneum of the epidermis. As the sugar interacts with the dead skin cells, a colour change occurs. This change usually lasts about five to seven days from the initial application.
Caribbeantan products contain specially formulated active ingredients. One of these ingredients is DHA (Dihydroxyacetone – natural sugar cane derivative). When applied to the skin, DHA causes a chemical reaction with the skin to produce a tan, much like the sun, but without the UVA and UVB damage to the skin.
Caribbeantan is no ordinary sunless tanning brand.
Our innovative professional self-tan and tan care products are designed to eliminate the fuss and mess associated with at-home tanning creams, as well as the costs associated with achieving the perfect tan. Let’s face it – beauty is mainly a confidence thing, and we believe everyone deserves to look and feel their best.
The Caribbeantan “at home” tanning range consist of an amazing range of products to choose from to get that perfect professional tan in the comfort of your own home.
The range consists of:
Body Butter – to moisturise and also extend the life of your tan.
Exfoliator – to exfoliate before your tan and help get rid of dead skin cells so your tan can develop properly and smoothly.
Spritzer – This comes with a tanning mitt. You simply spritz and use your tanning mitt to apply evenly.
Mousse – Apply like a lotion in circular motions evenly all over your body.
Tan in a can – Comes in an aerosol can. Simply spray and pat down evenly with a tanning mitt.
Shimmer Lotion – This product contains no DHA. It will bronze you up for the day and wash off in the shower. It also has specs of gold in it which really makes the body glow.
Body Bronzer – Just like the Shimmer Lotion, this product contains no DHA. It will bronze you up for the day and wash off in the shower. It does not have any specs of gold in it.
What to consider when choosing a product?
Choosing the appropriate shade is extremely important since the skin type is extremely relevant in the tanning process. Never apply a darker shade on a fair skin.
The Caribbeantan range comes in 3 shades namely:
A – for fair skin tones
B – for medium skin tones
C – for medium to dark skin tones
Tip: If you are a first-time tanner, then go for a shade lighter. This way you can see how it looks and feels then decide if you wish to use a darker shade next time.
How long does it last?
A Caribbeantan tan can last from 4 to 8 days depending on the maintenance. Reasons why a tan can fade:
- Not keeping the skin moisturised. The skin exfoliates naturally every 28 days. Keeping the skin super moisturised will stop the skin from flaking and help the tan last longer.
- Baths: taking long baths can fade the tan much quicker – rather take short showers.
- Swimming: swimming for long periods will fade the tan quicker.
- Showering before the development time had passed. Wait at least 8 hours before showering after applying your tan. Some skin needs more time and can take up to 12 hours.
Tanning myths:
Self-tanning myth #1 Self tanner will make you turn orange.
Absolutely NOT. You must choose the correct shade for your skin tone. Caribbeantan will always give you a beautiful bronzed natural looking tan.
Self-tanning myth #2 Self-tanner will stain your clothes & your sheets.
Caribbeantan is water soluble and will wash off easily from clothes & sheets.
Self-tanning myth #3 Self-tanner will stain your palms.
Use a Caribbenatan mitt to apply and protect the drier parts of your skin like palms, elbows & knees with our Body Butter which acts as a barrier cream.
Self-tanning myth #4 There is no right way to apply self-tan.
Wrong! Always follow the directions on the packaging upon application to get the best-looking tan. There are also general guidelines you should be following like shaving and exfoliating beforehand. Allow 6-8 hours for your tan to develop and refrain from activities, such as, swimming while your tan is developing. This will ensure that you get the most gorgeous natural looking tan.
For me self-tanning is about looking & feeling confident. It evens out my skin tones and makes me look healthy. It also hides stretch marks and cellulite.
When I look good, I feel good, and it just gives me that confidence boost and enhances my mood.
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