I get asked about natural methods of tanning very often. Therefore, I have decided to write this post. Especially considering the fact that natural tan without the sun is possible and there is no need to go to a tanning studio for this. Sometimes, all you need is a DIY fake tanner and you’re good to go. If you are curious how to do it, keep on reading and I’ll explain everything in detail.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT TANNING
- THE SUN boosts the production of the valuable vitamin D which improves the mood and gives the body a beautiful hint of brown. However, experts warn against sunbathing. Excessive exposition to solar radiation without appropriate protection is a fast way to dehydrate the skin and gain hyperpigmentation spots. Hours spent on the beach may result in reddened skin and painful burns. Therefore, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and use protective creams with a high UV filter.
- A TANNING BED is also a bad solution. Until recently, using tanning beds was considered safe because the lamps only emit long UVA radiation, however, nowadays, we know for sure, that both UVB and UVA are dangerous to our skin. They penetrate deeper parts of the skin, damage collagen fibres, contribute to the formation of free radicals and in some cases, they even cause cancers.
- FAKE TANS are one of the alternatives that we reach for to boost natural tanning or give your skin a nice look in just minutes. However, fake tanners purchased in drugstores are not always very safe for the body. Such product works on the outer part of the skin. The effect is just a result of a chemical reaction of the ingredients of the tanning product with dead skin cells. There is usually an unpleasant scent and the effects are not long-lasting.
So…how to tan and not harm ourselves?
A homemade method for a natural tan in less than 10 minutes!
Someone wise once told me that nothing is impossible. One might think that natural tan in less than 10 minutes achieved in the comfort of your own home is impossible. I’ll show you how to do it. Everything is possible if you know how to do it;)
Natural self-tan is the best solution!
A natural and homemade tanner is possible. I will say more, there are a few reasons why a self-tanner is definitely a better solution. It is not harmful to our skin, because natural tanning aids are, for example, coffee, cocoa or tea. These are safe ingredients that can additionally provide our skin with many valuable nutrients. We gain skin treatment and tanning in one. For me, it is very important that a natural self-tanner made by myself does not leave streaks or smudges. It does not penetrate into the deep layers of the skin, it cannot burn us, it leaves no unpleasant odour and is very easy to use. This is a great solution for allergy sufferers or people with very sensitive skin. The list of advantages of a home-made self-tanner is neverending.
Do natural tanners have any disadvantages? The only thing that comes to my mind is the necessity of using such a cosmetic every day. The natural tan of the skin stays very short, but it can be obtained in a safe way. Definitely worth it.
A homemade self-tanner – effects:
- Natural tan in a delicate shade.
- The skin looks sun-kissed.
- The skin is moisturized and nourished.
How to make a DIY self-tanner?
It is not as difficult as it might seem. Below, you will find not one, but a few various recipes I like to use the most. If something works for me, I always share it on my blog:)
The easiest way for a homemade self-tanner
Let’s start with an option for the lazy ones;) or those who do not have that much time to devote to tanning. Take your favourite lotion, body cream or butter and combine with one or a few bronzing products. What are they? Natural cocoa, ground coffee, a bit of strong brewed coffee or black tea, cinnamon, nutmeg. Add as much of the ingredients as necessary for the balm to gain bronze colour. Use it as always, rub it into your skin after a shower.
Homemade self-tanner with cocoa and coffee
This is probably one of the most popular self-tanners because the products can be found in every kitchen. You will need about half a cup of coconut oil (or a different one, even thick coconut butter) and an equal part of natural cocoa or freshly ground coffee. How to make a home-made self-tanner based on oil? Dissolve oil in a pot, add cocoa / coffee, mix thoroughly and let it cool. Then, apply such a balm, to moisturize the skin after each wash. Cocoa and coffee give the skin the desired colour and strengthen the natural tan, while coconut oil nourishes the skin and prevents it from drying out.
Homemade fake tan with tea
The tea-based bronzing liquid is a cosmetic that allows you to darken the skin very quickly. Especially since we can pour it into a bottle with an atomizer, then the application takes literally just seconds. How to make a DIY self-tanner with tea? You will need 4 teaspoons (or bags) of very strong black tea and of course water. Boil the tea in a small amount of water (the essence will be stronger then) and set aside to cool down. Such a self-tanning liquid can be applied to the skin with a soft sponge, but I prefer to use it like a mist. When sprayed on the skin and massaged with hands, it gives a more natural, nicer effect.
Homemade fake tan with walnuts
Self-tanning with nuts is probably the hardest thing to do, but it’s really worth it because the effects are fantastic. You need green walnut shells, so this home self-tanner can only be done in autumn. How to do it? We have to squeeze the fresh juice from the shells, for example by grinding them on a grater and squeezing the juice through a gauze or a very fine sieve. If someone has a juicer, it’s easier. You can also cook whole nuts for about 8 hours (I know, such a long time!) and apply it to the skin mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar.
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