There’s no coconut oil coating it (shout out to the gen x’s and y’s who unknowingly tried this)— no tan is safe. With new stats emerging and TikTok crazes quickly being de-bunked, the risks of being out in the sun are highly concerning. So what’s the alternative and how do you tan quickly and safely in a way that actually keeps your skin soft, supple and wrinkle-free for longer? Below we explore the benefits of using a sunless self-tanner over being out in the sun, referencing Australia’s most reputable evidence. So if you want a glow that is instant, safe and sensually rejuvenating… grab your iced latte, and a wide-brimmed hat and sit under the shade while we enlighten you.
The Best Way To Get A Tan
The best way to get a tan may not be what you think. As a society, we’ve become more educated on the risks of lazing by the pool or sea for hours, uncovered. And here’s what we’ve found:
Avoid traditional sun-tanning
According to Melanoma Institution Australia,
“Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world with more than 15,000 new cases of invasive melanoma diagnosed every year.”
And the wild statistic:
“95% of melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (or UV) radiation.”
… in other words, this happens under the sun.
Tan accelerators are no better!
Even more concerning is the circulating trend by under-informed influencers sprucing the benefits of using a ‘tan accelerator’ to speed up the process of sun-tanning.
This of course involves the application of chemicals on the skin which intensifies the tanning process and in no way protects your skin from UV damage.
So the question is, are the risks worth it? Our verdict: definitely not. Not only do hours in the sun result in a tan that fades in a matter of days, but the after-effects are horrifying.
For one Australian reporter that you may recall making headlines, the result was terminal. Dying at the age of 28 after a years-long battle with metastatic melanoma, Natalie Fornasia became one of the most memorable advocates in our time for safe sun exposure.
According to News.com.au, when asked by one of her followers before her passing, what can be done to honour her legacy, Fornasier wrote:
“Wear your sunscreen and tell others to as well.”
Find a quality, self-tanner
So that leads us to the ultimate way to tan quickly, safely and streak-free: find a quality self-tanner. Not only will a scientifically formulated sunless tanner get you instantly toned with beautiful coverage, but with the right mousse or spray, you can polish your bronzed, beach-babe vibe with a strong SPF 50+ sunscreen that won’t muck up the look.
At Sontse. We’ve created the Sontse. Golden Hour 200ml Self-tan Mousse with those exact specifications in mind. There’s no more wondering whether adding sunscreen will mess up your tan… Girl, it was designed for it! If you’re ready to fall in love with your new skin-safe sunny sidekick, come learn more about us here.
The benefits of using a sunless, self-tanning solution
Below are just a few of the benefits associated with opting for a luxe fake tan over traditional and hazardous tanning methods.
- Self-tanners give an instant result
- Self-tanners can be formulated with ingredients that actually hydrate the skin rather than causing it to dry out
- Self-tanners allow you to have full-colour control. Simply build up to the tone you desire by adding more layers or leaving it to develop longer
- Self-tanners can come in beautiful scents like our Sontse. range with its feminine rose scent.
- Self-tanners, if maintained properly, can last weeks!
- Self-tanners don’t expose your skin to harmful UV rays.
How To Tan Using A Quality, Skin-Safe Self-Tanner
Of course, we’ve written a whole comprehensive guide on How To Tan here. You can bookmark it for later.
But for a quick recap on how to tan using a sun-safe approach to self-tanner, read on:
STEP 1: PREP YOUR SKIN
Exfoliate any dead skin cells away. This is what will ensure a more seamless, lump and bump-free tan that ultimately looks flawless.
STEP 2: COVER YOUR BASES
Apply a small amount of tan onto dry, clean skin with small circular motions. For best results, apply with a tanning mitt or tanning applicator like our Sontse. Smooth Operator Self-Tanning Mitt… Leave it on for one hour for a sun-kissed glow or up to four hours for a bold, more European bronze. Finding those hard-to-perfect areas a little frustrating? A kabuki body blending brush can really help to smooth things over.
Leave on for 4 hours for a light glow and up to 8 hours for a deeper bronze. Rinse once you’ve reached your desired colour.
STEP 3: DON’T GET UNDONE BY THE SUN
Unfortunately, no other self-tan brands are guiding their customers on how to properly protect their skin when using a sunless tanner. If you take away one new piece of information from this blog, let it be this…
A fake tan won’t protect you from burning. Always apply your SPF 50+ moisturiser after your tan has set.
Best Sunscreen for Tanning
Looking for the best sunscreens to pair with your self-tanner? We always recommend a broad-spectrum, SPF 50 (or higher) sunscreen that protects your skin against both UVA and UVB rays.
Avoid oil-based lotions and those with alcohol in them, as that may cause your tan to streak.
A few notable mentions we personally use or would whisper into the ear of our best friends as our top recommendations:
- SPF50 Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Crème (but honestly, you can get lost in the sun-safe goodness of their whole range)
- Queen Screen Luminising Sun Serum SPF 50+
- Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily Moisturiser SPF 50+ with Pomegranate Seed Oil
Why do we love them? These beautiful products are all vegan, paraben-free and cruelty-free, and stand for similar values to our brand.
So there you have it. How you choose to glow spreads a powerful message. So make sure it’s one you can be proud of. If you’d like to join a movement of women who are creating change and helping to save lives with a more sun-safe approach to tanning, you sound like our kinda gal.
Sign up below for all our latest tips and tricks on how to create a more beautiful life that’s UV damage free for you and your family. Plus, get exclusive discounts and first-glance access to be first in line when our new bundles drop.
Written By Liana Pantalone – Beauty & Skincare Copywriter at Climbing Vine Co.
