Avoid Sun Damage and Achieve That Healthy Glow Without the Chemicals (or that Awful Smell!)

We all know the dangers of bronzing in the sun: higher risk of skin cancer, premature aging, sun spots, etc. However, no one wants to walk around with a ghostlike appearance during swimsuit season! Sunless tanners provide a great alternative to gaining color and summer glow without having to reap the damaging effects of the sun.

As consumers become more and more educated on the harmful effects of the sun's rays, its no wonder that over the past few years, self tanners have been more popular than ever--popping up everywhere in all forms, from foams to creams to sprays. Even Lindsay Lohan jumped on the bandwagon in early 2009 to launch her own version of a mist self tanner. It's no surprise with all of the options out there that it can be confusing to know which self tanners are the best. Some streak; some make your skin look good, but smell awful. And some make your skin look bad and smell awful!

So what gives self tanners that unmistakable odor, even through clothing? Most sunless tanners contain a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with amino acids in the skin to make it darker. This DHA ingredient is responsible for the awful smell. Lavera's self tanner contains two natural ingredients — vegetable-derived DHA (Dihydroxyactone) and the sugar agent Erythrulose — and do not have that signature DHA scent. Our Self Tanners are certified all natural and contain organic ingredients, so they don't have the harmful chemicals found in most self tanners today AND they don't have the pungent odor associated with most sunless tanners! So not only will your body take on that healthy glow, but you will actually be using something that won't be harming your health in the long run. Truly a win-win situation on both fronts!

FACES Summer Glow Streak Free Facial Self Tanner It's easy to get a natural looking glow with Lavera's Self Tanner for Body and our great gradual-self tanner for the face — Faces Summer Glow — with a few easy tips:

  • Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Removing dead skin cells on the surface of your skin before applying product is essential for getting an even-looking tan. For that we recommend Lavera's Body Peeling Jojoba Scrub.
  • Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying self-tan products. Applying self tanner to wet skin can result in a streaky end-result—blowing your cover of a beautiful, natural glow!
  • Start slow. You can always apply more self tanner to get a deeper glow, but it is much more difficult to successfully remove self tanner.
  • Go easy on application around elbows, knees and feet.
  • Give yourself time to dry! After applying the self tanner, it's best to wait at least 15-30 minutes before getting dressed. If possible, avoid bathing or swimming for at least 8 hours after you've applied the self tanner.
  • Reapply 2-3 times per week to maintain color. Be prepared to get noticed and answer questions about where you've been on vacation or which beach you've been spending your time on.

Perfect Tan Kit Hope these tips help you create a flawless, healthy glow. To help you get started, we've put together a Self-Tanner Kit with both Face and Body Self Tanners. Get that perfect summer tan now, but don't forget your sunscreen!