Self tanning lotions

Self tanning lotions have come a long way over the past 20 years, and today you can achieve the same colour from a bottle as you would from the Sun.

If you are new to the do-it-yourself tan it can be a bit daunting and I hope my guide can have you feeling confident about taking up self tanning. You may also be wondering if self tanning lotions are safe and how they work. Maybe you are just not sure how to apply them so you look natural? Let me give you the facts, so you too can get a great tan from a bottle.

How does self tan work?

Tanning lotions contain Dihydroxyacetone, a tanning drug that has been around since the 60’s. Most tanning lotions use this ingredient to give you a brown colour. In the 1970’s the FDA, The Food & Drug Administration, added it to it’s list as a safe cosmetic ingredient. This ingredient has been around for so long that if there were any side effects we would all be aware of them by now.

Dihydroxyacetone, DHA, works by stimulating the keratin protein in the top layers of your skin. It does not penetrate into the blood stream and the results are not permanent. DHA is derived from sugar cane or a vegetable source. There has been extensive research done on DHA over the past few years, making it appear more brown than orange on the skin. This is why even your cheaper brands are now offering a great colour.

DHA is also safe to use during pregnancy, so you can tan up Mummy’s to be.

To read up on pregnancy and tanning click here


Do I still need to wear a sunscreen?

Absolutely! Some self tan lotions come with an SPF built in, however they only give SPF protection while your tan develops. You will need to apply SPF each time you are exposed to the Sun to keep your skin protected.

Do I need to prep my skin before I apply self tan?

Yes, it is best to prep your skin by exfoliating before you tan.

Applying self tan is also getting easier.

I have put together a step by step guide to help you achieve an even tan application.


Can I do anything to keep my tan looking great for longer?

Yes, the key is moisturizing your body daily. I have a whole page containing great tanning tips.

To find great tanning tips click here


Wondering which tanning product is best rated? Click here to find my top 5