Healthy Self-Tanners To Try This Summer

by Helen Torok

Summer is in full swing and the most popular accessory to pair with that sundress or bathing suit is a beautiful glowing tan. While we all know how amazing a great tan can look, the risks from UV exposure like sunburn, dark spots, premature aging, and skin cancer are no longer worthy trade-offs for that beautifully bronzed look. 

So, we turn to self-tanners, only to find out they also haven’t been that great for us all these years. Just as the harmful UV rays from the sun are no longer appealing, the carcinogenic, comedogenic, and harmful ingredients in a lot of self-tanners aren’t what we’re looking for.

So what are we naturally fair-skinned people to do? Luckily for us, there are healthy self-tanners made from safe and nourishing ingredients to help us achieve bronzed realness without all of the harsh trade-offs. 

Healthy Self-Tanner Ingredients To Look For

These healthy self tanners are non-damaging.

It’s important to know what’s in your self-tanner so you can pick the healthiest option! A study in the American Journal of Public Health concluded our skin, on average, absorbs 64% of contaminants which means our bodies are soaking up all of the toxic and harmful chemicals in these self-tanners. 

Here are some great healthy ingredients to look for instead.

Natural DHA

Self-tanners work by the utilization of the coloring agent DHA (dihydroxyacetone) which combines with amino acids in the skin creating a browning effect. The issue is the majority of self-tanners use unhealthy chemical DHAs to achieve this result. There are now self-tanners on the market that use 100% naturally derived DHAs to achieve the same effect without the harsh chemicals.

Hydrating Oils

Traditional self-tanners are full of drying ingredients like ethanol, working against that healthy glow you are trying to achieve in the first place. When choosing a self-tanner make sure there are oils like coconut, avocado, grapefruit peel, or vitamin E to keep skin soft and radiating long after your tan fades. 

Healthy Self-Tanners To Try

When it’s time for you to grab that tanning mitt and get to glowing, peep that ingredients list and make sure you’re using a great healthy self-tanner like these.

HH Science™ Healthy Glow Tanning Foam

Our Healthy Glow Tanning Foam, like all of our products, is free from parabens, hormones, toxic chemicals, and sulfates and uses natural DHAs in replace of the traditionally used harsh chemical ones. Our foam provides streak-free and buildable coverage while binding moisture back into the skin with vitamin E and a specialized sugar extract.

HH Science™ Healthy Glow Tanning Drops

Adding our super hydrating Healthy Glow Tanning Drops into your favorite skin care products is a great way to customize a buildable all-over sun-kissed glow. With hydrating avocado, grapefruit, and coconut oils your skin will be glowing and hydrated even in the dead of winter.

Finding the Right Healthy Self-Tanner for Your Skin

With so many self-tanning options out there, it is important to find the right ingredients to keep you and your skin happy and healthy. Whether you love a good foam tanner, or like the customization tanning drops provide, focus on naturally derived ingredients and hydrating oils when choosing a healthy self-tanner. Remember, unless your self-tanner explicitly states sunscreen as an ingredient it is not a replacement and you should add a sunscreen to your skincare routine.