How do sunless tanners?

The self-tanning products all contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), an active ingredient that colors the stratum corneum of the skin. The intensity of the tan depends on the DHA content of the product, which ranges from 2% to 3.5% for light skin and 5% to 7% for darker skin.

The tanners are they harmful for health?

According to the dermatologist Pierre Ricard, they are quite harmless, unless one is allergic to the active ingredients.

If I have a reactive skin, should I avoid self-tanners?

To find out, we will first carry out a skin test: apply a small amount of product on top of our arms and wait 24 hours. If no buttons or redness appears, there is no problem.

What texture choose?

Everything depends on what you search.
• The cream is ideal for face and dry skin.
• The gel dries quickly and is suitable for combination or oily skin.
• The foam is easily applied on the legs.
• The spray can reach places inaccessible, like the back and rear legs.
• The wipes contain just the right amount of product and slip easily into a handbag.

Should I use a sunless tanner specifically for the face?

Yes. The formulas for the face are hypoallergenic and non comedogenic, and penetrate more quickly to facilitate the application of makeup. You can also use a formula for face and body. Note: if you have sensitive skin, it is especially important to perform skin testing in advance (always on the upper arm).

The self-tanning preparation does the skin to the sun?

No. However, some self-tanners contain sunscreen indices that are perfect for short exposures. If it is expected to remain long in the sun, Dr. Ricard recommends applying sunscreen to 90 minutes.

If I do not want to apply the sunless tanner myself, what solutions are available in institute?

Three choices are available to us.

The manual application

The process: The esthetician exfoliates the face and body, then applies a self-tanning gel for an invigorating massage.
Duration of treatment: 60 to 90 minutes.

The self-tanning spray

The process: The beautician from self-tanning sprays us with an air pistol, then left to penetrate for 15 minutes.
Treatment lasts 60 minutes.
The result: The tan uniform and natural looking and lasts nearly a week.

The tanning shower

The process: Naked in a cabin, it is sprinkled with self-tanning machine. Wipe off excess with a towel.
Duration of treatment: 15 to 30 minutes, according to our timeliness.
The result: More intense, the tan is visible immediately after treatment and lasts several days.

How to get a nice tan uniform?

Régine Perron, trainer and coordinator of the Clarins Institute, tells us the steps.

1. We first exfoliate your skin, because the impurities and dead cells promote the appearance of spots and stripes. It performs a circular motion with a loofah, an exfoliating glove or focusing on the knees, elbows, ankles and feet, not forgetting her back, nostrils and the back of the arms and legs.
2. To prevent the accumulation of product, we hydrate the drier parts (elbows, knees, around the nails, etc..).
3. We apply the sunless tanner sparingly in circular motions. It starts with the toes and it goes without forgetting the back of the knees and ankles, back and neck.
4. When finished, wipe the excess with a dry tissue in the knees, elbows, eyebrows and upper lip, and the hairline. To prevent smudging, Maryline Berry, trainer International Institutes Esthederm suggests to set the self-tanner with a dryer set at low temperature.
5. Finally, we wash hands with soap and let dry at least 30 minutes before dressing.

What can I expect as a result?

The tan develops within a few hours and lasts three to five days. To maintain tan, Maryline Berry advises repeating exfoliation and application of self-tanning once a week and moisturize your skin daily.

What if spots appear?

The natural exfoliation of the skin will disappear in three or four days. For faster results, rub the skin with an exfoliating glove or the color loses its intensity and skin regenerate faster.