Forget spray-tanning (too orange) or fake-baking (too dangerous). This year, slow-glow is the hottest way to get the look of sun-kissed skin. “Gradual” self-tanning lotions promise to deliver plenty of hydration as well as a touch of sun. Almost every brand of moisturizer has one in its line now. Of the 10 lotions tested, the following three came out on top.
Neutrogena Summer Glow
For: Fair skin tones; $9.79 for 6.7 ounces
Claim: Gives a light, natural glow, plus UV protection
Sunscreen? Yes, SPF 20
Instructions: Use daily; allow several minutes to dry before dressing.
Appearance/smell: White and creamy, light but not runny; soapy and subtle scent
Good points: Saw results within two applications. Easy to control the amount of “tan” as results are gradual, not immediate and obvious.
Bad points: A bit more orange than a natural tan.
Noticed results: After two uses, it took legs from “scary white” to “acceptable for public viewing.”
Results lasted: Several days
Nivea Sun-Kissed Firming Moisturizer
For: Light to medium skin tones; $7.99 for 8.4 ounces.
Claim: Builds a healthy glow in five days, improves skin firmness, provides lasting moisture
Sunscreen? No
Instructions: Apply liberally; avoid contact with clothes until lotion is absorbed.
Appearance/smell: White and creamy, but a little runny; pleasant, light citrus fragrance
Good points: Skin really did “glow” without turning orange.
Bad points: Because it’s thin, it’s easy to apply too much.
Noticed results: After two days
Results lasted: About two days after last application
Olay Touch of Sun Overnight
For: Medium/dark skin tones; $6.99 for 6.7 ounces.
Claim: “Wake up with a sun-kissed glow.”
Sunscreen? No
Instructions: Apply before bedtime. Leave it on for at least 15 minutes before putting on pajamas.
Appearance/smell: Thick, smooth and a good, solid bronze color; a strong but pleasant chamomile-lavender scent
Good points: As advertised, the results were immediate and a match to caramel skin color.
Bad points: People with darker complexions tan easily, so they shouldn’t use it often.
Noticed results: The next morning
Results lasted: Four or five days
Others products tested:
– L’Oreal Sublime Glow for fair skin tones
– Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer for medium/tan skin tones
– Banana Boat EveryDay Glow SunDial Self-Tanning Moisturizer for lighter skin tones
– Bath & Body Works True Blue Spa Glow & Steady Daily Moisturizer For Body
– Vaseline Healthy Body Glow for medium skin tones
– St. Ives Healthy Brilliance Renew & Glow for fair to medium skin tones
– Aveeno Continuous Radiance Moisturizing Lotion for all skin tones
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Advice from a dermatologist
– All self-tanners contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which causes a chemical reaction with the top layer of skin and produces a darker color. A lower concentration of DHA [as in self-tan moisturizers] causes a slower color change.
– When using self-tanners, follow the expiration date on the label like you would any other product. They will eventually go bad.
– Most self-tanning moisturizers don’t contain sunscreen; therefore it is important to also use sunscreen when going out into the sun. Apply it before or after the moisturizer. Look for a sunscreen that protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
– These products aren’t likely to cause a bad reaction, but never say never.
– Once you stop using self-tanning moisturizers, the darkness will fade away.
[ SOURCE: DR. JAMES MCCARTY OF SOUTHWEST COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES IN FORT WORTH ]
