Don’t we all love to show a lovely tan without having to expose our skin to damaging sunrays? Is it possible? Absolutely.

With the new sunless tanning products called ‘hydratants ensoleillants’ (sunless-tanning moisturizers) which softly but surely color the skin. A rich bronze tan is flattering and evokes a beach vacation filled with sun, sand and water but we all know that exposure to the sun also comes with skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. These new sunless-tanning moisturizers can be used like your daily skin care,

the difference is that they contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone) as the active ingredient that produces a brown color change at the surface of the skin. DHA does not penetrate the skin.

To show a natural tan at the first signs of spring is easier than ever with the new improved sunless-tanning products. The textures are light, airy, fluid and enriched with protector and moisturizing agents. In record time, these new products will embellish you and give you a natural suntan as if you just came back from a beach vacation or, in winter, from the ski slopes.

No need for the sun to shine for the sunless-tanners to work, no need for long hours of sun exposure, no skin damage, no sun burns. The most effective self-tanners contain DHA (FDA approved) as active ingredients and interact with the amino acids at the skin surface to create a golden coloration. Note, however, that self-tanners do not protect you from the sun unless they contains SPF protection.

To achieve good results, it is important to clean the skin before each application and exfoliate the skin 2 to 3 times per week to attain an uniform color. Also important is to know how to choose the best texture for you: mousse, spray, cream, milk, ‘lingettes’ (towelettes), or glove…the choice is wide.

The Sprays areideal for the body and diffuse the product to reach difficult areas. Spray at a 15 inch distance, start at the bottom toward the top i.e. feet to upper thighs, hands to shoulders. Although practical and fast, it is best to apply in an enclosed area, such as a shower, to avoid spraying on floors and walls. It is ideal when in a hurry.

The Mousse and Gel are perfect for the body. Their fluid texture is easy to apply and penetrate the skin instantly which mean no waiting period before you can get dressed. The mousse or gel is a very good alternative between the spray and the cream. However, if you have dry skin, these products are not nourishing.

The Creams and Milks are more adapted for the face and neck. The creams are white, translucent or tinted and contain moisturizing agents. I prefer the milks for the body and massage it into the skin. These products take a little bit longer to apply, and they take a little bit longer to dry but they are ideal for a dryer skin.

The ‘Lingettes’ I discovered these thanks to my friend Anette, a worldwide traveler, she buys them in Paris. I recently discovered that the lingettes are now available in the US. Check L’Oreal displays in your drugstore. They take no room in your luggage and are great for touch ups. Enjoy!

The Glove is the newest thing this season. It allows you to apply the sunless-tanner without leaving any traces on the hands. Very practical. (Gant Sublime Bronze – L’Oreal Paris 13.99 €)

The new self-tanners give you a glowing vacation look. Now thanks to the new sunless-tanning products, they also meet all skincare requirements. They are hydrating, relaxing, and wrinkle erasers. Some even have sparkling particles that reflect the light.

Here is a list of new self-tanners that are also multi-care products and won’t damage the skin:

• Chanel – Soleil Identité
• Clarins – Eau Lactée Auto Bronzante
• Leirac Paris – Bronzage Parfait Sans Soleil
• Claritas – Crème Teintée Auto Bronzante
• Matis – Gellé Autobronzant
• Shiseido – Crème Auto bronzante Teintée Hale Lumière

To maintain your tan, regular applications are necessary. Once you have attain your ideal tan, alternate your daily body lotion with your self-tanning product. Apply the self-tanning every other day or every three-day. Wash your hands after each application (unless you use the glove. Avoid contact with your clothes until the sunless-tanning product has fully penetrated the skin and is totally dry. Wait a few minutes before getting dressed to avoid staining the clothes.

Enjoy!

Michele