So I was asked on twitter
'what is the difference between using Self-Tanning products and Bronzing
products' and honestly I thought that it was such a great question and relates
really well to the 'Tanning for Women of Colour' project as self-tanning and
bronzing products are very different and varies in terms of how long they last
and how long you are meant to keep it on your skin. So I'm going to spend a few
minutes explaining the differences, so Ladies and Gentle-frogs, get into your
classroom mode (and no rushing to grab a seat at the back)
Self-tanning products include an ingredient
called DHA (dixydroxyacetone) which is a naturally derived ingredient from sugarcane which
darkens the skin pigment. Women with darker skintone need products with a DHA
over 8% to bring out the golden/yellow tones in your skin which creates the
appearance of a glow.
You can get self-tans in either a gradual
tan builder or an immediate effect, and on average the effects last about a
week but the if you keep topping up the colour, the effect will obviously last
longer. You can get these type of tans in mousses, gels, lotions . . . The list
is practically endless to be honest, I just need you to remember to always
EXFOLIATE as you don't want to tan on top of flaky/dry skin because the effects
would look horrible!
Bronzing products contain iridescent
powders with warm (or gold) tones that 'mimic' the effect you would get with a
tan but unlike a tan which lasts for days, bronzers only last for a few hours.
Bronzers are easier to apply than tans as you can control how much colour you
want without the problem of streaking and Bronzers can easily be washed off
with soap and water.
Bronzers normally come in liquids or
powders. You can get bronzers that work on the face and/or body, in light,
medium or dark, or in shimmer or matte.
I think what throws a lot of people off (or
at least throws me off a bit) is when you get Shimmer Tans like Abi O’s Beau Bronz Shimmer Tan Boost. . .
now I might not be completely right about this, but the majority of shimmer
tans are just tans where a golden shimmer powder has been added to boost your
yellow tones, so in a sense works more like a bronzer but has the lasting
formula of a tan.
Hope this helps!!!!!
