Walk down any beauty aisle and you will find self tanners in half a dozen formats. Most rely on the same active ingredient, so the real differences are in texture, speed and how easy they are to apply evenly.
The common formats
Lotions and creams
Familiar and forgiving. They spread slowly, which gives you time to blend, and they often double as a moisturizer. The trade-off is a longer drying time before you can dress.
Mousses and foams
Lightweight and quick drying. Most include a guide color so you can see where you have applied them, and they work best with an application mitt.
Drops
Concentrated tanning drops are mixed into your usual moisturizer or serum. Adding more or fewer drops lets you adjust the depth of color.
Gradual tanning moisturizers
These build color slowly over several days of use. They are a gentle starting point if you are nervous about streaks or a sudden change.
Mists and sprays
Useful for hard-to-reach areas such as the back. Keep them away from your face while spraying, and avoid breathing in the mist.
Wipes and towelettes
Pre-soaked and portable. They need a steady, even sweep to avoid lines.
Tips that apply to every format
- Patch test a new product on a small area first.
- Exfoliate and dry your skin well before applying.
- Use a mitt, or wash your palms straight after applying.
- Blend lightly at the wrists, ankles and hairline.
- Keep the product away from your eyes and lips.
Read the label for a sun warning
Self tanners that do not contain sunscreen are required by the FDA to carry a warning that the product does not protect against sunburn. Even when a self tanner does contain sunscreen, keep using a dedicated broad-spectrum sunscreen when you are outdoors.
Skip tanning pills
The FDA states plainly that tanning pills are not FDA approved. Some contain canthaxanthin, a color additive that is approved only in small amounts in food. The FDA reports that its use in tanning pills has been linked to deposits of crystals in the eye, along with side effects such as nausea, cramping, diarrhea, severe itching and welts.