Complete Guide to Sunscreen & Self Tan

Which sunscreen gives you the best tan?

At Cosmetify we have a range of sun creams that offer SPF protection, while also boosting your tan. When searching for the best one, make sure it has at least SPF 15 or higher as this protects your skin from damage. Use our search filters to find the best tanning sun creams, with leading brands such as Skinny Tan, Green People and Bondi Sands.

Whether it's a tan accelerator, tan enhancer or Sunscreen enriched with self-tanning ingredients, you can protect your skin and achieve a sun-kissed finish all in one go. For an all year-round golden glow, take a look at our huge collection of nourishing fake tans.

How long does sunscreen last?

Sunscreen has a shelf life anything from one to three years. However, we recommend checking individual products for expiration dates. So, when the sun decides to make an appearance don't rely on that Sunscreen you've had for years in the back of the bathroom cabinet, as this won't be effective. Instead make sure you stock up on your favorite Sunscreen for your body, face, hair and lips.

And remember, you should be wearing SPF daily. But when you're in the sun make sure to reapply your Sunscreen over your entire body every two hours. You also need to reapply sun lotions after swimming or showering to make sure you're still protected from any harmful UVA and UVB rays.

How does self tan work?

Every self tan formula works by utilizing an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone, which is also labeled as DHA. Derived either chemically or from natural sources such as beets and sugar cane, it is a carbohydrate that changes the color of your skin without sun exposure. How, we hear you ask? Well, it reacts with the oxygen in the air and the amino acids that are on the top layer of skin, which in turn allows skin to gradually appear darker. The process starts within two to four hours after application and can continue for up to 72 hours.

Dihydroxyacetone is also the substance often responsible for the infamous self tan 'biscuit' smell, as it boasts a distinctive yeast scent.

Is self tan bad for skin?

self tan is a much safer alternative to baking your skin in the sun and doesn't cause any harmful side effects. In the past, there were some concerns that the DHA ingredient used in fake tans could be harmful but it was soon confirmed that self-tan formulas generally contain a 3-5% DHA level, which is considered non-toxic. Dermatologists and experts agree that when used correctly (i.e. topically), there is no indication that self-tanning formulas are bad for your skin. They can even be used by pregnant women!

It is important to remember that self tan does not offer sunscreen and should not be used instead of sun cream. Although many formulas are moisturizing and claim to include SPF, you should still apply a broad-spectrum sun cream.

What is the best way to prepare for self tan application?

A flawless self tan relies on the preparation taken beforehand. The best way to prepare your skin for self tan application is to firstly remove hair and exfoliate with a body scrub. This will create a silky-smooth canvas for your new color and also buff away any old, stubborn tan.

Next, you should ensure that skin in completely clean. That means no perfume or deodorants as they can react with the formula and turn your tan green.

To guarantee an even, patch-free tan, apply a light moisturizer or tan primer to dry areas of your body, such as the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists and in between fingers and toes. This will act as a barrier and stop the tan from clinging or turning orange.

Last, but certainly not least, always apply your tan with a tanning mitt, as not only does it protect the palms of your hands but it also gives an even, seamless coverage.

Should I self tan my face?

You can apply self tan to your face if you want to achieve a natural, undetectable glow. You can do this by adding a pump or two of your self-tan into your everyday moisturizer, or by sweeping the remnants of the tanning mitt over your face. However, this method may lead to irritation if you have sensitive skin or breakouts if your complexion is typically oily, so be sure to look out for tans that say they are oil and alcohol-free.

Alternatively, there are a wide variety of face tanning products that you can choose from, all of which have been specially formulated for skin. Take your pick from tanning drops, serums, creams and waters and reap both the skin care and tanning benefits they have to offer. Some of the best fake tans for your face come from the likes of James Read Tan, Tan-Luxe and Isle of Paradise.

How can you enhance your tan?

Enhancing your tan is something we would all like to be able to do, and luckily, tan enhancers make it easier than ever. If you're someone who tans easily, then a tan enhancer is a cheap and convenient way to maintain you golden glow throughout the year. The nature of tan enhancers amplifies your skin's production of melanin, which helps the skin produce a sun-kissed complexion.

You can opt for self tan or hours of sunbathing, however, neither option is as safe or effective as tan enhancers. They're preferable to self tan due to their natural-looking finish, and they're safer than sunbathing because they require less time underneath the rays of the sun. They're a seamless way to get your dream color, and they require minimal effort - what more could you ask for?

A bottle of efficient tan enhancer should last you for a few weeks, maybe even in a couple of months, so you don't have to constantly refresh your tanning selection to keep your color. Apply the lotion every day, and you soon start to notice a welcome difference in the color of your tan.

How to use a tan enhancer?

When you can have the opportunity to show off a golden tan all year round, why not take it? Tan enhancers are the best way to achieve and maintain a natural tan, and they're extremely simple to use. Due to their incredible softening and hydrating qualities, most tan enhancers can replace your moisturizer, especially during the summer months.

If you're after a lotion that provides a sun-kissed complexion and silky-smooth skin, scour the ingredients list for coconut oil, aloe vera and Vitamin A - this is the trifecta that guarantees a healthy, natural-looking tan. To apply the lotion, simply use it like a moisturiser; squeeze a healthy amount onto the palm of your hands, then lather it all over your body. Make sure you cover all areas that you want to tan, and apply the lotion evenly to avoid patches.

Let the skin naturally absorb the lotion, and then apply more if you feel like there's some areas that you missed. Repeat this process daily for 2-4 weeks and your skin should show a tangible difference.

What is the best tan enhancer?

Most of us look better with a tan, and as we've come to that realization, many brands have tailored their products to help us achieve that sun-kissed glow. Tan enhancers are one of the best ways to achieve a bronzed complexion: they're easy to apply, relatively inexpensive and they deliver a natural tan as opposed to a synthetic color. Laced with natural, healthy and active ingredients, the formulas deliver a gorgeous color as well as soft, smooth and clear skin - the perfect combination.

The rich variety of lotions allows you to find the tone that's right for you; give a subtle glow to pale skin or get a deep, warm brown reminiscent of Latin America. The lotions are perfect to apply before you head off on holiday, or if you want an effortless way to maintain a tan throughout the year.

Brands like St Moriz, Lancaster and Piz Buin cater to all tones, budgets and lifestyles. You can find an efficient, affordable formula for less than £10, or a deluxe lotion for around £35-40.

How long does aftersun take to soothe burnt skin?

Sunburn rears its ugly head after about three hours of exposure to the sun, and can often worsen over the course of the next 24 hours. To reduce the damage of harmful UV rays, you need to apply aftersun immediately to maintain your skin's health and reduce any inflammation.

After application, the sunburn won't appear as extreme or severe, especially if you apply it before any sunburn as even appeared. Should you still suffer from sunburn, aftersun helps calm any sore spots and usually eradicates any sunburn in a few days. To hydrate, soften and brighten the skin, look for aftersun with healthy does of aloe vera to maintain a smooth complexion.

Even if you're not subject to sunburn, you notice a tangible difference in the look and feel of your skin after a few days of applying aftersun. The formulas are designed to soothe and nourish your skin, producing a healthy glow.

What is the difference between aftersun and moisturizer?

Aftersun and moisturizer are fairly similar, though there are a few clear differences. Primarily, aftersun is designed to soothe burnt, irritated or sore skin, so its packed with active nutrients that calm and restore your skin's long-term health. Most aftersun formulas contain aloe vera which is renowned for its restorative purposes and soothes irritated skin quickly and efficiently.

You could use aftersun as an effective replacement to moisturiser; it has the same smoothing, softening and hydrating qualities as moisturizer and they often contain similar ingredients. However, a moisturizer wouldn't be as adept at acting as an aftersun because it oftentimes lacks the key restorative ingredients.

If you're going on holiday, we recommend opting for a potent aftersun to keep your skin healthy. However, for the home birds, we suggest investing in an enriching moisturizer for your skin care routine.

What does aftersun do?

Aftersun is a must-have in your travel bag when you're jetting off to a sunny destination. After a long day basking in the scorching rays of the sun, aftersun keeps your skin soothed, protected and hydrated. As much as we all love getting a gorgeous tanned complexion, the harmful UV rays of the sun damage your skin, cause dryness and can lead to peeling. Aftersun helps reduce any irritation, sunburn or patchy skin, helping you to maintain a smooth and clear complexion.

Not applying aftersun after lengthy exposure to the sun can cause a chain reaction of damage to the long-term health of your skin and result in premature aging. Aftersun is rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, a potent blend that replenishes, restores and softens your skin.

Many aftersun formulas are full of skin-loving botanicals and actives that restore the skin's moisture and product a healthy glow. Even if you've not been spending much time in the sun, it's still worth applying aftersun to keep a smooth complexion.

Learn the specifics of some of our favourite after sun products on our blog.

Can you use sunscreen as aftersun?

To put it simply, no. Sunscreen and aftersun have completely different purposes: Sunscreen is made to protect your skin from the sun, whilst aftersun was designed to soothe and heal your skin after long exposure to the sun. Think of Sunscreen as a barrier for the skin, whereas aftersun acts more like a sun bandage. They are best used in conjunction with one another, as opposed to one replacing the other.

The two are separate entities and often contain entirely different ingredients. Sunscreen contains high levels of oils that often trap the heat and irritation caused from sunburn, prolonging the pain, damage and sensitivity. So applying Sunscreen to burnt skin often worsens the pain, causes more damage to the skin and increases the time it takes for the skin to repair itself.

Much like how you shouldn't use Sunscreen as a replacement for aftersun, the reverse is also true. Aftersun has no protective qualities, so your skin is still vulnerable to harmful UV rays. It keeps your skin's moisture and maintains a higher level of hydration, but provides no preventive measures.