RedLipsRedNails

So…Lockdown…

We’re on day 117 of lockdown and how many blog posts have I published? None. Not a single one. Whoops.

  Either way, here I am now! And sadly I can tell you that nothing of real interest has happened during lockdown (Ok, my sister and I have decided to build a house, but that’s something entirely different). I’ve had loads of time to amp up my skincare regime (as in apply a mask every single day…

The fabulous after effects of tanning in the sun:

THE RISK OF SKIN CANCER!!!!

Wrinkles

Aging skin

Freckles / Pigmentation / Discolouration (ever tried to remove pigmentation? Ja, blerrie damn impossible)

Painful sunburn (no matter how much after-sun you put on)

Horrible skin peeling that goes on for what seems like forever

A tan that also ends up fading (if you have a skin type that does tan, some don’t!)

So, then how do you get a beautiful beach bronzed goddess look with the sun nasties? Fake tan. Self-tan. Call it what you will. There are so many brands and options available, there will be something to suit you! Applying self-tan has a little bit of a learning curve and if you want to tan your whole body you will probably need some help (unless you have strangely long and bendy arms…) but it’s not impossible and there are some formulas that are easier to use than others. If you’re a beginner start with a cream/lotion formula, even better if it has a guide colour (the product is coloured to help you see where it’s been applied). Even if you dive in the deep end it can’t come out that horrible, as the formulas now are so much better than the orange paint of earlier decades (hello Oompa Loompas of the 90s).

I have a whole arsenal of self-tan products I’m still going to try:

Luv that Sun Daily Tan Airbrush Bronze Shimmer (medium)

Clicks Sun Protect Instant Colour Spray (dark)

Sun Labs Bronzed Daily Tan Airbrush Bronze Shimmer (dark) – I’m thinking this is the same range as the Luv that Sun one, Dischem will have to clarify…

SkinnyTan 7-day-tanner (dark)

Le Tan Self Tanning Foam Coconut Water

Some key pointers to a good and lasting self-tan:

EXFOLIATION. Especially before you apply it. Think of applying icing over a crumby and uneven cake. You end up with blotches everywhere. So scrub, scrub, scrub and be sure to wash it off well (especially if you used an oil based scrub). I love using those nylone scrub gloves (you can find it at Clicks/Dischem etc.) Also shave what you want shaved the day before.

Apply a light layer of LOTION over certain areas: knees, elbows, ankles, hands. These areas are naturally drier and will absorb more product when it’s applied over bare skin, so apply some lotion sparingly before (and allow it to absorb!) and don’t rub too hard when applying the self-tan over these areas.

Use a MITT. There are a few available on the market – it just helps to distribute the product more evenly than when using your hands. It also prevents your hands from being coloured by the tan product (which can look very weird – you have hectic tanned palms…). I’m sure you can even make one yourself if you have some soft, not too absorbing material at home.

Start from the BOTTOM up. I find starting at my lower legs easier, then thighs, stomach area, breast area, neck, arms, face (if doing my whole body). I can’t do my back on my own, so someone usually helps me with that.

You can apply the product to your face, just start of LIGHTLY. Don’t just slap an entire handful of product on there. You’ll end up looking like Ross (and if you don’t know what that reference is, we can’t be friends)(and if you didn’t get that then oh my gawd)(and if you didn’t get that either, then rather just leave).

Use the EXCESS PRODUCT on the mitt to wipe over your feet/ankles and hands.

WASH YOUR HANDS (PALMS) AND NAILS afterwards, even use a little scrub, you don’t want dark tanned hands! Even when using a mitt.

Wait for it to DRY before putting on clothes, sitting down or moving around a lot. No intense workouts! I usually stand in front of a fan for a bit (in summer when it’ super hot this also helps with preventing patches etc. due to perspiring).

MOISTURISE your skin every day to keep the tan looking good.

READ the instructions of the product you’re using. Duh. All products differ, for example, some must be washed off after a set period of time.

I’ve been using the SkinnyTan Tan ‘n Tone oil for a while, which produces a lovely golden colour that lasts for a good while! I usually apply it 2 or 3 days in a row and then see how if fades before applying again. I started with their Gradual Tanner cream, which is great for beginners, as the cream is easy to apply, absorbs quickly and you can build up to the colour you want over a few days. SkinnyTan products also doesn’t have that horrible self-tan smell like the products of days gone by! Bonus! SkinnyTan is available at Clicks, Dischem and their online website shop. I finished the bottle just before new year!

Currently I’m trying the Luv that Sun Bronze Shimmer Daily Airbrush Tan (medium shade) – so far so good. Follow me on Instagram to see pics of what I’m using etc.

Of course, you can also get a fake-tan professionally applied. Many beauty salons offer spray on tans, which are quick and easy!

Go on, get your (fake!) tan on!

  (see what I did there, Golden Glow, Golden Globes – bahaha)

THE BAD

Parabens Words ending in -paraben. This is a preservative and found in almost anything. It prevents the growing of bacteria in some cosmetic items. Parabens are known endocrine disruptors (can lead to hormonal imbalances) and some studies indicate it to cause breast cancer.

Artificial anything The most well know artificial ingredient would be fragrances. Even unscented ones. Artificial anything is never good.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / Sodium Laureth Sulfate These are foaming agents that are used in numerous cosmetic items including shampoo and toothpaste. It’s a surfactant that can cause allergies and irritations.

Toluene This ingredient is most commonly found in nail polish and hair dyes (think of the strong smell). It’s a petrochemical solvent (doesn’t that sound nice) that’s toxic to the immune system. Most nail polish companies these days have removed this ingredient from their products.

Phthalates Also seen as an endocrine disruptor; it’s a plasticizer added to plastic to prevent it from becoming brittle. It’s mostly found in fragrances, as well as nail polish and hair spray.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Used as a thickener in items such as shampoo, sunscreen and body lotion. Often this ingredient is contaminated with other known carcinogens.

Formaldehyde A known carcinogen used as a preservative in cosmetics.

Oxybenzone The most common sunscreens on the marked use chemical filters such as this ingredient that is a known endocrine disruptor and can cause skin allergies. It’s also found in lip balm, makeup and moisturizers. Rather use a mineral filter sunscreen.

Diethanolamine (DEA) A known carcinogen used as a foaming agent. It’s been banned in the EU in personal care products. Unfortunately, it’s still used in items such as shampoo, bubble bath and body wash in most countries.

Triclosan A once popular antibacterial agent used in soaps, hand washes and the like, it was banned in 2016 from soap used in health care settings, yet still allowed in personal cosmetics. It contributes to antibiotic resistant bacteria and is an endocrine disruptor. It was also shown to contribute to gut inflammation and tumour growth in mice.

The word “carcinogen” comes up a lot hey? Not good. Not good at all.

Photo by Chokniti Khongchum on Pexels.com

What ingredients should we look for then? Here are some:

THE GOOD

Glycolic acid A powerful exfoliant derived from sugar cane (natural!). It’s an alpha hydroxy acid that removes dead skin cells and surface discolouration. Often an ingredient in chemical peels.

Lactic acid Also an alpha hydroxy acid, it dissolves the top layer of dead skin gently.

Hyaluronic acid It helps to bind moisture to the skin, increasing hydration.

Retinol A form of Vitamin A most commonly associated with anti-aging products! The one go-to item if you don’t use anything else. It speeds up cell turnover, prevents clogged pores and treats acne. It reduces fine lines and wrinkles, lighten discolouration and improve skin clarity and texture.

Beta Glucan Sounds like an energy drink doesn’t it? It helps produce immune cells and gives skin a smoother appearance and glow.

Antioxidants Working against free radicals (sunlight, pollution, stress) it helps prevent and repair damage to cells. Look for beta carotene, lycopene, Vitamin C and E.

Peptides Amino acids that helps skin to produce more collagen, thereby reducing wrinkles and fine lines. It helps skin feel firmer and plumper.

Photo by Viktor Talashuk on Pexels.com

Photo by KML on Pexels.com

Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels.com

These ingredients are definitely not the only good and/or bad ones, so it might be worth having a look at some of the labels on your cosmetics to see what’s going on. It helps to be informed! Also remember to throw away any old or expired items, it can cause more damage than good to keep on using old stuff!

  Note: I am not a dermatologist or a scientist, I’m just relaying info! Don’t go chucking out all your stuff just cause you saw something listed here on the label!

Info from:

https://coconutsandkettlebells.com/10-harmful-ingredients-makeup-skincare-products/

https://www.fitnessmagazine.com/beauty/skin-care/skin-care-ingredients/?page=1

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