Sunless tan for men

Sunless tan for men; how to get a good tan without damaging your skin

If you're looking to get a tan without the sun, you're probably looking for the same thing as everyone else: a 'wapper' summer face, more even skin, and that tone that makes everything seem to fit together on the outside (even if on the inside you're a step away from the López Ibor psychiatric hospital).

And, although it goes without saying, you probably don't want to show off Dalmatian-like spots of different shades, an artificial orange appearance, or premature wrinkles from overexposure to the sun.

THE PROBLEM WITH 'NATURAL' TANNING

The problem with a "natural" tan... is that it's not healthy. Zero units, to be more precise. When you get a tan from sunbathing, your skin is reacting to an external aggression like freshly cut grass. UV radiation activates melanin production as a defense mechanism. That darker color is protection against cellular damage. And that damage accumulates (in a more serious way, in the form of C-shaped scars; aesthetically, in the form of wrinkles and age spots).

HOW TO GET A TAN WITHOUT THE SUN (AND WITHOUT PAYING A COSMETIC BILL)

There are several ways to get a tan, but not all of them are equally wise:

UVA TANNING BOOTHS

They're not a safe alternative. They emit concentrated ultraviolet radiation. In terms of skin, it's a real pain.

MAKEUP EFFECT PRODUCTS

Some drops or sprays will stain your skin like body paint. The color appears instantly, but it can transfer to clothing and not look even if you're not experienced. It's your choice whether you trust an expert or do it yourself.

SELF-TANNERS FOR MEN (THE HEALTHIEST OPTION)

Here, the color doesn't come from the sun, but from a controlled, superficial chemical reaction. A good self-tanner for men, when applied correctly, provides a gradual tan without activating melanin (that is, without causing cell damage). The key, as with any good recipe, lies in the ingredients.

Ingredients that create a tan without sun exposure

From most to least studied and effective we find:

DHA (DIHYDROXYACETONE)

It's the most widely used active ingredient in sunless tanning products. It reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) and creates a temporary tan that fades as your skin naturally sheds. It doesn't require sun exposure. It doesn't stimulate melanin production. Results begin to appear in 4–8 hours.

ERYTHRULOSE

It acts similarly to DHA, but more slowly and the effects last longer. When combined with DHA, the result is usually more natural and gradual.

BETA-CAROTENE (CARROT)

Consumed in large quantities for weeks, they can impart a slight warm undertone. But the effect is subtle and more 'golden' (we'd say... somewhat yellowish, depending on your skin tone); rather than tanned.

FLAVONOIDS AND PEPTIDES

They're interesting as antioxidants or cell stimulators, but they don't create a tan on their own. If a product promises a tan thanks to peptides or flavonoids, the color probably comes from DHA or erythrulose. There are a few studies that make very strong claims, but we haven't yet seen the specifics that truly support that claim.

Ingredients that create a tan without sun exposure

The problem is not the product, it's the technique.

COMMON PROBLEM

Stains on elbows and knees

Lines on neck

Uneven color

Very dark result

Stained palms

WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

These areas are drier and absorb more product.

Uneven application or poor integration with beard

Accumulation of dead cells

Excess in a single application

Do not wash hands after applying

HOW TO SOLVE IT

Apply light moisturizer beforehand.

Blend well towards the jawline

Exfoliate 24 hours before

Build up the tone in layers, little by little, day by day if necessary

Wash immediately

The problem is not the product, it's the technique.

SO, IN A #PUTTO SIMPLE WAY:

HOW TO GET A NATURAL SUNLESS TAN STEP BY STEP

Gently exfoliate your skin the day before.
Moisturize your skin before using the self-tanning product.
Apply the self-tanner, using a small amount.
Repeat on consecutive days until you achieve the desired tone.

And ready to show off a tan without the sun, all the benefits and zero problems.

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