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There is no end to revolutionary science, especially where looking good is concerned. Before the 1920’s, it’s irredeemably natural to have pale skin. In fact, there was a time in the history of mankind when people went out of their way to make their skin pale by rubbing lead or injecting poisonous substances into their skin.
So, when the media released photos of Coco Chanel’s bronzed skin after her trip to the Mediterranean (where the sun loves shining, and food so good), the sun became the game-changer for people in the Roaring Twenties, who had started to embrace unconventional cultural freedom.
By and large, the quest for a faster and better defined tan drove desperate men and women to seek other alternatives, like roasting their skin under the sun (sunbathing), sitting with body faced towards lighted UV lamps, and lying on Friedrich Wolff’s tanning beds.
It took more than a decade before the world was rudely awakened by the ill effects of those tanning procedures on the skin. By then, the damage had been done. Some users’ skins became old and more wrinkled than their grandparents’ while others came down with varying degrees of skin cancer.
To this day, you wouldn’t find anyone advocating for sunbathing or any other form of skin tanning that requires UV rays. On the other hand, millions of people around the globe are adopting self-tanners–cosmetic products made of dihydroxyacetone (DHA)–in getting the same tan result as the sun, minus its accompanying side effects. One of the most revered types of self-tanners is the in-shower self-tanner.
What Is An In-Shower Self Tanner?
From the name itself, you would be able to guess that it is a cosmetic product a person applies while in the shower. It’s a self-tanning lotion that contains DHA, and is best used on wet skin.
Generally, the concept behind an in-shower tan is for convenience of application, and for a gradual but quicker tan result. Minutes after its application, rinse off the in-shower self-tanner to reveal a tanned skin.
Once the DHA in an in-shower self-tanner comes in contact with wet skin, it starts to develop. The DHA of in-shower self-tanners is developed to be quickly absorbed by the skin’s epidermis when wet.
In-Shower Tanners vs Traditional Self Tanners
Let’s compare the in-shower and traditional self-tanners:
Ease Of Usage
Nothing beats the idea of an in-shower application, with the immediate rinsing off of tanning lotion from the skin, and voila, a tan appears! What’s even more appealing is that the gross smell of DHA also goes away when washed off.
On the other hand, traditional self-tanners require a dry skin surface, before and after application. Inasmuch as the DHA in a traditional self-tanner could be too horrible to handle, washing it off immediately would produce a tan result that could make you wail like a woman in labor.
Tan Control
With the in-shower self-tanners, you don’t have to bother about your skin becoming insanely dark all of a sudden. That is unlikely to happen since DHA on in-shower tanners develops gently. The result is a gradual tan you can build up with more application of the tanning lotion.
In contrast, the traditional self-tanner almost doesn’t give you that kind of control, as they usually give your skin an unanticipated chocolate-brown tan.
How to Apply In-Shower Tanners?
The result you get from using an in-shower tanner depends on the application. This brings us to the nine basic steps involved in ensuring that you get a perfect tan with an in-shower self-tanner.
Step 1: Exfoliate
Exfoliate your skin. We can’t stress enough how important it is to get rid of the old and dead skin cells on your skin before using a tanner, in-shower self-tanners included.
Exfoliating your skin is synonymous to polishing a surface for a smooth painting process. Without doing so, the tan formed on your skin will be a patchy lump (we know you wouldn’t want that for yourself). While you are removing the unwanted skin cells, pay close attention to your elbows, knees, and ankles, where skin is most thick.
Step 2: Moisturize
Moisturize your skin with your regular body lotion. This may not really be applicable in all cases but, if you are expecting a long-lasting tan, moisturize after exfoliating your skin.
Step 3: Soak in Warm Water
Get under a warm shower. Warm water prepares the skin to receive a self-tanner by opening up the skin pores.
Step 4: Apply Tanner
Apply your in-shower self-tanner in a circular motion. Doing so compels the skin to quickly absorb the tanning lotion. If you suspect any unevenness, blend the lotion with extra strokes of application.
Step 5: Rinse Off Tanner
Wait for the length of time indicated on the product before rinsing off. Rinse off thoroughly. Make sure every area of your body is clean of the tanning lotion to avoid having scattered dark patches after your tan has developed.
Step 6: Gently Dry Skin
Gently dry your skin with a towel. It is better to pat your skin dry than to rub off. This way, it would keep your tan from looking streaky.
Step 7: Moisturize Again
Moisturize your skin again, especially if the self-tanner has no moisturizing ingredients in it.
What to Look for When Shopping for In-Shower Tanners
Hundreds of cosmetic companies have released tons of in-shower tanners into the market. Just as they are from different manufacturers, not all in-shower tanning lotions function the same way, and so their outcome on your skin varies.
Take into consideration the following factors while shopping for an in-shower tanner:
The Tan Shade On The Product Package
It is normal for companies to distinguish the self-tanners they manufacture according to the shade that develops on the skin. This they do, by indicating the tan shade on the container of the self-tanner. Choose an in-shower tanner that promises to give you the quality and color of tan you desire.
Product Ingredients
We are in an age where information is just a search engine away. Take note of the ingredients used in the formulation of the self-tanner, most especially the first five on the list.
Find out for yourself if those ingredients are appropriate for your skin, in respect to its sensitivity to certain substances. Don’t buy a self-tanner where there are ingredients you are not sure of.
Reviews and Ratings
The customer is always right, and you can make no mistake in your choice when you take time to read their thoughts on the product you’re considering buying.
If you’re in doubt of a particular self-tanner you want to try out, read up reviews from people who have purchased the product, and check its star ratings. This will help you to know whether or not it is the product for you.
Best In-Shower Tanners To Tan While You Wash
1. California Tan Sunless Body Wash
The first impression you may have of the California Tan Sunless Body Wash is that of a mere dirt remover, but that’s not all there is to it. It isn’t a secret anymore that certain soaps and body washes reduce the lifespan of tan on the skin. That is why we recommended this body wash for you.
It ensures that your tan lasts for as long as seven days by mildly removing dirt from your skin without messing with your tan. Rather than pay through your nose for an expensive tan primer in a salon, the bronze glow from this body wash offers a foundational coat for a natural, filled-up tan appearance.
Additionally, it helps in the retention of DHA, thereby prolonging your tan’s sun-kissed color. It contains decyl glucoside, a natural cleansing compound ideal for the sensitive skin. Oily skinned men and women would benefit from the sodium cocoamphoacetate in this body wash as it gets rid of oily dirt from the skin, while glycerin found in this product keeps dry skin moisturized.
It’s a lightweight body wash that goes on evenly, doesn’t leave behind any greasy residue, and easily absorbs into the skin. No guilty conscience for the sake of your pets, because it is a cruelty-free body wash, and there are no worries about harmful aftereffects on your skin either since it has no paraben or any sulfate compound.
Note: There is no SPF in California Tan Sunless Body Wash.
Helpful Tips
- Before using spray tanner, exfoliate your skin first. Then, shower with this body wash.
- Apply the gel all over your body when having a bath. Work up into a lather using a circular motion. Rinse lather off completely.
- After getting your body spray-tanned, wait until after 24 hours before using this body wash for tan enhancement.
2. Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer
Why depend on an ordinary moisturizer for an enviable skin glow when you don’t have to? Don’t get us wrong, conventional moisturizers do well to keep the skin hydrated, but counting on them for a bronzed look is like waiting for a dog to grow horns.
You could be tight on the budget to buy a tanner in addition to your regular skin moisturizer, we know. That’s where Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer steps in. It is worth trying out by pale- and fair-skinned people who have had their own ‘fair’ share of sunburn.
This wet skin moisturizer has a unique formulation of ingredients, which lock in moisture while giving your skin a healthy and natural-looking tan. Use this everyday to achieve a gradual, beautiful bronzed glow.
This moisturizer is pretty easy to apply, especially for beginners in self-tanning. It also absorbs into the skin rapidly, thereby reducing the waiting time for drying off to about 10 minutes.
This lotion from Jergens offers an even coverage that tucks away age and sunspots, and what’s more, you don’t have to bother about it clogging your pores since it isn’t greasy.
After application, its fragrance doesn’t hang around on the skin. Bid dark bedspreads goodbye, all thanks to the non-staining power of this in-shower tanner.
Have we told you it is tender on acne-prone skin? Yes, it is so! It also contains mineral oil to soothe dry and scaly skin. And, when it’s time for the tan to wear off, it does so without leaving leopard patches on your body.
Helpful Tips
- To avoid streakiness, quickly apply all over your wet body using a circular motion. Rub into your skin in the same manner.
- After rinsing it off, pat your body dry with a towel; don’t rub off.
- Wash hands with soap and water after the entire process.
- If your skin is dripping with water, you may have to reduce the amount of wetness with a towel.
- Don’t use on your face!
- Once your desired amount of tan is reached, use the product every two days to maintain your it.
5. St. Tropez Gradual In Shower Tanning Lotion
We recommend the St. Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Lotion for those who have light skin with cool or neutral undertone. This gradual self-tanner is as easy to use as it is flawless in its tanning. Coming third on its list of ingredients is the sweet almond oil, which does a great job in moisturizing and keeping the skin protected from harmful UV rays.
This product isn’t heavy to clog your pores, and comes with a bronze tint to provide you with the sufficient guidance you need for a non-streaky application. St. Tropez self-tanners are famed for their no paraben, no sulfate, and no phthalate formulation, and this one is no exception.
It’s best to use this regularly for an even and natural tan.
Helpful Tip
- Follow the instructions specified on the product’s package. However, you may need to wait for 10 minutes or longer before rinsing the tanner off from your body.
Special Mention
Nkd Skn Pre-Shower Gradual Tan
Are you tremendously fair-skinned? Do you need to look radiant without being overly tanned? Do you have about four hours waiting time to see a perfect tan result on your skin? Then, you should give Nkd Skn Pre-Shower Gradual Tan a shot.
Unlike in-shower tanning lotions, you apply this product before taking your shower. It’s made with organic products to provide your skin with the necessary nutrients for skin nourishment, and give you a natural, sun-kissed tan. It also contains marula oil to keep your skin smooth, supple and hydrated.
It is a lightweight lotion that doesn’t sit on your skin like heavy-duty grease. As the name implies, this tanner is for gradual tanning. But, it can also be used as a base tanner for a darker self-tanning.
Furthermore, you would be able to see areas of your body where you have applied the lotion because it comes with a color guide. Tan lasts up to five days, and keeps developing after application.
It fades off without patches and, most importantly, this product has a light tan scent that goes away after you have showered to make way for your favorite body fragrance.
Helpful Tips
- Exfoliate your skin before using Nkd Skn Pre-Shower Gradual Tan for an even skin glow.
- For best results, wait for up to 20 to 30 minutes after application before rinsing off.
- Rinse off, or shower without soap or shower gel to protect your tan
- To avoid staining your hands, use with an applicator mitt or wash your hands immediately after application.
Are In-Shower Tanners Worth It
In-shower self-tanners are efficient for this fast-paced generation. Not only do they cut on the lengthy tanning process time, they also give the user a definite control over the amount of tan formed.
Overall, in-shower self-tanners are a welcome innovation in the sunless tanning industry. With strict adherence to instructions on how to apply them, the tan result is laudable.
