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TanOrganic – finally a self-tan that I can use!

I am pale. And not the pretty kind of pale. I have lots of moles and freckles (and age spots on my shins *insert ugly cry*) and when it’s cold, I can actually look purple. The only way to get some colour on my skin is too bake in the sun. Not the best option, but I’m allergic to self-tan. I’ve even consulted a dermatologist and they just suggested that I steer clear.

I have tried many (many!) self tanning products in my life, but I have had terrible reactions to them all. It’s probably due to a chemical ingredient in these tanners. Last summer I tried a drugstore lotion that contains a gradual tanner in the hopes that I can get some colour before having to put on a bather. What a disaster. My eczema flared up so badly that I had no other option but to treat it with cortisone. My skin even reacted badly in places that I have never had eczema before. It was horrible.

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Then I heard about TanOrganic a couple of months ago. I wanted to get excited, but I was worried that the same would happen.

TanOrganic has this to say about their products:

  • Streak Free Tan.
  • Perfect Fade due to its nourishing moisturising qualities.
  • No perfume or fragrance and especially no “fake tan” smell.
  • No parabens, toxic preservatives or artificial drying agents.
  • Ingredients are 99.6% natural ingredients.
  • The world’s first and only Eco-certified self-tanning brand.
  • Ethically made, Environmentally Friendly & PETA approved

I e-mailed TanOrganic to find out more. Janine e-mailed me back and had this to say:

‘A big difference with TanOrganic is that it is all natural, literally 99.6% of the ingredients are natural. Also it is Aloe Vera based; literally over 80% of the product is made of Aloe Vera which has been known to be soothing to the skin.’

She also told me that TanOrganic is endorsed by the Eczema Society of Ireland.  She went to so much trouble for me. She even read up about eczema and also gave me great advice.

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‘This sensational multi award winning oil is essentially a moisturising dry oil with a sumptuous subtle tan.’

They sent me a sample of the Tanning Oil to try… NO REACTION!! And the tan looks natural.

The Tanning Oil is super moisturising, easy to apply, gives a natural glow to the skin and it contains no ‘baddies’. And it smells lovely! It does not have that typical self-tan smell that you can’t get rid of for what seems like days. I am SO happy with this product and I will most definitely be purchasing the tanning oil.

I highly recommend that you pop by TanOrganic and have a look at the products that they offer. They have great specials running at the moment so you better hurry. I’ve heard great things about the dry oil and I am very keen to try that as well.

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I am super impressed with this product and the brand and I will recommend it to eczema sufferers and people with super sensitive skin with complete confidence.

xoxo

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Simple Self-tanning – Top tips from Charlene Warwick

Summer is almost here and I am already nervous about showing these arms and legs in public. I am very pale and it ain’t a pretty sight.  The signs of years of baking in the sun and the use of sunbeds are also now evident on my not-so-young skin and I do not intend to repeat past mistakes. The problem is that my sensitive skin does not react well to self tan. BUT I may have found one that will work… an organic self tanning product suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Watch this space! The thought of streaky legs and orange stained palms freak me out, so I found these tips by celebrity make-up artist and image consultant Charlene Warwick, extremely useful and thought that you may too.   

Preparation
  1. Prepare the skin by exfoliating all over at least 24 hours before applying self- tan. Remember to pay extra attention the hands, elbows, knees and feet. Now would also be a good time to shave as this exfoliates the skin.
  2. Apply a good body moisturizer to the skin after exfoliating, especially on the knees, elbows and ankles which are generally rougher and drier than the rest of the body.
  3. Set aside at least half an hour for your self-tan application. For hard to reach places on the body use an aerosol self- tanner or ask someone to help you.
Application
  1. Always work from the ground up and wear gloves to prevent your palms from turning orange. Start applying your self-tan to the middle of the lower part of your leg, smoothing the product onto the skin in a circular motion all the way around the leg, then lightly go over the foot, ankle and knee. These areas should be saved for last as there will be less product left on your hands by the time you reach them which will help prevent these areas from getting streaky. Repeat this process on your other leg.
  2. Now move on to your thighs, stomach, back and arms, starting in the middle of these areas and blending out and down. When smoothing product on the arms, leave the elbows for last.
  3. Finish off with the face, making sure to blend well into the hairline, around the ears and down the neck.
  4. To avoid affecting your tan or staining your clothes wait at least 10 minutes before getting dressed. Then scrub your hands well (even if you were wearing gloves) to avoid any stains on your palms.

Maintenance:

Whether you have opted for a DIY tan or have been to a salon, correct maintenance is essential to prolong the life of your tan.

Depending on the product used, the tan will last approximately 4 – 10 days, after which it will begin to fade, depending on the rate of your natural skin exfoliation.

Tips to prolong your tan:

  • Applying moisturizer daily will help to prolong the tan. Avoid using a moisturizer with glycolic acid or alpha hydroxyl acids as these will speed up exfoliation, causing the tan to fade quicker.
  • Avoid taking very long, hot baths or showers as speeds up the skin’s natural exfoliation process.
  • After bathing or showering, do not vigorously rub the skin dry, rather pat the skin dry gently with a dark towel.
  • Avoid swimming in chlorinated water as this may bleach the tan.

More top tips:

  • Do not use hair removal cream or wax for at least two days prior to applying self -tan as it can irritate the skin.
  • Always use the correct type of self- tan for your complexion and skin type. Don’t apply a formula labeled “dark” if you are fair skinned as you risk looking too orange.

For more info on Charlene Warwick, you can visit www.faceandgrace.co.za.

xoxo