The various forms of self-tanning products.

Spray, cream, milk, gel, wipes... self-tanners come in many different forms. It is useful to understand their respective advantages and disadvantages before choosing a type of self-tanner.

• Self-tanning sprays.

  With its light, airy texture, spray-on self-tanners are appealing due to their ease of use. Convenient, they can be carried everywhere. To achieve an even tan, all you need to do is spray it on your face and gently smooth it out, without rubbing so as not to remove the product. Another advantage of the spray is the small amount of product dispensed, which allows you to control the intensity of the tan. Moreover, they absorb quickly and leave a natural finish. However, caution should be exercised when using a spray-on self-tanner on the face: inhaling this type of product is harmful to health and can cause asthma, lung diseases, or even cancer.

• Self-tanning creams and mousses.

  Traditional in format, self-tanning creams and mousses also offer the advantage of being easy to use. Pleasant to apply, their creamy and melting texture is particularly suited to normal to dry skin types. These formulas generally contain moisturising active ingredients, thus providing a dual benefit.

• Self-tanning oils and serums.

  The rich formula of oils and serums gives the skin a satin finish and provides a natural and adjustable result. Another advantage: self-tanning oils and serums can either be applied alone or mixed with a day cream for better dosage.

  At Typology, we offer you a self-tanning serum for the face, highly concentrated in DHA (10%). It also contains carob pulp, an extract rich in inositol. This molecule acts on the process of melanogenesis to activate the skin's natural tanning. The number of drops applied and the frequency of serum use allow you to adjust the intensity of the tan.

• Self-tanning lotions.

  With a fluid texture, these treatments are quickly applied, and are equally suitable for both the face and body. They are generally very pleasant to apply and often contain moisturising and nourishing active ingredients, highly appreciated by those with dry skin. However, some lotions have a very light formulation and are likely to evaporate if exposed to prolonged sunlight.

• The self-tanning wipes.

  A portable solution, the wipes leave neither stain nor mark, and can be slipped into a bag or suitcase with ease. They are generally easy to use and provide a uniform application. However, their light texture does not offer long-lasting hold. It is also worth noting the environmentally unfriendly nature of this solution, as the wipes are discarded after a single use.

• Self-tanning gels.

  Self-tanning gels are highly favoured due to their fresh texture and lack of oily residue. This is precisely why they are particularly suitable for individuals with combination or oily skin. The gels penetrate the skin quickly, but can sometimes dry out the skin. Therefore, they are not recommended for individuals with dry skin. They are applied to the face or body by massaging with the palm of the hand until fully absorbed.

  At Typology, we have formulated a self-tanning gel, concentrated at 6% in DHA and containing aloe vera, known for its soothing and moisturising properties. It provides a natural and adjustable tan thanks to the combination of self-tanning molecules of plant origin.

• Self-tanning capsules.
  Often based on beta-carotenes, self-tanning capsules help to avoid marks and uneven tanning. Beta-carotenes are a form of vitamin A, becoming active when they reach the intestinal mucosa. They then stimulate the synthesis of melanin, which pigments the skin. A course is generally effective after one month and often continues for three months.

• Self-tanning showers.

  These are cabins where fine droplets of a self-tanning lotion are sprayed onto the body and/or face. This technique is quite practical and quick (less than ten minutes if a machine is used), offering a uniform result. However, one might question the potential risk of inhaling DHA. Indeed, the ingestion or inhalation of this molecule could potentially lead to asthma, lung diseases, or cancer. To date, no health authority has established that self-tanning showers pose a health risk, due to the short exposure time to the product.