Sensitive skin can take self-tan. What usually causes trouble is not the tan itself but what comes with it: the texture, the scent and the rubbing. This guide shows what to check on the label, how to test and a gentle routine for the days around your tan.
Five things to check before you buy
1. Is it made for the face?
Body tans are often heavier and richer. A face formula is lighter and made for thinner skin.
2. Texture
Light, water-based formulas sit more easily on reactive skin than thick creams and oils.
3. Scent
If fragrance bothers your skin, look for it in the ingredient list. True Tan has a light, fresh scent. If you are sensitive to fragrance, test it first, as you would any new product.
4. Soothing ingredients
Aloe and vitamin E are common in face tans for a reason. True Tan contains both, together with vitamin C.
5. How it goes on
Rubbing and blending add friction to reactive skin. A thin layer that goes on without rubbing is easier on it.
True TanClear face tan with aloe leaf and vitamins C and E. Lasts up to 7 days.Read more
The 24-hour test
Mist a little True Tan onto a cotton pad and dab it on the inside of your upper arm, where you can check it and a sleeve hides any colour. Leave it for 24 hours. Calm skin means go ahead. If you see itching, stinging or redness, wash it off and don't use it on your face.
Test again every time you switch products, even within the same brand.
If the smell of tan bothers you, here is where it comes from.
Take the friction out
Reactive skin often minds the rubbing more than the formula. A mitt or your fingertips go back and forth over the same skin to blend the tan.
A mist puts the tan on without anything touching your face. With the MultiMist you control the depth by how long you mist, so you can start light and build over a couple of applications instead of one heavy layer. Close your eyes and mouth while you mist.
A gentle routine, before and after
Before. If your skin is dry or flaky, smooth it with a soft, damp cloth the day before. Skip scrubs and acids for a few days before you tan.
On tan night, cleanse with a mild cleanser and pat dry. If you already use Multi Essence, a short mist calms the skin. Let it sink in for a minute so your skin is dry before you tan.
After. Keep it simple: a gentle cleanser and no new products until you know how your skin takes the tan. Then add Supreme Serum. Both serums have a light fig fragrance and are allergy-tested. Test them first, like any new product.
Hydration DuoMulti Essence before, Supreme Serum after. Both misted on with the same device.Read more
Nothing to rub in
The MultiMist mists tan and skincare onto your face. Your hands never touch your skin.
FAQ
Can self-tan irritate your skin?
It can. DHA can be drying, and fragrance or rubbing can add to it. A 24-hour test tells you before you put it on your face.
Can I self-tan if I have rosacea or eczema?
Ask your doctor or dermatologist first, and test on a calm day. Don't apply tan to broken or inflamed skin.
Is gradual tan better for sensitive skin?
Sometimes. A gradual tan puts less on each time, which some sensitive skin finds easier, but you rub it in every day. With True Tan, a short mist gives a light layer with no rubbing.
Should I use self-tan on my face if I get breakouts?
Usually, yes. DHA, the ingredient that tans, isn't known to clog pores; heavy, oily formulas are the more common culprit. Choose a light formula and keep the layer thin. If a spot is open, red or irritated, wait until it has calmed down before you tan over it, as the tan can develop darker there. If you use retinoids or acids, expect the tan to fade faster and less evenly. True Tan is clear and light, and the MultiMist mists it on so your hands never touch your face.