Tan Tuesday- Q&A about self tanning

I had a message this week seeking advice for the following 3 questions about self tanning. 

1. Is it safe to use self tanner repetitively? 

Yes, the ingredients are not harmful. The dihydroxyacetone (DHA) found in most self tanning products is often made up of a sugary plant based substance that simulates the oxidisation of an apple, and that's what gives you the sunless tan. So, using this product again and again won't cause your body any harm, and it is a much safer way of sporting a tan that sunbathing! 

2. How do you avoid the "orange" oompa loopa results some self tanning products give? 

The best way to avoid the orange outcome is to patch test the product first.  Also many salon brands have researched and tested their self tanners so ensure that the result is not orange.  Some store bought product ranges don't specialise in self tanning products, so the products often don't create the desired result. 

3. If I have a special occasion I want to use a product for, how far in advance do you recommend I try the product for a 'test run'?

I would recommend a tanning trial at least two weeks in advance because that should be long enough for the sunless tan to wear off completely and if there is an allergic reaction then the skin should have calmed down before the event.  If you want to be overly cautious then try the product one month in advance, and if you're tanning yourself then it gives you a few chances to work on the application technique! 

Tan Tuesday- Sublime Dry Oil

I was recently introduced to the He Shi Sublime Dry Oil (£20) when I was speaking to the stockist about what was new in their range. 

This oil is a light-weight but deep moisturizing oil that contains 8 fantastic oils to nourish, heal and soften your skin. Vitamin E is a known healer and intense moisturizing oil. Rose Hip is an ingredient in many anti-ageing products that helps to reduce fine lines. Jojoba, almond and avocado oils are all extremely nourishing and rich to help heal dry skin. It's great to help heal and prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.  It soaks in quickly because it's a dry oil so in the summer heat it doesn't leave you feeling sticky even though it's packed with rich oils.  

Sublime Dry Oil can be used in many ways because of its ingredients. Use it daily after showering to moisturise skin and prolong your tan leaving your skin looking radiant. Use it as a deep conditioning hand and nail treatment by massaging into your cuticles to promote growth.  It can also be used as a deep conditioning hair and scalp treatment- to repair dry hair and split ends massage into scalp and throughout hair, wrap in a towel and leave overnight, then shampoo twice and condition as normal in the morning- silky locks! It can also be used as a bath oil by adding a few drops to your bath before you have a relaxing soak. 

This fresh smelling and silky feeling oil can also be mixed with a body moisturiser to intensify the results and help heal and repair extra dry skin. This is my new favourite oil and it's perfect for the summer! 

Waxing Wed- 5 tips to prevent ingrown hairs

5 tips to help prevent ingrown hairs after waxing:

1. Exfoliate- two to three days after your hair removal it's important to do  a gentle daily exfoliant or a twice weekly body scrub to slough off dead skin cells so that the hair can grow through smoothly. My favourite is Dermalogica's Buffing Cloth £12.50 for the shower at home because it dries easily when hung up in the shower and HeShi's Exfoliating Gloves £3.95 for when I'm travelling because they're small & easy to pack. 

2. Moisturise- daily or after every shower if you shower more often as this keeps skin soft and supple and helps prevent ingrown hairs from a build up of dry skin. 

3. Wear loose clothing- ideally also made of natural fibers so that the skin can breathe and to prevent rubbing or friction on the skin causing irritation. 

4. Wear different styles of underwear- this is important after a bikini wax so that there isn't an area that is constantly being rubbed from the cut of underwear. For example, wear thong, then briefs, then boy shorts or even just alternate between two types to prevent ingrown hairs forming along the knicker line. 

5. Avoid highly scented and heavy moisturisers- this is important within 24-48 hours of waxing as the hair follicles are left open. Heavy products can block the pores causing spots and highly scented products may cause irritation. 

Tuesday Tanday- Gradual Tan

Today's spotlight is about a fabulous product called Day-to-day Gradual tan by He Shi. 

It's one of my best sellers, and it sells itself through word of mouth. It helps prolong a tan after a lovely holiday or sunny spell or it helps to give a natural glow before an event or holiday. It's easy to use: 

Step 1- After showering, apply all over body massaging in as you would a body lotion. 

That's it! It's a daily body lotion that gradually builds up or helps maintain a natural tan.