You may have seen the words hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic around, but do you know why they’re important in your instant tan and self tan? Find out in our latest blog by The Bronzer.
Why your instant tan ingredients matter
You may have seen the words “hypoallergenic” and “non comedogenic” in beauty articles and magazines, and you may have even dismissed them as beauty jargon. But if you are someone with sensitive skin, these two words could be the secret to you finding products that are right for you. And we’re not just talking about facial products either – your ingredients choice matter in everything from your instant tan to your body moisturiser – because your skin is your largest organ, after all. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to ingredients, sensitive skin and instant tan.
What does hypoallergenic refer to?
Hypoallergenic ingredients or products are those which will cause fewer allergic reactions than other products. However, as this is a broad and unregulated term and is not policed by an external body in Australia (much like the word “organic”) it’s not enough to be hypoallergenic. So when choosing an instant or self tan for sensitive skin it’s important to look out for ingredients that are known allergens, like parabens and artificial fragrances (and, naturally The Bronzer Instant Tan has none of these).
Why do you need non-comedogenic tans?
Comedogenic simply refers to the blocking of pores, and those products that have a tendency to also produce blackheads. In short, blocking the pores causes a build up of dead skin cells and oil, which will quickly lead to pimples. The comedogenicity of ingredients are based on tests from the ‘70s and run on a scale of 0-5 (zero being non comedogenic and five being the highest). Probably not surprisingly, oils have a higher chance of clogging pores (even natural and lauded oils like olive and coconut oil) so the higher the content of oil in a product, the most comedogenic it will likely be. It’s also worth noting that the thicker your product is, the higher chance of comedogenicity, so if your skin is breakout prone, choose a texture that is lightweight. So, why does all this matter in an instant tan? Because you’re covering your entire body in it, and the rest of your body’s skin is not exempt from breakouts either (as anyone who’s experienced ‘bacne’ can attest).
your ingredients choice matter in everything from your instant tan to your body moisturiser – because your skin is your largest organ, after all
Instant tans and sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic are not the only things you should be looking for. As sensitive skin is also typically dry, you need a nourishing formulation with natural ingredients too, like aloe vera which is both soothing and hydrating. Some sensitive skins are also allergic to DHA (or ‘dihydroxacetone’ the active ‘tanning’ agent in self tans) so using an instant, wash-off tan (like our The Bronzer Instant Tan Matte) is a great choice because these work more like a makeup that rinses off in the shower. And remember that sensitive skin always needs a little more love, so prep it well (with a gentle exfoliant) and always hydrate with a nourishing, gentle, fragrance free body moisturiser to keep it supple, smooth and ready for tanning.
