Self-Tan Products FAQ

We know that when using a new product you might have some questions on how to use it. This blog covers this and more and is your go-to reference guide for our Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Drops and Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Mousse

 

General FAQ

How long will my tan last?

Generally, it will last about 5 days, but It really depends on a number of things, such as: your exfoliating routine; your skin type; and your individual cellular renewal – the older you are, the longer the cell turnover.

 

Can I suntan whilst wearing the Lucy Bee Tanning Products?

Whilst using a fake tan product, you can still tan naturally when in the sun. Fake tans do not produce a skin-protecting barrier like sunscreens, so tanning naturally can still occur. 
Please note these do not contain SPF or sun protection so it is important to also use an SPF.

 

Are Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Drops and Mousse suitable to use in pregnancy?

According to the UK NHS it's generally considered safe to use fake tan products during pregnancy. The active ingredient in fake tan - dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a non-toxic substance. It can’t penetrate further than the top layer of the skin and it is not absorbed into the body. If you have any concerns we advise checking with your healthcare practitioner.

 

Can men use them?

Yes, they are great for men. Our tanning products work with your natural skin tone and are designed to be unisex.

 

When should I do a patch test?

When using any new product we recommend doing a patch test first. See here for how to patch test.

Are there other options than medium?

The medium medium Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Drops and Mousse cover many skin colours. For the drops, if you have fairer skin, then we’d recommend using less drops and building up if you’d like to see a darker tan. For the mousse, if you find you want a deeper tan after the initial layer then you can build it up with more mousse.

 

How does fake tan work? What is the reaction that creates tanned skin?

Sunless tanners contain dihydroxyacetone - commonly known as DHA. DHA molecules combine with the amino acids in the top layer of your skin to cause a chemical reaction which form brown-coloured melaninoids. It is well known as Maillard reaction. 

The individual cocktail of amino acids in the skin determines the tanning effect, that’s why each individual tans differently. 

 

What is DHA?

DHA is the standard self-tanning agent for all types of cosmetic products and has been the most common active agent used over the past 70 years. It is a solely natural reaction of DHA with the amines, peptides and free amino acids in a Maillard reaction (independent of UV rays) – this means it reacts with the top layer of the skin to tan. The benefit of using tanning drops and mousse is that you can achieve a sun-kissed glow without damaging your skin with harmful UV rays.

 

Is the DHA used in the tanning drops and tanning mousse natural or synthetic?

We can confirm that the DHA used in our tanning products is 100% natural.

 

Will the tan transfer to my clothes?
Whilst the product is sinking in and working its magic it is best to wear loose clothing and avoid any lighter colours to reduce the risk of the tan transferring!  

 

Self-tanning versus natural tanning?
When you sunbathe, UV rays cause the skin to increase its production of the protective pigment melanin, which manifests itself as a tan. Tan is actually a sign of skin cell damage, which can increase the risk of skin cancer and accelerate skin ageing. Using a self-tanner is always a safer option than traditional sun tanning as it can give your skin a tanned look without exposing it to harmful ultraviolet rays. 

 

Why use Coconut Water in the tanning products
Coconut water is a great water alternative with additional skin-moisturising benefits.  

 

What’s the difference between using the Tanning Mousse over the Drops?

Our Naturally-Glowing Self-Tan Drops mean you are in control of the colour you want to go and it is more of a gradual tan - whether that be a couple of drops for a little glow, or more drops for a deeper tan, they are also colourless and develop between 2-6 hours, and you apply the drops mixed with moisturiser or body cream. You can use them on the face and body.

With our Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Mousse, it works in the same way and it still looks completely natural, but it is an instant colour and it takes you straight to a medium tan. If you prefer a darker tan, then double it up. It is a little different in the sense that you apply it with a mitt, and don’t mix with moisturiser/body cream. It takes two hours to develop and then you can wash off any excess if you wish with warm water, leaving you with a glowing tan - the natural DHA only needs two hours to develop on your skin so you can shower after this. You can also see the colour when applying the mousse.

They both have the same principle – no sticky feeling, a quick dry formula, develops in two hours with a natural glow which works with your skin 

Tanning Mousse 

How long does the Naturally-Glowing Self-Tan Mousse take to develop?

It develops in 2 hours, and we find that the longer it is left on the deeper it goes. The great thing with this tan is it doesn’t smell of fake tan, or leave you feeling gross and sticky due to the quick dry formulation which means you can leave it on as long as you like, whether that’s during the day, or throughout the night, so you can wash off after 2 hours or leave on for longer.  

 

What colour will I go?
It really depends on your skin type. The more Mousse you use, the darker the tan. The beauty of self-tanning is that you can control how much you apply to your skin, and therefore the depth of the tan. We've added a few functional ingredients to gain a natural looking colour. The key one is erythrulose, a natural keto-sugar which takes part in Maillard’s reaction and leads to the formation of brownish polymers. It balances out the orange tones created by DHA (a colour additive), giving a deep, even and natural long-lasting tan. 

 

Can I use the Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Mousse on my face as well as body?

Yes you can, we’d recommend applying a small amount to the face. If you’d prefer to be more in control of your tan, then we’d recommend using our Self-Tan drops. With these you can use less drops for a little glow or add more for a deeper tan. 

 

Is the Tan Mousse Suitable for Sensitive Skin?

Yes our Naturally Glowing Self Tan Mousse has been dermatologically approved for sensitive skin. Everyone's skin is different so when using any new product we recommend doing a patch test first. See here for how to patch test. 

 

Is the tan visible as I apply Naturally-Glowing Self-Tan Mousse?

Yes, you’ll be able to see where the mousse has been applied. We always recommend starting from the bottom and working your way up so that you don’t miss anywhere. The tan fully develops in 2 hours, and we find that the longer it is left on he deeper it goes.

 

What is the fragrance of the Naturally-Glowing Self-Tan Mousse?
It has a tropical fragrance.

 

What is the 7% of non-natural ingredients in the Tanning Mousse? 
This is preservatives which protect products from harmful microbial contamination, antioxidants and stabilisers. You can find most of these ingredients in nature and they are synthetized in the laboratory to get a pure and unique molecule. 

 

Will the tan wash off in the shower?
The Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Mousse isn’t a wash-off tan. Instead, your tan will slowly wear off over a few days – the exact number of days depends on your cleansing/bathing routine, your skin type and your own individual cellular renewal. Generally speaking, the tan will last about 5 days. 

 

What is this formulated without?

Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Mousse does NOT contain: Palm oil (or derivatives of palm oil); Petroleum; Silicones; Alcohol; Formaldehyde; Soy; Gluten; Phthalates; Methylisothiazolinone; Parabens; Mineral oils; Toxins

 

What’s the packaging?

Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Mousse packaging:

Container - 100% PCR (ie reused) plastic - recyclable
Pump - not recyclable
Lid - virgin plastic – recyclable

We have used 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) plastic for the bottle. PCR plastic is plastic that’s already in the world – it might previously have been a water bottle or a milk carton, for example.

By using PCR plastic, it reduces the reliance on fossil fuels. The carbon footprint of manufacturing 100% PCR is 60% lower than virgin plastic.

PCR can be recycled and used again, and it reduces landfill dumping and reuses recovered plastics.

We are working closely with our manufacturing partner to offer refills of the Mousse with the idea that you keep the pump to reuse with the refill.

 

How should I store the Tan Mousse?

We would recommend storing the Tan Mousse upright

 

Tanning Drops

How long do the Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Drops take to develop?

It depends on the condition of your skin and also your skin type. The more tanned the skin, the quicker the drops develop. It also depends how much moisturiser you mix the tan drops with. As a general rule, it takes 2-3 hours to start developing and full colour can take up to 6 hours.

 

Can I use the Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Drops on the rest of my body?

Yes you can, just mix in as many drops as you’d like with your favourite body moisturiser such as our Hydra-Bod Body Cream and rub in well. Everyone’s body size and shape is different and so it’s hard for us to say how many you’ll need. We recommend starting off with less and building up if you want a deeper tan

 

What colour will I go?

It really depends on your skin type. The more drops you add, the darker the tan. If you are fairer skinned, then use less drops and build up. The benefit of the drops is that you can control how much you apply to your skin, and therefore the depth of the tan.

 

Will makeup remover remove my tan?

It will remove a small amount of the tan, but you can keep applying more drops with moisturiser every day to keep a continuous sun-kissed glow. It’s important to note that physical and chemical exfoliators (including our Vitamin-Rich Sweet Glow Face Scrub and AHA Dazzling Tonic) will remove the tan at a faster rate.

 

Do the Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Drops have added fragrance?

We’ve formulated this product with no added fragrance.

 

Can I use them if I have rosacea?

UV rays by the sun can trigger rosacea to get worse over time. Even if you feel like your skin feels better from the sun, it can cause negative effects long-term so it is best to avoid too much sun, but if you still want a natural glow then these tan drops are the perfect option.

The tan drops are fragrance free and Lucy has rosacea herself (although not always visible but easily triggered) and they are perfectly fine and she says they actually help cover up her rosacea or redness when she uses them which helps when socialising as she doesn’t get paranoid about her cheeks going red. Daisy, her sister also suffers with sensitive skin and finds they work perfectly fine for her and she doesn’t get any flare ups.

The Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Drops contain aloe vera, rose water, orange flower and coconut water so are hydrating and soothing. As we always like to stress though, we are all different so I hope they work for you if you do try them!

 

Will the Tanning Drops wash off in the shower?

The  Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Drops aren’t a wash-off tan. Instead, your tan will slowly wear off over a few days – the exact number of days depends on your cleansing routine, your skin type and your own individual cellular renewal. Generally speaking, the tan will last about 5 days.

 

What is the 5% of non-natural ingredients in the Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Drops? 

That’s preservatives which protects products from harmful microbial contamination, antioxidants and stabilizers. You can find most of these ingredients in nature, but for safety and economical reason they are synthetized in laboratory to get pure and unique molecule.

 

How long does the product last?

This is difficult to give an exact answer because a drop isn’t easily quantified. However, as a guide, this 30ml Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Drops bottle contains approximately 500 to 600 drops. 

 

How often do they need to be applied for a natural glow?

This really depends on a number of things, such as how many drops you use, your cleansing routine, your skin type and your individual skin cellular renewal (the older you are the longer the cell turnover). Generally speaking, the tan will last about 5 days

 

Can I use any body moisturiser? 

Yes you can. Our Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Drops work well with our Hydra-Bod Body Cream, available here.

 

What is the base colour of Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Drops?

There are no green or orange base colours in Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Drops. The colour comes from how the DHA reacts with your skin & UV light. The colour is dependent on your skin tone, this means as it develops it will give a natural look and glow.

 

How do I stop my beard/stubble going orange?

Firstly, this product will not make you go orange due to the way it has been formulated. If applying it to your beard or stubble, you could find that the natural DHA in the product builds up as it clings to the hair.

It’s super simple to use - start with a few drops in your moisturiser and add more over the week if you fancy, and don’t rush it.

Lucy recommends getting a dollop of your moisturiser in your fingertips, add a couple of drops of the self-tan serum and rub it together using your fingertips.

Start by applying on bare skin/cheeks and not directly putting it on your beard or stubble. Once you have applied to the cheeks, under the eyes, forehead, nose, neck, back of neck and ears, use the reminder that is in your hands to blend into the start of the beard or stubble or gently glide over it, avoiding your eyebrows (you do not need to go over these). 

Once a week, we recommend exfoliating because this will remove dead skin cells and will help the tan to last longer. It also removes any unwanted tan, so that you can start again.

It’s a gradual, natural colour, so build it up and don’t overdo it! The colour develops after 2 hours with the full colour after 6 hours

Lucy’s tip: You can also use coconut oil or a barrier oil on your beard/brows/hair line, but remember this would need to be washed out so if you’re going out and about it’s not ideal as the tan takes 2-6 hours to develop and you don’t want to get your face wet during this time.

 

What is this formulated without?

Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Drops does NOT contain: Palm oil (including derivatives of palm oil); Parabens; Formaldehyde; Petroleum; Silicones; PEGs; Artificial dyes; Soy; Gluten

 

What’s the packaging?

Naturally Glowing Self-Tan Drops is recyclable packaging:

Frosted glass bottle
Plastic pipette lid
FSC cardboard outer carton
FSC cardboard inner liner

 

Any questions that you can’t find the answer to please contact us at hello@lucybee.com  

 

Shop the Tanning Products here.

About Lucy Bee

Lucy Bee is a lifestyle brand selling food, skincare and soap products all completely free from palm oil and with minimal use of plastic. Lucy Bee is concerned with Fair Trade, organic, ethical and sustainable living, recycling and empowering people to make informed choices and select quality, natural products for their food and their skin.

Any information provided by us is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. We always recommend referring your health queries to a qualified medical practitioner.