You might not think that self-tanner and eczema would go together, but they can! There are a number of types of self-tanners on the market today. Some have been shown to help with eczema flare ups while others contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin.
This blog post will explore some of the Best Self-Tanners for Eczema so you know what to avoid and what is safe to use!
What Are The Best Self-Tanners for Eczema
For people with eczema, achieving a radiant self-tan may appear to be difficult. You may be hesitant to use self-tanner while you’re desperate for a sunless summer glow, but you may be concerned that it will aggravate your skin condition or emphasize the afflicted areas.
You can get a lovely tone with self-tanner if you have severe eczema. However, you should be aware of the substances in the self-tanner you want to use.
DHA is the most common chemical in most self-tanners (dihydroxyacetone). The chemical stains the skin, causing it to turn a dark brown color. It is very drying to the skin and can even induce dehydration, although DHA aids in obtaining a sunless tan. For people with eczema, a self-tanner without DHA is preferable since it will avoid the skin from drying out even more.
If you have eczema, search for self-tanning products that do not include DHA, contain less DHA, or at the least include a natural derivation of DHA.
Let’s get into the best picks you can choose from:
1. St. Tropez One Night Only Wash Off
St. Tropez’s wonderful little self-tanner is a fantastic way to get a summer glow without using dehydrating chemicals like DHA.
The lotion may be applied daily for a natural tan. The tanning solution in this product is non-streaking, resulting in a light to medium toned tan that lasts up to 24 hours. It’s water-resistant and transfer-proof, so you shouldn’t see any stains on your clothes or furniture.
It is an excellent quick-fix for a night out that won’t dry out your skin or exacerbate eczema. It’s simple to use: simply massage it into clean, dry skin and then wait until it’s dry to the touch. Simply wash it away with warm water and soap in the shower.
It’s formulated with sensitive skin in mind, and it’s exceptionally hydrating, maintaining your skin healthy while you enjoy your summer tan.
2. Baja Bae Bronze Tanning Lotion
The creators of Baja Bae have created a tanning lotion which functions as a three-in-one. It’s a sun-tanning lotion, a tinted moisturizer, with an after-sun lotion all in one.
It has a lovely fragrance, due to the combination of caramel and Mexican vanilla, as well as a touch of coconut. This tanning lotion is ideal for use while out on the town, providing an instant golden tan. The tan is natural looking and fast-acting, whether you use it as an after-sun or a daily tinted moisturizer.
The moisturizer, which includes natural oils, aids in the reduction of stretch marks, scarring, and dry skin. It won’t make your skin dry, but it will give your tan extra moisture and nourishment to make it better.
3. Clarins Liquid Bronze Self-Tanner
This product is ideal for nights out or day excursions to town.
It is effective on some normal, dry, combination, and oily skin. It’s a wonderful option for those who suffer from eczema since it can be used on all of these types of skin. The bronzer is ultra-hydrating and as mild as milk, carefully nourishing and protecting your skin while giving it a quick and easy to obtain a glow.
The bronzer, which is made up of vitamins, provides a natural-looking tan while also maintaining your skin healthy and moisturized.
The lotion is easy to use and does not leave streaks or stains. It is also extremely lightweight, making it much less likely to be detected due to its mild tinting. It’s very forgiving and mistakes are virtually unnoticeable. After a few hours, the tan appears gradually and gives you a natural sheen.
4. Cerave Eczema Relief Creamy Body Oil
Colloidal Oatmeal is included to assist with the symptoms of eczema, including dry, itchy, scaly patches of skin. The fast-absorbing formulation with Safflower Oil aids in the moisturization of skin, while hyaluronic acid aids in the hydration of skin and retention of natural moisture.
The CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil comes with a thick, occlusive feel that’s comparable to having both moisturizing cream and a body oil. It dries fast, and after it’s applied, it dissolves quickly and leaves the skin smooth and hydrated without making it greasy.
5. Tahitian Bronzer Tanovations by Ed Hardy
This Ed Hardy bronzer, which is totally DHA-free, helps you achieve a fantastic bronze tan.
This DHA-free bronzer, like the blusher previously reviewed, contains natural components that guarantee a streak-free and stain-free tan. The MelanoBronze and Melactiva preparations, on the other hand, promote melanin activity and create a deeper tanning tone. The advanced Matrixyl Synthe 6 serum tightens and tones the skin, keeping wrinkles at bay.
Hemp Seed Oil and Argan Oil are two new skin-care ingredients that have been added to the line. They’re extremely moisturizing, making them an excellent self-tanner for eczema sufferers. The botanicals in this serum provide you with an ultra-bronze tone while also maintaining healthy skin and keeping it hydrated.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is an itchy, dry, and sometimes inflamed skin condition that can persist for months or years. It more commonly affects children than adults, but some people will have it for their entire life. For many patients, eczema eventually becomes less severe or may disappear completely with age.
Eczema is caused by dysfunction in the skin’s barrier, or outermost layer. Cells called keratinocytes produce a protein that binds together within special lipid-rich structures known as lamellar bodies.
- These bodies are then released into the space between cells and migrate to the surface of epithelial tissue (the tissue that covers much of our body). The protein becomes part of the protective outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum. This barrier prevents water from escaping and stops bacteria or other harmful substances from entering the body.
- If there is a problem with this process, then the keratinocytes won’t produce enough lamellar bodies to form an effective barrier. Instead they line up in piles, creating a scaly texture. They also lose their hydration, which causes the skin to feel dry and itchy.
- Eczema is most commonly caused by an immune system malfunction that makes the body less tolerant of certain substances in the environment known as allergens. Most often this involves food allergies or reactions to pollen, but there are many potential allergens that can cause eczema.
- In some cases, a substance that normally wouldn’t bother the body becomes an allergen because of another medical condition. For example, dry skin is more likely to become irritated by chemicals in soaps and detergents where it would not have done so otherwise.
People with eczema always have scaly, dry skin. In some cases these symptoms are quite mild and in others they may be so pronounced that the disease is clearly visible. Most people with eczema experience a combination of redness, swelling, oozing sores, and abnormal skin pigmentation .
In most cases there are periods where symptoms improve or disappear completely.
Tips When Self-Tanning with Eczema
When it comes to self-tanning there are risks involved, especially if you have eczema. The last thing you would want is to accentuate dry skin patches or create more irritation on your skin.
What Are the Risks?
One of the most common issues with self-tanners is that they can cause serious irritations and breakouts. If you have eczema, the risks are even higher for this occurrence because your skin is more sensitive than non-eczema sufferers.
Self-tanning products usually contain DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) which is known to cause reactions with people who have sensitive skin. Other ingredients that may irritate your skin are thickeners, fragrances and preservatives.
What Can I Do?
There are some precautions you can take to avoid these nasty reactions:
- When you first buy a self-tanning product make sure you test it out by applying the tiniest amount of lotion on your inner wrist. Let it dry and wait a couple of hours to check for any irritations before applying it all over your skin.
- When you apply self-tanner make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after. This is because the tanning agent can irritate your eyes if it gets in them, which is very uncomfortable and painful.
- Make sure to moisturize properly before self-tanning to make sure the tanning solution absorbs better.
- Avoid applying lotion or perfume on areas where you applied self-tanner, as this can cause blotchiness and unevenness in your color tone.
- If you do experience any irritations after using a self-tanner consult with medical professionals immediately to avoid further complications.
Precautions to take when self-tanning with eczema:
- Try using a gradual tanner instead of a fast acting one for sensitive skin types, as it will help the skin absorb more product and buffer any side effects.
- Use an exfoliating mitt when preparing your skin for self-tanning, as this will help to remove any dead skin cells that may be obstructing the tanning solution.
- Remove self-tanner immediately if you experience any irritation or discomfort on your skin, as not doing so could worsen the situation.
- If you follow these tips when self-tanning with eczema, you’ll avoid further complications and achieve a glowing tan on your skin.
Final Thought
You should not stop yourself from getting a lovely tan because you have eczema. While it’s best to avoid spending time in the sun, you may apply self-tanning lotions or sprays to give you a goddess-like glow.
If you have eczema, you must treat your skin with greater care. Take advantage of this to give your skin the extra moisture and nourishment it requires while still receiving a beautifully tanned glow. You will be able to enjoy days of a sunless, summer glow once you’ve identified the product that works for you.
