DIY Self Tanner – How To Make Your Own Tanning Product

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Christine Wyman

diy self tanner
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As the warm summer season approaches, many of us look forward to achieving that sun-kissed glow. Although some individuals may naturally possess a beautiful, bronzed skin tone, others often invest time and resources to attain the perfect tan. With a plethora of options available, like sunbathing and tanning beds, one may wonder about the benefits of trying a do-it-yourself (DIY) self-tanner.

To make a well-informed decision, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of DIY self-tanners. In doing so, we can make the best choice for our skin, health, and overall appearance. Stay tuned as we delve into the world of DIY self-tanners and determine whether they could be a practical option for you.

Why Use DIY Self-Tanner?

There are several reasons to choose a DIY self-tanner over traditional options like sunbathing, tanning beds, or store-bought sunless tanning lotions. Here’s why we think homemade self-tanners are a great choice:

  • Skin Safety: Prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays from sunbathing and tanning beds can cause irreversible damage to our skin. By using a homemade self-tanner, we avoid these risks while still achieving that sun-kissed look.
  • No Unpleasant Odor: Many commercial self-tanning products have a strong, off-putting smell. DIY self-tanners, on the other hand, often use natural ingredients that are less likely to cause unpleasant odors.
  • Cost Savings: Making your own self-tanning lotion is generally less expensive than buying store-bought products or frequent visits to a tanning salon.
  • Control Over Ingredients: With a DIY self-tanner, we know precisely what ingredients are being used, ensuring that there are no harmful chemicals in the mix.

Beyond these benefits, we can also:

  • Customize the Color: Adjust the recipe to achieve the exact shade we want, without the unnatural orange hue that can sometimes come from store-bought products.
  • Exfoliate Naturally: Homemade tanning lotion recipes often include natural exfoliants to remove dead skin cells, ensuring an even application and longer-lasting tan.

In conclusion, experimenting with homemade self-tanner recipes can provide a safer, less expensive, and more personalized sunless tanning experience.

Cocoa Powder Tanning Lotion

For a simple and easy self-tanner, look no further than this cocoa powder tanning lotion. To create this lotion, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup unscented white lotion (preferably with moisturizing properties)
  • 1/3 cup 100% pure cocoa powder (any brand, as long as it is labeled 100% pure)

Follow these steps to make your tanning lotion:

  1. Combine: In a bowl, mix together the unscented white lotion and cocoa powder.
  2. Blend: Use a fork to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring there are no clumps in the mixture.
  3. Adjust: If desired, add more cocoa powder to achieve a darker shade. Note that the color will appear darker in the bowl than on your skin.
  4. Store: Transfer the mixture to a container or an empty jar, preferably one that once held lotion.

To get the best results when applying your cocoa powder tanning lotion, follow these tips:

  • Exfoliate: Prepare your skin by exfoliating the entire body prior to application.
  • Apply evenly: Smooth the lotion over your entire body, ensuring an even distribution.
  • Maintain results: Apply the tanning lotion daily for a gradual deep tan.

Now you have an effortless, homemade tanning lotion to achieve that sun-kissed glow using cocoa powder and unscented body lotion.

Carrot Tanning Oil

We’ve created a carrot tanning oil recipe that offers a sun-kissed glow while moisturizing the skin. To make this coffee bronzing oil, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh carrots
  • 3 quarts water
  • 2 cups brown sugar

Let’s dive into the simple steps for creating this tanning oil:

  1. Rinse and slice the carrots: Ensure they are thinly sliced for optimal results.
  2. Boil the water: Once boiling, add the sliced carrots and brown sugar.
  3. Simmer: Turn down the heat and let everything simmer for three hours.
  4. Cool down: Allow the tanning oil to cool before transferring.
  5. Strain the solution: Using a strainer, separate any carrot clumps from the oil.
  6. Store and use: Transfer the oil into a glass container or spray bottle. Apply once per week for best results.

To enhance the tanning oil and grant additional benefits, consider adding some of the following ingredients:

  • Coconut oil: Provides extra moisturizing properties and a pleasant scent.
  • Lavender oil: Offers relaxing, soothing, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Frankincense essential oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory and skin healing attributes.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet fragrance and a touch of antioxidant content.

Make sure to enjoy the whole body experience with this DIY carrot tanning oil while achieving a natural, gradual tan.

Coffee Tanning Lotion

Did you know that coffee isn’t just for your morning pick-me-up? We discovered that coffee can also provide a beautiful tan color to the skin. For this DIY tanning lotion recipe, make sure to use caffeinated coffee, as it has additional benefits like tightening and firming your skin, and reducing the appearance of cellulite and wrinkles.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Brew coffee as you normally would, using grounds for an entire pot, but with water for just one cup.
  2. Mix unscented white lotion and the brewed coffee to achieve the desired color. More coffee will result in a darker shade.
  3. Transfer the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well before each use.
  4. Apply the coffee tanning lotion once or twice per week for the best results.

With this simple yet effective coffee tanning lotion, you can achieve a natural-looking tan while enjoying skincare benefits.

Black Tea Tanning Solution

We recommend using a homemade black tea tanning solution for a natural and budget-friendly option. Follow these steps:

  1. Boil 16oz of filtered water with 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
  2. Steep 8 black tea bags in the boiling liquid for 10 minutes
  3. Cool the mixture for approximately 30 minutes
  4. Pour the solution into a spray bottle

Before applying, don’t forget to exfoliate your skin to ensure better absorption and even coloration.

Instant One Day Tanning Solution

We’ve got the perfect temporary tanning solution for those who need an instant sun-kissed look for a special occasion. Using just three ingredients: organic copper henna powder, coconut oil, and tea bags, you can achieve a bronzed glow that lasts for a day. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Prepare the mixture: Boil water and pour it over 3 tablespoons of henna powder and 6 tea bags. Let it cool. Next, add 6 tablespoons of melted coconut oil and blend everything together using a stick blender.
  • Apply the tanning solution: Put on rubber gloves and apply the liquid evenly over your body. Massage the mixture in for optimal absorption.
  • Leave it on: Allow the tanning solution to work its magic for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off with hot water and a towel.

While our quick-fix tanning solution may only last for one day, with continuous applications, you can gradually achieve a deeper, lasting tan. Just transfer the mixture into a spray bottle for easy, on-the-go applications. Enjoy your temporary bronzed glow!