Self Tanner? - Clovis,CA

Updated on April 12, 2010
J.P. asks from Fresno, CA
18 answers

Hello fellow mamas!? Well since it is that time of year again to start wearing shorts and dresses and other fun spring clothing. And normally I would be hitting up the tanning booth any time now. But this year I am pregnant with my second baby! So tanning is out! So I need help finding a self tanner. Any suggestions? Also, has anyone had an airbrush tan from a salon? How did it work for you? Thanks!

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A.E.

answers from Sacramento on

There are organic spray tans out there and they work great! I got one when I was 5 mos preggo and headed to Hawaii and I loved it. It was around $40.

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I.R.

answers from San Francisco on

My sister in law has had the airbrush tan from a salon several times and she always looks fabulous. However, at $25 a session, it can be a pricey alternative to self tanning. I have used several self tanning lotions and have had the most success with the spray on type as I didn't end up with tanned palms:).

Happy tanning!

More Answers

K.C.

answers from Dallas on

The one by Nivea ....is really good. All I can remember is that it has the word "sun kissed legs" in it (sorry, pregnancy brain!) I've used it since my first tri and it was better than alot of the others I've tried since with the extra hormones, you never know what colour you'll end up. But this one was perfect! (And didn't smell nasty like the other ones)

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T.R.

answers from San Francisco on

Please, please check with your OB before using a chemical all over your body while your are pregnant. Theses might be a good resources: Safecosmetics.org or Cosmeticdatabase.com

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S.B.

answers from San Francisco on

HI J., I have used the spray tans at the tanning salons a few times. I really like it. It does seem to fade within 2 weeks, but it comes in handy if you need a quick tan. I am not sure how safe it is if you are pregnant. I have also used tan towels that I have purchased from QVC or HSN one of the shopping channels. Those work great too. I would really research anything before you use it. Good luck

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R.K.

answers from San Francisco on

be careful - those self tanning products may have really dangerous chemicals in them. i'm sure you look just fine the way you are.

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C.V.

answers from San Francisco on

My Dr told me I could tan at the booth while pregnant and I did. My son is fine!

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T.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Sit in the sun. Increases Vit D and is relaxing. Be careful not too burn. Use sunscreen.

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J.H.

answers from Salinas on

I love the Arbonne Spray on Tanner with Sunscreen. It is a gradual tan and goes on evenly. Before trying ANY product, check with your doctor and be sure you have the go-ahead to do so.

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J.B.

answers from Dallas on

Nicole Miller Beauty line has a great tanning clothes.

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K.M.

answers from Terre Haute on

I have been using self tanners for several years. The best one that I have come across is by Loreal. It is called Sublime Bronze. I love it!

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J.S.

answers from Sacramento on

Please check with your doctor. When I was pregnant three years ago, I was told NOT to use a self-tanner.

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M.B.

answers from Sacramento on

Dove and Aveeno have good self tanning lotions that you can apply daily for a gradual tan. I would love the try the airbrush tan from a salon. Oh yes and check with your OB if you are already pregnant now. I would not try those at all w/o first checking with your doctor. Not worth it.

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A.C.

answers from San Francisco on

Airbush tanning is not safe when you are pregnant, nor are any self tanning creams. They are absorbed into the skin and can be passed along to your unborn child. I'd suggest taking the summer off from artificial tanning of any kind. Is it really worth it?

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C.F.

answers from Sacramento on

Faux Tan is a great self tanner. It doesn't streak like most of them. Be sure and wash your hands well though. Nothing looks quite as gross as brown palms! :)

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

Clinique has a good one. I also like the Jergans gradual one daily lotion.

The only thing I hate is the smell of self tanners, like Jergens. Clinique was not as bad.

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A.B.

answers from San Francisco on

If ever possible one can do a test spot in an inconspicuous place on the body. Checking with girlfriends may be a key to "try" a bit of their product before spending lots of money on a product that may turn you orange with the ever changing hormones. A suggestion is to use a little sticker placed on the skin in an inconspicuous area, and rub some of the self tanning lotion on and around the sticker. Most products take a few hours to really show color. At that time remove the sticker to see the result of color around where the sticker was applied.

The KEY to LASTING RESULTS of any self tanner or even sprays is EXFOLIATION and MOISTURIZATION. Use a good body scrub, cleanser and moisturizer, like Mary Kay's Body Care & Sun Products: http://www.marykay.com/aboris43/spabody/default.aspx

After exfoliating, cleansing and moisturizing (generally after a shower or bath) Apply the self tanner lotion in a CIRCULAR motion (this applies to ANY brand) Start with the feet and move upward over your body. USE LIGHTLY on THICK, CREASED, or CALLOUSED SKIN areas (i.e. feet, knees, elbows, wrists, etc.). make sure to carefully wash the palms of your hands and the areas between your fingers for "extra" lotion, so as not to have bright colored palms and hands!

Check instructions for each product. Most are safe to use on the entire body and face (on the face, moisturizer may be added and mixed to dilute - do not forget ears and be careful around hairline for light-haired individuals). My suggestion is to do a light layer for the first application and repeat the process over the next day or two until the desired level of "tan" has been achieved.

Many products warn about staining clothing and material; therefore allow at least 20 to 30-minutes for the tanner to soak in, set, and "dry" before getting dressed or going to bed. Many products suggest avoiding water* for a length of time. (*see NOTE below) Be cautious when wearing white or light-colored clothing! Use common sense. Activity, perspiration, and sweat, coupled with light friction (between legs, arms, etc.) may cause the self tanner to "bleed" onto clothing and leaving noticeable stains and/or discoloration.

Continue to keep your body hydrated, drinking plenty of fluids during the warm season AND moisturize in between treatments. DO NOT forget to use SUNCREEN when actually heading outdoors. WARNING: Most self-tanners do not supply SPF. A fake tan will NOT protect you from sunburn! Apply sunscreen as usual to protect you from harmful UVA & UVB sunrays.

Continue to (lightly) exfoliate 1-2 times a week and reapply self-tanner as needed, as well as sunscreen and moisturizer. *NOTE: Most pools and hot tubs contain chlorinated water which will "bleach" your skin, hence drying and discoloring your "tan". If that happens, the exfoliating process is necessary and starting pretty much from step one, yet the skin with have a freckled appearance, so avoid chorine altogether if using self tanners.

I agree tanned skin makes us look and feel sexier ~ whether thick, thin or pregnant! Yet, if you're lifestyle doesn't have the time or expense to do the aforementioned, simply grab your sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat and an umbrella and have your body sun-kissed au natural. Take heed to the other remarks members made: between 10am and 2pm are the most intense rays ANY day of the year. Suncreen should be used all year long, even on cloudy and foggy days and even if hitting the snow-top mountains. Sun reflected off of the sunny beach sand or the snow capped hills WILL burn you!

Be safe and have a wonderful time!
A. B.
Independent Beauty Consultant
www.marykay.com/aboris43

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A.V.

answers from San Francisco on

I looked up self tanners for myself and some site recommended Clarins (Macy's has it). I like it, it works pretty good. I say pretty good, because it wasn't dramatic but it did look natural. L'oreal used to be the absolute best for me but then they changed the formula! The spray on tans work well but are very expensive and don't last long. Absolutely don't do the spray on type where you walk into a booth and a machine does the spraying! It's a fine mist that goes EVERYWHERE! and ends up getting breathed in by you- not good- especially when you're pregnant. Good luck!

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