Does Self Tanner Expire?
If you love getting that golden, sun-kissed skin without the sun’s risks, that’s when you call on the magic of a great self-tanner.
The American Academy of Dermatology cites skin cancer as the most common cancer in the United States.1 So, your decision to turn to sunless tan alternatives becomes not just a beauty routine but a mindful health choice versus tanning oil.
However, not all self-tanning products are the same. You should carefully balance the depth of the color, how quickly they work, and the quality of the products. You want to look fantastic with your new glow. But one wrong step with a self-tanner can give you less-than-ideal results.
When you enjoy your new glow, have you ever wondered if your self-tanner expires?
Keep reading to find out: “Does self-tanner expire?” The answer can help you in your quest to achieve the stunning sunless tan of your dreams while being safe with these products.
Do self-tanners go bad?
The shelf life of self-tanning products varies due to the breakdown of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient that reacts with your skin to create that beautiful bronze.2
When stored properly, away from excess heat, light, and humidity, the recommended period of use for maximum efficacy is 12 months after opening. Unopened products will generally remain in good condition for up to three years when stored under optimal conditions.
Yes, you can get a flawless tan without UV exposure from self-tanning creams, lotions, and sprays. But their effectiveness starts to lessen after the expiration date.
How do self-tanners go bad?
Several factors determine the shelf life of your self-tanner, including its ingredients, packaging type, and storage conditions.
Do self-tanners go bad because of their ingredients?
Nourishing organic ingredients, often found in high-quality products like COOLA’s, can be more sensitive to degradation. While these nourishing products offer skin-loving benefits, they may not last as long as synthetic alternatives.
Does self-tanner go bad due to packaging?
Air-tight, opaque bottles, like ours, are designed to minimize exposure to air and light, both of which can accelerate the breakdown of active ingredients. Just like the sun, heat, and humidity can change your skin, they can also cause your self-tanner to go bad more quickly. A self-tanner’s packaging significantly impacts its longevity.
Does sunless tanner expire due to poor storage conditions?
The way you store your self-tanning products can significantly affect their shelf life. Just as you carefully select your brand for the best results, how you store it plays a crucial role in how long it stays effective.
Here are three tips for storing your self-tanner so that it lasts as long as possible:
- Keep your self-tanner cool and dry: A cool, dry place, such as a cabinet or drawer in your bedroom or hallway closet, is ideal. High humidity or temperature fluctuations, common in bathrooms, can negatively impact the formula. We don’t recommend storing this in your garage during the off-season or in winter due to the humidity and temperature changes.
- Shield from direct sunlight: Exposure to direct sunlight can damage paper, food, clothing, and your skincare products if they’re left out long enough. Direct sunlight can degrade the active ingredients in your self-tanner more quickly and alter its color and consistency. So, a shaded, dark space is preferable.
- Store the bottle upright: Wondering how to store self-tanner? Keeping bottles upright helps prevent leaks and unnecessary exposure to air, which can accelerate the deterioration of the tanning formula.
How to tell if your sunless tanner has expired
Even if you store your chosen self-tanner properly, it will degrade over time. There are two telltale signs that your self-tanner has gone bad.
Color or smell changes
A noticeable change in the product’s color or an off-putting smell is a clear indicator that the self-tanner has passed its prime. Observe the color and scent of your self-tanner when you first use it. Any alterations from that could indicate your self-tanner is about to expire or has expired.
Texture variations
If you notice that your self-tanning lotion or any other tanning product has become clumpy, streaky, or otherwise inconsistent in texture, it’s time to replace it. Would you put something that doesn’t feel right on your skin? We wouldn’t, either.
Noticing these two changes is more than just having an effective product in your cabinet. It’s a safety issue. If your self-tanner has gone bad, your skin might not feel the same after using it.
How do I maximize the effectiveness of self-tanning products?
Achieving that perfect, enviable tan is an art. With the proper techniques and products, you can master it. The key is to remain consistent, apply your self-tanner to clean skin, and hydrate your skin regularly.
Regular application
Consistency is the key with self-tanning products. Maintain your bronzed look by regularly applying your go-to sunless tanner, like COOLA’s Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion. Our formula gives you a stunning, head-turning tan. Even better, it nourishes your skin with gentle, organic ingredients.
Exfoliate first
Just like a painter, you need to start with a clean canvas before adding a layer of color to produce the smoothest, most even tan. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, so your outer skin layer is more receptive to skincare products.
We suggest using a simple double-sided exfoliation mitt to create an even base for applying your sunless tanning lotion. It’s an easy way to prepare your skin for lotion.
Exfoliation can enhance the use of your self-tanning products by helping them to work more efficiently. The exfoliator mitt sloughs away dry skin so the sunless tanning product adheres more readily, giving you a flawless fake tan with less product.
Moisturize every time
Hydrated skin is happy skin, no matter your skincare routine. Moisturizing is essential when using self-tanning products. It helps your tan last longer and fade evenly.
Apply a daily moisturizer, like COOLA’s Organic Sunless Tan Anti Aging Daily Moisturizer, to keep your skin supple as you build your gorgeous, gradual tan and maintain your glow. Remember, moisturized skin looks better and holds onto the tan longer. The extra effort makes your flawless glow totally worth it!
Exfoliating, moisturizing, and applying your sunless tan regularly will maximize your tan’s longevity and give your skin the most beautiful appearance possible. We firmly believe that holistic, organic products in your skincare routine deliver a gorgeous tan while caring for your skin in the best way possible.
Special tips for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin requires extra care to reduce the risk of irritation. Choose products designed for sensitivity, like COOLA’s Sunless Tan Firming Lotion, formulated with moisturizing organic aloe vera for hydration, along with non-harsh active ingredients for color, and antioxidants to protect your skin while maintaining a gradual, radiant glow.
Sun protection and self-tanning
If you have sensitive skin, you should use self-tanning products with extra caution. You must be mindful of how it interacts with your skin.
Sensitive skin can be more prone to irritation, especially with expired self-tanning products. Consider selecting a formula made for sensitive skin.
COOLA’s Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum is a stellar choice for those with delicate skin. It’s designed to provide a gentle yet effective tan while caring for your skin’s unique needs. This lightweight serum combines the skin-loving benefits of a self-tanner with anti-aging properties for a one-two punch that strengthens your skincare routine.
You’ll find ingredients that give you a natural-looking tan and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Our serum is gentle enough for daily use, so you can seamlessly integrate it into your skincare routine.
3 steps for self-tanning with sensitive skin
Follow this easy, three-step routine if you self-tan with sensitive skin:
- Patch test: Before using any tanning product, do a patch test to ensure your skin doesn’t react negatively. You don’t want irritation on large parts of your skin that could require a medical checkup.
- Hydrate your skin: Moisture-rich skin is less likely to react adversely to tanning products. Apply a nourishing moisturizer before using your self-tanning product.
- Gentle application: Apply self-tanner with care, using smooth, even strokes.
We want you to enjoy a beautiful tan without compromising your skin’s health!
Embrace radiance with COOLA’s self-tanning collection
Your golden glow doesn’t have to mean a compromise.
Our Sunless Self Tanners collection caters to a wide range of needs and skin types. We craft each product with care and an eye for quality, so you can achieve a natural-looking, healthy, beautiful tan.
COOLA’s dedication goes beyond just providing a gorgeous tan. We’re about nurturing your skin’s health and enhancing its beauty. Whether you desire a subtle glow or a deeper bronze, our sunless tan products can provide a radiant, year-round tan, all without the sun’s harsh effects.
Sources:
- American Academy of Dermatology. “Skin Cancer Resource Center.” American Academy of Dermatology, 2024, http://www.aad.org/media/stats-skin-cancer.
- Draelos Z. D. (2002). Self-tanning lotions: are they a healthy way to achieve a tan?. American journal of clinical dermatology, 3(5), 317–318. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200203050-00003
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