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Tanning facial creams

Medical expert of the article

Dermatologist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025

Tanning is the body's protective reaction to ultraviolet rays. Facial tanning creams are two in one. They promote fast and high-quality tanning and at the same time protect against UV radiation. Depending on where you are tanning, you need a cream of one of two categories: for tanning in the sun or for tanning in a solarium. These are products with different compositions and purposes, and they should not be confused or replaced with each other.

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ATC classification

D02 Препараты со смягчающим и протекторным действием

Pharmachologic effect

Дерматопротективные препараты

Indications of facial tanning creams

Indications for the use of facial tanning creams:

  • to get a beautiful tan at any time of the year;
  • to mask local depigmentation and other defects;
  • for the treatment of certain diseases.

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Release form

Facial tanning creams differ in their degree of protection, composition, additional properties, and cost. Names of brands and creams with a tanning effect:

  • Alivita San Kea;
  • Cream from Uriage;
  • Sun Zone by Oriflame;
  • Sun Energy Panthenol Green;
  • Avene Solaires SPF 50;
  • MATIS Reponse Soleit SPF 20;
  • Vichy Capital Soleit SPF 50+;
  • Avon SPF 50;
  • Photoderm from Bioderma;
  • Biocon;
  • Amber Soler from Garnier;
  • L'Oreal;
  • Green mom;
  • Mary Kay;
  • Myrrh;
  • Yves Rocher;
  • Clean line;
  • Bark;
  • Clinic;
  • Lancaster;
  • Nivea;
  • Chanel;
  • Estee Launder;
  • Babor Anti-Aging Sun;
  • Dior bronze;
  • Faberlic.

Facial tanning cream in a solarium

Solarium procedures are strictly dosed and controlled. The skin is exposed only to ultraviolet rays, so solarium is also recommended in cases where sunbathing is not recommended. It helps fashionistas to look tanned not only during the beach season or after a resort, but all year round. And for some skin pathologies, solarium performs therapeutic functions.

There are several conventional groups of cosmetics for artificial tanning, the most popular are base, bronzers, tingle creams. Their formulas contain additional components: nourishing, moisturizing, softening. SPF filters are absent for an obvious reason: in a solarium, the skin is not at risk of sunburn. In addition, they are designed for a short-term procedure, and not for many hours of beach rest in the open air.

Base creams are relatively inexpensive, they are applied before the procedure and washed off after it. The same is done with tingle creams for tanning the face, which cause a burning sensation on the skin. Not everyone likes this effect, as evidenced by the fact that they are purchased less than base creams and bronzers. This type of cream is not washed off for several hours after the solarium. It is this that gives the ideal tan color.

  • Self-tanning is a special paint for the body, a kind of decorative product. It does not affect the production of melanin, that is, a natural tan.

Bronzers in facial tanning creams are exposed to ultraviolet light; they act as a self-tanner to make the effect appear faster. After the paint is washed off, the tan that has already formed remains on the skin. Solarium cream is applied to the skin immediately before the tanning session.

Facial tanning creams are also used for general tanning of the entire body in a solarium. A brief overview of creams of varying cost:

  1. Choco Max Sun Action Germany: contains a self-tanning complex, makes the skin chocolate. The effect is obvious after the first procedure.
  2. Flame by Solbianca with a warming effect: provides a super dark tan thanks to pepper extract, which activates blood microcirculation and skin nutrition.
  3. PROVOCATEUR by Playboy: gives a quick and long-lasting tan thanks to the presence of ultra-dark bronzers, resists photoaging.
  4. Coconut Dream: promises a tropical tan and impeccable care. Even, rich skin color lasts for a week.
  5. Gelee tanning accelerator with natural bronzers: the best option for dry, untanned skin. Moisturizes, nourishes, rejuvenates.

Many people take solarium sessions without cream. Perhaps not everyone knows, but creams in solariums are needed not only for tanning. They moisturize the skin, protecting the face from drying out by ultraviolet radiation and premature aging. Moisturized skin better resists radiation, maintaining youth and elasticity. Only allergy sufferers and people with problem skin who take therapeutic procedures in solariums should refuse creams.

After a solarium, the skin also needs care. Special creams fix the result, soothe and protect the skin from adverse external influences.

Sun tanning face cream

Sun tanning face cream protects the face and other parts of the body from the harmful effects of the sun. We are talking about the penetration of UV rays of type A and B into the deep layers of the skin, which is fraught with skin burns, destruction of collagen with subsequent formation of wrinkles and early aging. For the sake of truth, it is worth noting that no product guarantees 100% protection, but the indicator 90+ is much better than no protection at all.

Unlike a solarium, outdoors a person is exposed to uncontrolled radiation of the entire spectrum of sunlight. That is, both useful and harmful rays. Therefore, face creams for tanning in the sun perform two main tasks:

  • protect from harmful rays;
  • enhance tanning.

Additionally, the formulas of such creams include components for moisturizing, softening, nourishing, and saturating the skin with all kinds of useful substances.

When choosing such a cream, you need to consider several factors, first of all - the phototype and age of the skin. Consider your own expectations: what kind of tan you like: gentle or intense. For lips and areas around the eyes, it is recommended to use special protective products.

  • Depending on the color of the skin, hair, and eyes, there are four phototypes. The lighter a person is, the more protection they need. For example, creams with protection of 50+ allow blondes to tan in the sun for up to 3 hours. At the same time, dark-skinned people are free to stay in the sun for about 5 hours if they use a face or body tanning cream with a low index: only 10.

With age, the skin condition worsens. It becomes thinner, more susceptible to allergies, inflammation, pigmentation. A cream suitable for mature skin should have a high level of protection, stimulate collagen production and regulate the formation of melanin.

It is recommended to apply facial tanning cream not only on the beach, but throughout the season, from spring to autumn, during the hours of the most active sun.

Cosmetologists recommend remembering about facial care after sun procedures. To saturate skin dried by the rays with moisture, soothe and relieve possible irritations, there are special creams after sunbathing. They should not be ignored if you want to have beautiful and healthy skin.

Lancaster tanning cream for face

Lancaster was the first brand to produce cosmetics designed to protect against the sun's harmful rays. Today, the company produces a whole line of products for use before, during, after, and without sun exposure.

  • It is known that ultraviolet radiation has a negative effect on the skin, in particular, it accelerates aging. Lancaster managed to do the seemingly impossible: combine anti-aging qualities with sun protection. This became possible thanks to the scientific study of solar radiation problems and the discovery of innovative technologies.

Lancaster face tanning cream frees women from the painful choice between the risk of aging and a beautiful tan. SUN AGE CONTROL protection allows you to keep your tan under control and enjoy sunbathing without aging your skin. And it has brought Lancaster a well-deserved reputation as an expert in the sun protection cosmetics market.

The brand's arsenal includes oils, balms, gels, lotions, concentrate, milk, face and body tanning creams, and other sunscreens. One of them is a cream for skin radiance with an anti-aging effect. It has a non-greasy texture and does not stick. It contains SPF 50+, which allows it to be used by those with sun-sensitive skin.

The cream has a number of advantages:

  • protects against UV-A and UV-B rays;
  • stimulates cell regeneration;
  • fights melanin spots;
  • moisturizes and smoothes the skin;
  • maintains elasticity;
  • gives radiance, freshness and youth.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of facial tanning creams has not been described.

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Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of facial tanning creams have not been described in detail. It is known that they are absorbed at the site of application.

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Dosing and administration

The methods of using facial tanning creams are described in the instructions. They depend on the skin phototype, composition and SPF level of the cream. For combination skin, different creams should be applied to different areas.

  • In order to avoid sunburn, blondes and red-haired Europeans need creams with the highest SPF index at first. Then you can limit yourself to SPF 20. Light-skinned brown-haired women and women with brown hair should follow the same recommendations, and after the first sun procedures they should use a facial tanning cream with an SPF index of 15.

European brunettes, as well as people with typical Asian, Caucasian, Indian appearance, tan without problems. However, to prevent moisture loss and other undesirable consequences of sun exposure, they are recommended to use facial tanning creams with minimal UV protection.

Creoles, mulattos, and Africans have natural sun protection and do not burn. They only need to use moisturizing creams.

On the beach, the cream should be periodically renewed - after swimming or every two hours. A broad-spectrum cream should be used, against both types of rays. Cosmetics should be applied on top only in extreme cases.

A child's body up to 6 months should not be exposed to the sun. Older children should be lubricated with cream during walks or beach holidays (open areas of the body).

When using Self-tanning cream, spray the contents of the bottle evenly onto your face, then rub in with your hands. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after the procedure.

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Use of facial tanning creams during pregnancy

During pregnancy, various changes occur in the female body. For example, a hormone that affects the formation of melanin is activated. The result is the notorious pregnancy spots that plague women during this happy period of life. Under the influence of the sun, local hyperpigmentation only intensifies.

Another problem is the loosening of connective tissues, which gives rise to such phenomena as varicose veins.

And although a pregnant woman prefers partial shade to the sun, one should not forget that sun treatments are useful for the mother and the fetus, at least in the context of producing vitamin D, improving immunity and mood. Therefore, when using facial tanning creams during pregnancy, one must seek a compromise, and the cosmetic industry provides the opportunity for such a solution. The choice must be approached with full responsibility.

  • You need to choose a cream based on the same criteria as in other cases (taking into account phototypes). It is important to pay attention to the composition so that it does not contain components that are potentially harmful to the future baby. Creams based on plant ingredients and thermal water are recommended, with an SPF factor of at least 50 - to avoid irritation and allergic reactions.

You can choose a product with a lighter texture - spray, mousse, lotion, preferably odorless. Before applying to the entire face, be sure to test the cream on a delicate area of skin: wrist, inner elbow. In case of a visible reaction, the cream should not be used.

If everything is normal, the cream should be applied 20-30 minutes before the woman goes outside. If there are any doubts, it is better to consult with your local obstetrician-gynecologist.

When visiting the beach, a mother should protect not only her face, but also her tummy – with shorts or a light dress made of breathable fabric, and her head – with a wide-brimmed hat.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of facial tanning creams:

  • hypersensitivity to ultraviolet radiation and cream components;
  • skin diseases;
  • facial injuries.

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Side effects of facial tanning creams

When chosen correctly, side effects of facial tanning creams are virtually non-existent. In some cases, the following problems are possible:

  • Formation of comedones from waterproof creams on oily skin.
  • Increased pigmentation in pregnant women.
  • Allergic reactions to sun rays or cream components.

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Overdose

Overdosing on retinol (vitamin A) and its derivatives, which are components of facial tanning creams, is dangerous for the fetus, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.

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Interactions with other drugs

Interactions with other preparations of facial tanning creams are not described. If there are problems, it is advisable to discuss this issue with a doctor.

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Storage conditions

Storage conditions for facial tanning creams: dry, dark place, temperature up to 25 degrees.

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Shelf life

The shelf life of the Self-tanning face cream is 2 years. Other products - up to 3 years, unless otherwise indicated on the packaging.

Facial tanning creams are usually light-resistant, so they remain usable for a long time after opening. The only thing you should not use is if it smells or looks strange.

The separation of the cream indicates the destruction of the emulsifier. In this case, the product should be shaken before application. If the remaining components are destroyed, the cream loses its effectiveness. It can be applied, but it is necessary to remember that the SPF index will be reduced.

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Reviews

There are many positive reviews about the cream from Evelyn. Most women share positive experiences of using face tanning creams - both on the beach and in the solarium. Weak effectiveness is manifested only in cases with very light skin.

A beautiful tan has long been in fashion, so those who want to look stylish cannot do without facial tanning creams. They need to be chosen wisely so as not to harm the skin in pursuit of fashion. Modern cosmetology offers great opportunities to combine business with pleasure, physical beauty with health and good mood.


Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Tanning facial creams" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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