Our reader Lauren wrote to us hoping to find an affordable fake tan that will stand up to daily swimming in the pool. We called around to several companies and unfortunately the answer is, there isn't a fake tanner expensive or cheap that will stand up to daily dunks in chlorinated water. However, you can still swim in sea water with only minimal fading, and with some suggestions you may still be able to fake tan and swim daily.
Read on for a more detailed explanation and suggestions.
Sadly, all sunless tanners, gradual or otherwise work because of an ingredient called DHA (dihydroxyacetone). Although DHA is not a stain or dye, but works with a chemical reaction between the chemical and the amino acids in your skin, it will still fade in contact with chlorine. Yes, DHA and chlorine are not friends. But it will stand up better to sea water, and with some extra maintenance you should be able to swim daily in the ocean and keep your tan up.
Here's what Natalie Roche, Managing Director of Skin Solutions UK Ltd (UK distributor of the Xen-Tan brand) has to say:
Is Xen-Tan resistant to the fading caused by chlorine in swimming pool water and the sea?
"Chlorine bleaches a sunless tan, so the colour will come off a lot quicker. We do recommend swimming in the sea, which is a much better option. If you are a swimmer, the only drawback is that you will have to apply the tan more regularly. Unfortunately chlorine and the DHA tanning ingredient do not make a good combination so it's best to stick to salt water pools or go for a dip in the sea!"
What products would you recommend for someone who likes to swim daily and what products would prolong the life of sunless tanners under these conditions?
"As Chlorine can dry out the skin,I would suggest the Xen-Tan Transform Gradual Tanner (£14.95, 77ml). Packed with moisturisers, it is an everyday tanning product that will prolong and "top-up" your tan and make it last longer."
We also asked the ladies in our office for their advice and got some great tips!:
- Coat yourself thickly with a water-resistant sunscreen it will form a barrier between the water and your tan.
- Take brief swims, shower off, and reapply sunscreen before diving back into the pool.
- Use a gradual tanner daily. Dove's has had great reviews and retails at only £4.99.
Hope that helps you lovely ladies!
Written by Emily Tan
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