We all love the sun-kissed look, right? It’s true that you must be weary of the UV ray effects on your skin as you sunbathe because that can be dangerous. If absorbed in excess, the rays can cause rashes and patches, even DNA damage. But toxic, store-bought tanning oils can often do more harm than good. Homemade tanning oils made of natural ingredients can be just as effective, without any toxic chemicals.
Short-term excessive exposure to UV radiations can cause severe damage to the skin; including sunburns (which is characterized by reddening of the skin). In extreme cases, blistering may occur.
Long-term excessive exposure to UV radiation speeds up skin ageing, making your skin look loose, wrinkled, dry, and dull. In serious instances, it can even cause changes to the skin cells, which in the end may result to skin cancer.
Regardless of the fact that exposing your skin to the sun is important, you must stay protected from the sun’s UV radiations if you want to keep your skin looking beautiful. Taking care of your skin is crucial as it protects the skin cells and also maintains its elasticity. This is one of the reasons why natural tanning oils are the best when it comes to enhancing a sun tan as they also help protect the skin.
Compared to darker skins, lighter skins convert the UV rays faster. Ideally, they need less sun exposure to get Vitamin D. On the other hand, darker skinned individuals absorb more rays as a result of the higher melanin levels present in them. However, they aren’t safer and still need adequate protection from the sun. Despite your skin color, you need to safeguard it from the sun’s UV radiations. This post brings you good news–homemade tanning oils with natural ingredients. These are the ideal solution to making your skin look naturally tan even without exposure to the sun.
Homemade Tanning Oil Recipes
Homemade tanning oils are proven to be effective in giving users youthful and radiant skin. Being all natural, these oils cannot in any way react with your skin or cause any foreign elements, which are benefits everyone can enjoy.
The homemade tanning oils are suitable for all skin types; including dry, normal, or oily skin. What’s more, the ingredients are cost-effective since they can be found in your kitchen. And hey, the results are immediate for flawless and fresh looking skin.
If this sounds like what you have been looking for all this time, then take a look at the various recipes for your DIY tanning oils and how you can use them to achieve your desired look naturally.
#7. Cocoa Tanning Lotion
Cocoa tanning lotion is one of the easiest natural recipes. For this, you only require two ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 100% pure cocoa powder
- White lotion
Direction:
- Blend together 1/3 cup of cocoa powder with 1/2 cup of your lotion base using a spoon or a fork.
- Mix thoroughly until no lumps remain.
- To achieve a darker shade, simply add more cocoa powder. Don’t worry if the lotion appears darker because it won’t look that dark on your skin.
- When you finish, allow it to sit for a short time.
- Then apply it on your body.
- Allow your skin to absorb the lotion and make sure it is dry before you get dressed.
- You can do this every single day until you get the desired results.
This homemade tanning oil will eventually give your skin a pretty light chocolate tone.
Before applying it, be sure to exfoliate your skin first. You can exfoliate using your favorite scrub. Exfoliation is purposely for removing the dry patches or any dead skin cells around your elbows, ankles, and knees.
#6. Tea Tanning Lotion
This is another easy-to-make homemade lotion recipe you can try on your own. It does not need any expensive ingredient.
Ingredients:
- White lotion (use your favorite lotion. Ensure it is white and unscented).
- 4 black tea bags
Direction:
- This will require you to make some tea. Boil some water (one cup) then pour into a mug containing the 4 black tea bags. To get the dark tea-desired solution, let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Since the water had boiled, let it cool before you blend.
- After it has cooled, blend the lotion and tea until you get your desired color.
- There’s no measurement to this. You’ll decide the amount of the ingredients you want to use. However, bear in mind that more tea results to a darker shade of the tan. So, you can use 1/2 of black tea with 1 cup of lotion. Mix well for better results.
To get the best results, apply after exfoliating your skin to allow it to be absorbed better. You can reapply if you want a darker shade. Just like the first recipe, allow your skin to dry before putting on your cloth. This is advisable to avoid staining your clothes.
To get the desired color shade, apply this lotion daily. Black tea works well as a natural dye on your skin. It gives your skin a sexy tanned look and feel as it also comes with certain antioxidants that protect your skin against the free radicals.
#5. Green Tea Tanning Oil
Ingredients:
- ¼ Cup Coconut Oil
- ½ Cup Brewed Green Tea
- 2 Teaspoons Walnut Oil
Directions:
- Mix together the oils.
- Slowly and gradually add the green tea. The green tea is important as it works as a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes the sun’s UV radiation. Besides, it is also great and wonderful for your skin. To last longer, you can store this tanning oil in a dark airtight container.
#4. Homemade Tanning Oil
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 tablespoons hazelnut oil
- 2 tablespoons of wheat germ oil
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 5 drops of ylang ylang oil
- 4 tablespoons walnut oil
Direction:
- Pour all the ingredients in a clean container, preferably a jar or a bottle that has a lid. Shake thoroughly to mix all the contents.
In this recipe, both the hazelnut and the sesame oil protect your skin against UV rays. Wheat germ oil works as a natural anti-wrinkle agent as walnut oil provides vitamin E, which works to enhance the elasticity of the skin. Always remember to shake thoroughly before using. This recipe works best for those with a normal skin tone.
#3. Homemade Tanning Oil (for dry skin)
Those with the dry skin types often find it hard when it comes to best protection against the sun. If this sounds like you, try this recipe and see the results.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons of avocado oil
- 4 tablespoons walnut oil
- 4 drops of essential oil of patchouli
- 4 tablespoons hazelnut oil
- 4 tablespoons of sesame oil
- 6 drops of essential oil of calendula
Method:
- Mix sesame oil, walnut oil, hazelnut oil and the avocado oil in a screw cap container.
- Add the patchouli and the calendula oil.
- Shake thoroughly to mix well
Just as explained in recipe (4), the oils serve the same purposes. However, for dry skin, avocado oil is used in place of the wheat germ oil since avocado is very nutritious and regenerating as well.
Apply generously at least 30-35 minutes before sun exposure. Store this tanning oil in the fridge and keep for up to 3 months. However, if its smell turns foul, then discard the mixture.
#2. Patchouli Tanning Oil
Ingredients:
- 5-10 Drops Patchouli Essential Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
- 2 Teaspoons Walnut Oil
- 2 Teaspoons Avocado Oil
- 5 Drops Calendula Oil
- 2 Teaspoons Wheat Germ Oil
Method:
- Mix all the oils together until they are well combined.
- Add the patchouli oil
- Shake them thoroughly to mix well
- Store them in a dark air-tight container
Patchouli tanning oil is appropriate for those with dry skin.
#1. Protective Sandal Wood Tanning Oil
Ingredients:
- ¼ Cup of Olive Oil
- ½ Teaspoon of Carrot Seed Oil
- 5-10 Drops of Sandal wood Essential Oil
- ½ Teaspoon of Raspberry Seed Oil
- 2 Tablespoons of Avocado Oil
Direction:
- Put all the oils together and then add the sandalwood essential oil.
- Those with fairer skin will highly benefit from the high concentration of olive oil, since it adds natural SPF-Sun Protection Factor. This tanning oil should be stored in a dark and airtight container.
Advantages of the Homemade Tanning Oils
- With the homemade tanning oil, you can always customize the exact color you want. This you can do by altering the recipe a little as the main thing here is the color.
- Homemade tanning oils are always less expensive as compared to the artificial oils that contain chemicals. With homemade, you use most of the ingredients available in your kitchen, which are normally very cheap.
- Another reason why the homemade tanning oils are preferred over the artificial ones is the orange color factor. Normally, when you apply the artificial oils, there’s always a weird orange color that appears. Who wants to walk around looking orange?
- Just as their name suggests, homemade tanning oils have no harsh chemicals that are usually found in the store-bought oils. So you can apply it with confidence that it will cause no side effects on your skin. Also, to those with sensitive types of skin, there are certain specific ones you can always use for better results.
Well, there you have it! Easy DIY recipes to give you a healthier and brilliant skin for you and your loved ones all year round!