The markets today are brimming with all kinds of tanning products to help you achieve that perfectly tanned skin. Many people use tanning oils to achieve a glowing and vibrant tan.
But can you make tanning oil at home? Can it give you the same results as the ones you can buy from the market? A majority of people are under the impression that homemade tanning oil will not be able to give the desired results.
However, if you use the right ingredients, you can create a perfect tanning oil at home to achieve an impressive tan. Read on to find out everything about at home tanning oil, its benefits, and how you can make it.
What Is Tanning Oil?
Tanning oil is a basic product that can help a user develop a dark tan in less time. The oil works by attracting the ultraviolet rays of the sun and focusing it on your skin. When your skin receives more sunlight than usual, it intensifies the rays to expedite the tanning process.
As the UV radiation of the sun penetrates deep into your skin to the last layer of the epidermis, it communicates with cells known as melanocytes. Upon this communication, the cells are triggered to produce melanin, a chemical that is responsible for giving your skin color. The higher the presence of melanin, the darker your skin will be.
What Are the Benefits of Homemade Tanning Oil?
Now that you know what tanning oils are and how they work, it is imperative to understand the benefits of homemade oils. Here are 4 best ways in which you can benefit from using tanning oils made at home:
Healthier Alternative:
Over-the-counter tanning products like oils may contain a series of artificial chemicals. It can have paraben, petroleum, and even artificial coloring or fragrance, which can prove troublesome for your skin.
DIY tanning oils prove to be a healthier alternative. They can moisturize your skin, offer skin protection, and amplify the absorption of sunlight to achieve a darker tan more quickly. For more on tanning more quickly check out our article – how to tan darker and faster.
Highly Effective:
A majority of tanning products claim to be beneficial and can boost the absorption of sunlight. However, the results might not be the same as the claims.
On the other hand, a homemade natural oil can work wonders without having any unnecessary ingredients. The luster of the oils can attract sunlight to your skin and speed up the tanning process. It will help reduce the time you need to spend under the sun, thus protecting your skin from the risk of overexposure.
More Affordable:
When it comes to DIY tanning oil, the investment involved is minimal. You can simply use the ingredients easily available for you at home to make it. Making a tanning oil at home will help you save up a few dollars you spend on buying overpriced products from the market.
Uses Natural Ingredients:
The process of making tanning oil is quite simple. All you can do here is search your pantry for the required ingredients. You have complete control over what you want to put into it and can make it depending on your skin type and needs.
How to Make Tanning Oil at Home?
From natural oils to DIY ones, you can use a wide range of products to get a dark and deep tan faster. If you’re looking for easy yet effective ways on how to make tanning oil, dive right in to learn:
All Natural Tanning Oil:
The all-natural tanning oil made from carrot seed oil and raspberry seed oil has skin-protecting properties. If you want to achieve a darker and deeper tan, this oil can help you achieve that. It will help you add a glow to your skin.
What You Need:
· 1/2 tablespoon raspberry oil
· 1/2 tablespoon carrot oil
· 2 tablespoon avocado oil
· 1/4 cup olive oil
· 1 teaspoon bronze mica powder (optional)
· 10 drops lavender oil
· 10 drops sandalwood oil
· Glass bowl
· Dark glass container
Steps To Follow:
1. Pour all the oil into any glass bowl.
2. Keep stirring it until you get a homogenous mixture.
3. Add mica powder at the end for a divine glow.
4. Transfer the oil to a dark glass container and store it away from light.
Tropical Tanning Oil:
While you can’t go to a beach, you can enjoy the feel of tanning on a beach with this tropical oil. It evokes a tropical scent with the coconuts, while the sesame seeds give you a natural dark tint. You can get immediate results, although temporary, by using this homemade tanning oil for tanning sessions.
What You Need:
· 1 cup coconut oil
· 8 teaspoon avocado oil
· 8 teaspoon walnut oil
· 8 teaspoon sesame oil
· Essential oil of your choice
· Glass bowl
· Dark glass container
Steps To Follow:
1. Take 16 teaspoons or 1 cup of coconut oil in a bowl.
2. If the oil is not liquid enough or the consistency is more like a gel, you must heat it for a few seconds.
3. Once the consistency of the oil is even, add sesame oil, avocado oil, and walnut oil to it and mix well.
4. Add 4 to 5 drops of an essential oil of your choice.
5. Keep stirring until you get a homogenous mixture.
6. Pour this mixture in an airtight container and store.
Hydrating Tanning Oil:
If you have dry and flaking skin, tanning can bring you uneven and patchy results. Prolonged exposure to the sun might also crack your skin and make it immensely dry. You must hydrate and nourish your skin to achieve flawlessly tanned skin.
This oil can help you with dryness since it contains organic ingredients that penetrate deep into your skin to offer nourishment. The ingredients can also boost the skin barrier and increase the production of collagen.
What You Need:
· 8 teaspoon walnut oil
· 8 teaspoon avocado oil
· 8 teaspoon wheat germ oil
· 8 teaspoon sesame oil
· Essential oil of your choice (optional)
· Glass bowl
· Dark glass container
Steps To Follow:
1. Take a glass bowl and put all the oil in it.
2. Mix it thoroughly to get a homogenous mixture.
3. If you prefer scented oil, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
4. Pour it into a glass container in dark shade to protect it from light.
Sun Tan Oil:
For someone with fair or light skin tone, getting a tan can be a challenging task. You are more prone to the risk of skin damage like sunburns and signs of premature aging like wrinkles, crow feet, and even red spots.
When exposed to the UV radiation from the sun, you might end up turning more red rather than brown. If you frequently go through this, you might need a special oil to protect your skin while still being able to get a tan.
The recipe for natural tanning oil is packed with antioxidants to benefit your skin.
What You Need:
· 8 teaspoon avocado oil
· 1 cup or 16 teaspoon olive oil
· 2 teaspoon carrot oil
· 2 teaspoon raspberry seed oil
· Essential oil of your choice (optional)
· Glass bowl
· Dark glass container
Steps To Follow:
1. Take a glass bowl and then pour all the olive oil into it.
2. Add 8 teaspoons of avocado oil to it and mix well until you get a smooth mixture.
3. Add the other two oils one by one to ensure it becomes easy for you to mix them.
4. Stir it well till the point you get a homogenous mixture.
5. Add a few drops of scented essential oil of your choice if need be.
6. Lastly, transfer the mixture into a dark glass container that you can store in a dark place.
What Other Natural Oils Can You Use to Tan?
While coconut oil is a go-to option for many tanning enthusiasts, there is a wide range of other oils that you can use to tan more effectively. If you don’t want to make the oil concoction but use a single oil directly on your skin, here are the top options of tanning oil substitute for you:
Sunflower oil:
Sunflower oil has enriching qualities that can prove immensely beneficial for your skin. Besides that, it can help fasten the tanning process. It works as a natural moisturizer by preventing your skin from drying under harsh sunlight.
It can also boost the elasticity of your skin, making it an ideal choice for tanning sessions.
Olive Oil:
After coconut oil, olive oil is the most preferred choice. It contains an abundance of Vitamin E and antioxidant properties that moisturizes your dry skin and ensures you can tan smoothly. Moreover, olive oil can also help you achieve a darker skin tone while tanning.
A mixture of olive oil with carrot juice will help you get that deep, dark, and smooth tan in no time.
Wheat Germ Oil:
As the name suggests, wheat germ oil is extracted from the kernel of wheat grains. The oil is rich in essential nutrients like Vitamin B and E, magnesium, potassium, among many others. It also has antioxidant properties that can ensure your skin stays healthy, soft, and young for a long time.
Using it while tanning will make the process easier and quicker. You can also add essential oils for tanning to make it more pleasant.
Hazelnut Oil:
Much like other oils, hazelnut oil also proves to be a rich source of Vitamin E, which is good for your skin. A majority of tanning oils you find in the market also contain hazelnut oil.
When your skin gets exposed to UV radiation while tanning, it comes under pressure and can dry out quickly. Hazelnut oil is rich in fatty acids, ensuring your skin absorbs it and offers protection from dryness and damage. You will have dark, nourished, and healthy skin even after tanning if you use hazelnut oil.
Green Tea Extracts:
Green tea extracts are not a popular choice, but they can work wonders. They are enriched with Vitamin E along with an antioxidant that is 20 times more powerful than Vitamin E, known as Epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG.
These antioxidants present in green tea extracts can work as a shield between your delicate skin and UV rays of the sun. If you use it correctly, the extracts from green tea will effectively prevent any cell damage caused by the rays of the sun.
Aloe Vera:
According to Healthline, one plant that is ideal for skincare is aloe vera. Many people use it for its moisturizing qualities, but it can also work as a tanning oil. You can also put aloe vera gel on your skin to treat sunburns.
If you’re someone who is prone to rashes or sunburns after tanning in the sun, you can prevent it using aloe vera. Apply the gel directly onto your skin to prevent skin burning. You can also convert the gel into oil and use it before tanning.
Related Questions:
What Is the Best Homemade Tanning Oil?
There are numerous tanning oils available in the market today, but you can also make your own at home. You can make your tanning oil by using olive oil, avocado oil, carrot seed oil, and raspberry seed oil. Mix all the oils and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to it, and your tanning oil is ready.
The unique mixture of oils will hydrate your skin and prevent dryness while you are lounging in the sun.
What Can I Use for Tanning Oil at Home?
Tanning oils can improve the tanning process and ensure you get great results. There are numerous oils that you can use before tanning. Coconut oil is the go-to choice for many enthusiasts since it is rich in fatty acid content and ensures your skin can absorb it easily.
Besides that, olive oil can also be used while tanning to get a smoother tan in no time. Extra virgin olive oil is considered best since it is natural and can protect your skin while you are tanning outside.
If not, you can use sesame oil, wheat germ oil, and even sunflower oil to speed up the tanning process.
What Oils Make You Tan Faster?
There are numerous oils that can assist you in the tanning process. You can use coconut oil, virgin olive oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, and even avocado oil for tanning. The oils can help attract and focus the rays of the sun on your skin to make sure you tan faster without hampering your skin.
Coconut oil comes with a high concentration of fatty acids that are a type of saturated fats. The oil can nourish your skin from within and add a layer of protection that prevents skin damage. You can use the oil all over your skin before stepping out to stay safe while tanning.
FAQs
What ingredient in tanning oil makes you tan? ›
One common bronzer used in tanning oil is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), per the Mayo Clinic. DHA is a colorless natural sugar that chemically reacts with the natural amino acids on the outer layer of your skin.
What oils make you tan faster? ›Olive oil has tons of skin benefits. It can help you achieve a healthy glow, an even and beautiful tan, and even speed up the tanning process for you. As long as you use it safely and responsibly, olive oil can be your fast-track ticket to gorgeous tanned skin.
Can I use olive oil for tanning? ›Nope, olive oil isn't safe for tanning—and neither are other oils—because there's really no safe way to tan. Tanned, darkened skin is simply sun damage in disguise.
Can you use any oil to tan? ›Many people tan with baby oil because it can actually make your skin tan more quickly. The reason for this quicker tan is because baby oil helps attract and absorb UV rays, says Farber. The problem, and this is a big one as far as problems go, is that baby oil doesn't offer any sun protection.
Is baby oil good for tanning? ›Using baby oil for tanning may cause skin malignancies due to UV radiation. Rather than deflect the sun rays, baby oil may instead allow them to pass unhindered to the deeper skin layers. Hence, using baby oil to tan your skin is not safe.
What is the key ingredient to tanning? ›Dihydroxyacetone, DHA, is the most commonly used active ingredient in most sunless tanning products and gives an even and natural tan.
Which ingredient is best for tan? ›- Tomato. Tomato is a great ingredient when it comes to beauty and skincare. ...
- Gram flour. Gram flour acts great for your skin. ...
- Curd and honey. Curd and honey can be easily found at any household. ...
- Aloe Vera. Aloe Vera is one of the most used ingredients as it has immense skin and beauty benefits. ...
- Cucumber And Milk.
Experts said that cooking oil provides no UV protection, and heat up when the skin is exposed to the sun, burning the skin and leaving tissue damage that could cause long-term scarring end even skin cancer.
Can you tan without tanning oil? ›Without the use of tanning lotions, skin is dry and deflects UV rays while using a sunbed, which can make you waste up to 50% of your sunbed tanning session effectiveness. This then results in you having to tan more times to achieve your desired tanning results, which in turn costs you more money.
How do you get a deep dark tan? ›The best way to develop the darkest of tans is to use a tan accelerator. Carrot Sun's Original Carrot and Tropical Fruits give the best results for developing a deeper and darker tan, making tanning easier, less timely, and creating better and longer-lasting results.
Do you tan better with oil or without? ›
"Tanning oils attract more of the UV rays and help you achieve a deeper tan by allowing for an increase in the absorption of the rays." Some oils—like olive, sunflower, and coconut—might contribute to a deeper tan when used in their natural state, but of course, these lack SPF protection.
How can I tan faster with tanning oil? ›Those of you who really want to speed things up should re-apply the tanning oil every 2 hours, especially if you are active (you sweat a lot), and/or you swim and go into the water frequently. If, however, you don't want to risk over-tanning too quickly, we recommend applying tanning oil every 3 to 5 hours.
What is a natural tanning oil? ›There are many other natural oils that you can use as tanning oil on top of coconut oil, grapeseed oil and olive oil. You can use jojoba oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, carrot seed oil, hazelnut oil…
Is coconut oil good as tanning oil? ›Although coconut oil can benefit your skin in many ways, it isn't advisable to use it for tanning. While it offers some protection from the sun's damaging UV rays, it doesn't offer a high enough level of protection to prevent you from getting sunburned or suffering other types of long-lasting skin damage.
Will coconut oil help you tan? ›Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Coconut oil can help with tanning, and it helps if you want to keep your tanning “organic” and “natural.” However, coconut oil cannot protect you from sunburn and other harmful effects of the sun's UV rays.”
Does olive oil make you darker? ›Does Olive Oil Darken The Skin? No. On the contrary, the antioxidant properties of olive help in lightening your skin tone and reducing dark spots.
Does baby oil darken skin? ›Can baby oil darken skin? No, baby oil, or any other mineral oil, does not darken your skin when used as a moisturizer.
How long does it take to tan with oil? ›The tanning process is one that takes time. Most tanning oils and tanning lotions should get you where you want to be with a single application in a day. However, if the sun isn't all that bright you may find you need to reapply after about 3 or 4 hours of being out and about.
Why do my legs tan slower? ›Compared to the rest of the body, skin on the legs does not produce the same amount of melanin, which results in legs getting less tan. Skin on the legs is thicker and harder and the UV light from the sun or sunbeds cannot easily penetrate it.
Do you tan better at the beach? ›For a longer-lasting tan, the beach is your best bet. Research has shown that the humidity at the seaside hydrates the skin more effectively, making that golden glow last much longer than the drier environment of an urban pool.
What liquid is used in tanning? ›
The three most widely used tanning agents are vegetable tannin, mineral salts such as chromium sulfate, and fish or animal oil.
What do the Kardashians use to tan? ›Tropez's Jumbo Self Tan Express Mousse is one of Kim Kardashian's all-time favorite self-tanners, she previously revealed on her KKW blog. It's a lightweight, fast-absorbing tanning mousse that doesn't leave your skin feeling sticky after application.
What color makes you the most tan? ›Citrusy Colors
All shades of orange, from peach to carrot, will make your tan especially noticeable. You'll want to stick with the shades of bright yellow, as they will do your skin the most favors. WIth red, you'll want to try to find a balance somewhere between pink and orange.
They spray tan!
Celebrities know that, if done correctly, spray tanning is the ultimate solution to getting the bronze shimmery glow, without the risk of damaging the skin. Spray tanning has been so perfected that the only difference from getting a vacation tan is the lack of tan lines.
- Remove Old Self-Tanner and Prime Skin for New Tan. ...
- Avoid Shaving Immediately before You Self-Tan. ...
- Stay Cool, Baby. ...
- Take Special Care of Your Hands. ...
- Use a Light Hand on Your Face. ...
- Don't Rush the Drying Process. ...
- Get Up and Glow. ...
- Take Care of Your Tan.
Do you tan faster in the pool or laying out? Floating on top of the pool can help you tan faster. The sun's rays reflect off of water and onto your skin. This means that when you're floating on top of the water, you're getting a more intense exposure to the sun.
Can you use Pam as tanning oil? ›PSA: DONT use Pam cooking spray as tanning oil #fyp @llr4 | TikTok.
Why do people tan with coconut oil? ›Of course, we can't forget the most widespread reason for people using coconut oil for tanning. Regardless of whether you use it as-is or mix it in with other oils, coconut oil forms a protective layer on the skin. This helps prevent some of the UV rays from penetrating your skin and doing serious damage.
Do you tan faster with tanning oil or nothing? ›Tanning oils are able to offer a “quicker tan” as they stimulate the body to produce more melanin. When these oils are applied to the skin, it activates the melanocytes and causes them to produce melanin at a faster rate. If your skin has a higher concentration of melanin, your body will tan more easily.
Does tanning oil make you darker? ›Tanning oils also work a little differently than sunscreens, as these oils actually attract and focus UV rays onto the skin. It accelerates the production of melanin, which gives your skin the darker hue, according to Whyte.
Does lotion make you tan faster? ›
Fact: Lotions activate your tan much more quickly! DHA is the main ingredient found in tanning lotions that help bronze your skin.
Is there a natural tanning oil? ›There are many other natural oils that you can use as tanning oil on top of coconut oil, grapeseed oil and olive oil. You can use jojoba oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, carrot seed oil, hazelnut oil…
Can you use coconut oil instead of tanning oil? ›Although coconut oil can benefit your skin in many ways, it isn't advisable to use it for tanning. While it offers some protection from the sun's damaging UV rays, it doesn't offer a high enough level of protection to prevent you from getting sunburned or suffering other types of long-lasting skin damage.
What tanning oil will make you the darkest? ›The Bali Body Watermelon Tanning Oil provides the deepest, darkest tan out of all 4 tanning oils. It's enriched with watermelon seed oil, which stimulates the production of melanin in the skin to provide a deep tan.
Does baby oil make you darker? ›Many people tan with baby oil because it can actually make your skin tan more quickly. The reason for this quicker tan is because baby oil helps attract and absorb UV rays, says Farber. The problem, and this is a big one as far as problems go, is that baby oil doesn't offer any sun protection.
What oils can darken skin? ›Some oils darken skin tone, Emu oil gives you one or two shades darker than your natural skin tone. But oils like coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil do not whiten or darken your skin complexion. But the regular use of these oils can help to restore your natural skin color and remove signs of skin darkening.
Is it OK to tan without tanning oil? ›MYTH #1 “You need to use oil if you want to tan”
Next time: Ditch the oil, reach for the true tan accelerator instead. Unlike fake tan, tan accelerators like Base Tan: Tan Optimizing body lotion work by stimulating melanin production in your skin to bring out your natural color when you're exposed to the sun.
Eat foods that contain beta carotene. Foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and kale can help you tan without burning. More research is needed, but some studies show that beta carotene can help reduce sun sensitivity in people with photosensitive diseases. Try using oils with naturally occurring SPF.
Can I use cooking oil to tan? ›"Applying a cooking oil to the skin in the hope of promoting the tanning process is also false and illogical," he said. "Ironically, you'd get a healthier looking and longer lasting tan by using a high protection SPF and small amounts of sun exposure over a longer period of time."
Is Vitamin E oil good for tanning? ›Whether you are planning a lavish beach holiday or you simply intend to catch some rays in your back garden, taking a supplement that contains beta carotene, selenium and vitamin E will help boost your skin's resilience to the sun and allow you to tan more easily.