Take a leisurely stroll along the beaches of the UAE and you’ll find pristine sands dotted with sun beds, SPF-drenched tourists sizzling in the summer sun. The residents? They’re indoors, braving the Arctic air conditioning and avoiding the heat at all costs. While the consequence of shade-seeking means over 90 per cent of the UAE population are deficient in vitamin D (according to a study by the Dubai Health Authority), living in the eternal sunshine makes the potentially life-threatening dangers of sun exposure all the more frightening.
“Over time, UV radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to abnormal cell growth and potentially cancerous tumours,” explains Dr Radmila Lukian, dermatologist and skin specialist at Lucia Clinic, Dubai. “Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure significantly increases the risk of skin cancer.”But being sun safe is about more than staying in the shade, and myths surrounding sun safety could be putting you at risk. “Dispelling myths surrounding skin cancer is crucial. Some common misconceptions include the belief that only people with fair skin are at risk, that tanning beds are safer than natural sunlight, and that sunburn can’t occur on cloudy days. Even those with darker skin can experience melanoma and other skin cancer types, though less frequently, and individuals who don’t easily burn in the sun are still at risk of skin cancer.”
“The Department of Health Abu Dhabi reports that approximately 4,500 new cases of skin cancer have been reported each year,” explains Dr Anna Zakhozha, from the department of Dermatology Specialties at Hortman Clinics, adding that frequent self-checks for changes on your body is essential for early detection. “A mole that shows changes in colour, size or is prone to bleeding should be examined by a healthcare professional.” Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, can appear on parts of the body that aren’t usually exposed to sunlight. “Melanoma often appears as an irregularly shaped, dark brown or black spot with uneven edges and has a high chance of spreading,”adds Dr Radmila. So, now that you are sufficiently spooked, how is it possible to achieve a glorious holiday glow without the risk? “Self-tanners have come a long way from old formulas that left you with orange streaks. Now they can result in natural-looking tans that last and fade evenly,” shares Dr. Anna.
What The Experts Say
Streaks, patches, fast-fading colour. Tanning can be tricky business. Luckily Alexandra DiMarchi, celebrity airbrush artist and global tanning expert forTan-Luxe, gives MOJEH the lowdown on achieving the perfect at-home tan, every time.
First, preparation. Shower to remove any topical product that could cause a barrier between your skin and the product, and then shave because it is a form of exfoliating and could ruin your tan if done afterwards. Then, exfoliate to ensure smooth application and along-lasting tan. Post-care is also extremely important: shower with lukewarm water, pat dry with a towel, and moisturise your skin well. Also, I advise applying your tan at night so that you can let it develop overnight. You are less likely to ruin your tan if it's done at night as you eliminate the risk of damaging it with daily activities.
I like to dry exfoliate and exfoliate in the shower. For dry exfoliating I love dry brushing or using a towel to scrub my skin as soon as I step out of the shower while my skin is still soft. For physical scrubs I love using The Ouai Body Scrub and Tan-Luxe Glyco Water.
Avoid going to the gym or any activities that may cause sweating, beauty services such as massages, wearing too-tight clothing and wearing jewellery before rinsing off your tan. For upkeep, keep your skin hydrated and, if all else fails, use a gradual self-tanner to prolong your tan.
Rushing the process and not paying attention to detail is a common mistake. Tanning takes time, the same way your hair and makeup does. Allow enough time to evenly apply the self-tanner instead of rushing the process and missing parts of your body, which will leave your tan patchy and uneven. Another mistake is over-applying. Apply one light layer, let it dry and only then go back in with touch-ups. If the following day you want your tan to deepen then apply another layer.
The main difference is the different formulations and application techniques. Lotions and mousses are the original formulas that most people are used to, and the waters and drops are more new-age tanning. However, they are all used differently. Lotions are easier to incorporate into your skincare routines, mousses are what people are most comfortable with and the waters are a new way to tan. I would say the best for beginners is a gradual self-tanning lotion. It is easy to replace your normal body lotion with that type of product because they are applied the same way.
Choosing the correct shade is extremely important. Pick a shade that is closest to your natural complexion. If someone has a fair or light complexion they should choose a light or medium colour and anyone with medium-dark skin tones should choose medium or dark shades. This will ensure the most natural-looking tan.
Less is always more! And try to incorporate makeup application techniques. I love using makeup brushes to perfect my tan. I will use a kabuki brush to apply self tanner on my face, hands and feet. Then I love using a body makeup brush to either apply or buff out the self tanner on my body. I personally never use the typical tanning mitt.
Let them know your preferences. For example, some people do not tan their faces due to their skincare routine and others need extra lotion in drier areas, especially if they have skin conditions such as eczema. Most importantly, I would specify what level of tan you would like such as a light glow, medium tan or a dark bronze look.
The Products
St. Tropez Bronzing Water Face Mist
The perfect product to top up sun-kissed skin, this lightweight mist leaves a natural finish that continues to develop over eight hours. Whether used as a primer or setting spray, over or under makeup, the hyaluronic acid-infused mist adds a subtle glow that evens skin tone, alleviates dryness and leaves you looking revitalised. Shop now
Isle Of Paradise Shape And Glow Big Blending Brush
Streak-proof, super soft and cruelty-free, celebrity tanning expert Jules Von Hep created this kabuki-style brush to help beginners replicate a red carpet glow. The bristles mould to the body and allow the product to seamlessly blend over contours, especially at tricky areas like the hands, feet and elbows. Shop now
Dr. Barbara Sturm Body Brush
Exfoliation is key to ensuring a flawless tan as product will cling to dry patches of skin, telling the world that your tan is from a bottle rather than the Bahamas. Using a natural-bristle brush like this one from Dr. Barbara Sturm, brush upwards from your feet towards your heart to not only increase blood circulation, reduce the appearance of cellulite and remove toxins, but banish dead skin. Shop now
Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Tan-Luxe is renowned for its revolutionary formulas, including these self-tanning drops that adapt to your skin tone to create a custom glow. Add two drops of the hydrating formula into your moisturiser, serum or face oil for an all-over radiance that blends seamlessly into your skincare routine (increase the number of drops as desired). Shop now
Drunk Elephant Sugared Koffie Almond Milk Scrub
There’s nothing like the smell of fresh coffee and the skincare-loving minds at Drunk Elephant have infused roasted coffee beans into the ultimate pick-me-up. Brown sugar crystals exfoliate and buff the skin while a combination of almond milk and nourishing oils leave the skin moisturised and ready for tanning. Shop now
Sisley Self-Tanning Hydrating Body Skincare
Forget the pungent self-tanning fragrance of yore — Sisley’s luxurious formula glides on to the skin while enveloping limbs in afresh and floral fragrance. The long-lasting formula is buildable, so can be adjusted depending on your desired shade. What’s more, a combination of active ingredients and macadamia oil nourish and hydrate. Shop now
Glossic Forever Gold Self-Tanning Mousse
The vegan, non-sticky and stain-free formula from regional beauty brand Glossic makes tanning a breeze. The easy-to-apply mousse doesn’t require mitts or gloves — simply massage into the skin and watch your golden glow develop. Shop now
Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser
Streaky tan? Patchy knees? This self-tan eraser is a do-over in a bottle. It sloughs away remnants of fake tan fiascos in as little as five minutes without harsh exfoliation while simultaneously moisturising the skin. Whether you’re prepping for your next application or removing memories of the last, this is a must-have in your kit. Shop now
