Summer is here, and we’re all craving some vitamin D. The safe way to soak in the sunshine is with a protective coat of sunscreen. But we have to admit, we miss the healthy glow that comes from a summer suntan. If you want the best of both worlds — to capture a sun-kissed glow without damaging your skin — Solerra self-tanning solutions are the perfect remedy.
Solerra’s sunless tanners don’t have chemical stains or dyes in them, like most tanners do. Instead, Solerra uses caramel and walnut extracts to achieve a natural bronze color. Their formulas contain no parabens, have been allergy-tested, and won’t clog pores. To counteract the drying effect of DHA, Solerra uses special moisturizers that leave skin feeling silky smooth. The company is led by Angie Trelstad, a redhead who knows the perils of sensitive skin. Angie helped develop other tanning products before she joined Solerra, where she finally found a self-tanning product that works and is healthy for your skin.
For immediate color, Solerra’s Instant Bronze formula delivers a sunless tan that lasts 7 to 10 days. Solerra also offers a clear formula that gradually tans skin over a four- to six-hour period for a more subtle (but equally long lasting) color. The tanners are applied with a mitt, so you don’t stain your hands. The clear formula is also available in a cream, to help maintain a natural tan look between bronzer applications. It’s the ideal summer solution: Sun-kissed skin without the damage from sunshine.
i have used self tanner before...I have pale skin and am very cautious about always wearing sunscreen. However, I was surprised to find out that I had very low levels of Vitamin D and discovered that wearing an SPF of 15 or higher prevents your body from being able to absorb Vitamin D naturally from the sun. I've opted to keep the SPF and take a Vit D supplement.
MadHatter says:
on Jul 14, 2010
I have used many self tanners in my years and to tell you the truth there are only 2 things i notice from almost all of them.
1. they promised no streaking and no odd blotchy color, i find that to be false.
2. they smell bad...
i am going to pass up on wasting money on buying these products and just go and enjoy the actual sun while applying a lot of SPF 50 on me every half and hour.
RacingLiberty says:
on Jul 14, 2010
I have used several self tanners but along with MadHatter above, I agree - THEY ALL SMELL BAD. I can't even wear them because i hate the chemical smell. I've even tried regular body lotions with just a teeeeeny bit of "gradual, over time" tanning stuff in them (not as hard core as the super tanners that are supposed to get you tan in a few hours) and even THEY smell bad. What gives?!
shannon42681 says:
on Jul 14, 2010
I have tried some different self tanners and I also think they smell funny, and some make you look orange, and you can tell if you miss a spot.
autumnmedora says:
on Jul 14, 2010
I had decided a while ago to stop tanning in tanning beds, but i really miss having that beautifaul glow. I've also had soo much trouble with self tanners.With self tanners I always find myself orange or streeky. I have had spray tan that I had the great results from was from Hawiian Holiday Tanning Salon, it came out in a beautiful color, the only part i disliked is that I had excess lotion left between my fingers which made them orange but went away within a few days. though i would much rather use a great home self tanner rather than spending so much money at a solon.
petalovesyou says:
on Jul 15, 2010
I tryed other products and they just leave spots, and you end up looking orange.
wchandor says:
on Jul 15, 2010
Hi there -- I am in the video and was one of the testers of Solerra for Daily Grommet. And I was skeptical at first, as well. The nice thing about Solerra is the smell is not strong -- it smells like Pina Coladas and then the smell dissipates. You apply this after the shower (and you must exfoliate!) and I was surprised by how it didn't smell and it dried quickly. My tan was gradual over the day -- it got darker over about 4-6 hours. As far as streaking, Solerra recommends applying in a circular motion, rather than in a style like a paint brush. Does that make sense? Use a circular motion. I'm impressed by how it worked and how natural it looks (not orange). Wendy
wildwo2 says:
on Jul 15, 2010
I've tried many self tanners. Some leave me very streaky, some leave me orangey and almost yellow. There is one that I really liked but I was never able to remember the name. They are extremely hit or miss.
texasmomma says:
on Jul 15, 2010
I have used various brands and some work better than others. I do agree that they all smell. The problem I've encountered is once it starts to fade the color becomes very blotchy and can't be evened out after reapplying more tanner.
sugarsnatcher says:
on Jul 15, 2010
I have used many brands of self-tanners and I've had about the same results as most - foul smell, streaks, orange coloring. I have very fair skin and stay out of the sun as much as possible and use baby sunscreens with very high SPF because not only do I burn, but skin cancer runs in my family. However, I have to say that the tips (exfoliation and circular motion application) sound logical, so maybe there is hope after all?
jenniferbarnes88 says:
on Jul 16, 2010
I go to my local salon every couple of weeks and do a body polish with bronzer treatment. It feels AMAZING. Plus having someone else apply my tanner means that it wont come out streaky. In addtion the treatment costs less than $40!
Solerra says:
on Jul 16, 2010
Hi All! Wow, it sounds as if many of you have had poor experiences with self tanners! If you would indulge me, I would love to address some of your concerns. Self tanning has come a long way baby! The self tanners of today are not your Mother's sunless tan of yesterday. You can have that "healthy glow" and a sophisticated tan, if you use the right product and apply it correctly.
I have been in the self tanning industry for over 9 years, and have seen the development of the category to near perfection. As a red head, I had the exact same complaints as all of you do, everything I used turned me orange, made me streaky, and not natural looking at all. I couldn't find anything that looked natural, so I decided to create it!
I realize I will have to make a few posts to fit all of my comments....
Solerra says:
on Jul 16, 2010
In regards to the Vitamin D issue, we should all get enough vitamin D by just going outside long enough to get in our car, drive etc. if we live in sunny regions. According to Web MD; "It?s amazing how quickly adequate levels of vitamin D can be restored by sunlight. Just 6 days of casual sunlight exposure without sunscreen can make up for 49 days of no sunlight exposure." However, with the new ruling from the World Health Organization in regards to the increase in skin cancer, particularly in young women, you have to weigh the pros and cons for yourself as to not wearing sunscreen, and you might want to consider what I do, take a Vitamin D supplement.
Solerra says:
on Jul 16, 2010
Smell, smell, smell it sounds like many of you have the biggest issue with the smell of self tanners. I have good news for you! Solerra® has a patented formula that uses Invisicare® to deliver your self tanner which moisturizes your skin as it tans you, but more importantly, independent scientific studies prove the Invisicare® formulation helps to negate the odor of DHA. Most other formulations use more fragrance, which masks the smell initially, but does not negate the smell. In other instances, it takes time and a shower (only after waiting at least 2-4 hrs) to allow the smell to dissipate. Because the ingredient which tans you (DHA) works with YOUR OWN proteins and amino acids in your skin, this is the reason the smell bothers some people more than others. Just like jewelry will turn some peoples skin colors, self tanners work personally for you, so each person will have different results.
Solerra says:
on Jul 16, 2010
In regards to streaky or blotchy color, there are a few typical reasons for this result from self tanners. Since the tanner works on the epidermis layer of your skin (the outer most layer) it is very important to exfoliate! The dryer and deader the skin is, the darker your tan from the self tanner will be on those areas. When you exfoliate you create a clean, healthy palette for your self tan, but if you have areas that are drier, they will get darker color, thus looking blotchy.
Solerra says:
on Jul 16, 2010
Another reason people will get streaky or blotchy is in the application process. Most people want to be very careful and apply as if they are painting, in straight lines. The best way to apply a self tanner is to be very thorough and use circular motions, rather than up and down or sideways strokes. If you go over an area more than once, it won't get darker, but if you miss an area, it won't have tanner and will result in streaks. You will also want to go more lightly over knees, elbows fingers and toes, as these areas are drier and have a tendency to absorb more color. This is the reason I love the Solerra® single use mitt because it is so easy to apply and if you can wash thoroughly, you can apply the tanning mitt beautifully!
Solerra says:
on Jul 16, 2010
With the increase of the incidences of skin cancer in our society, I would hope you would all at least consider giving sunless tanning another try. You don't have anything to lose, we guarantee satisfaction with all of our products, and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
thebutlerdidit says:
on Jul 16, 2010
Regarding the smell of self-tanners, I have some good news. I recently did a product test for a self-tanner that smelled fruity - no bad smell at all. It was great for my skin, too. Unfortunately, I have no idea what brand it is that I was testing, but I see some great developments coming soon.
Bocade says:
on Jul 16, 2010
I LOVE Solerra! The mitt is fantastic because you can just throw the package in your beach bag, overnight bag- whatever and GO! The smell is negligable and the color can't be beat. No streaking if you really rub it in. I truly enjoy the "Mitt Tips" sheet they enclose with every order. It really helps!
