Sunbeds. The healthy way to tan?

During the colder months we all experience the innate desire to feel the warm glow of the sun on our bare skin once more. And what easier way to feel a warm glow & get a ‘healthy tan’ than to hit the solarium? Solariums, also known as sunbeds, are still highly used in the Netherlands and are actually an incredibly dangerous way to tan due to their link to a significant increased risk of skin cancer.

How do sunbeds work?

Sunbeds work by emitting ultraviolet radiation, or UV rays, that can penetrate to the deepest layers of your skin where they stimulate our skin cells to produce melanin which is a pigment that makes your skin look darker. Unfortunately these UV rays also damage the collagen and connective tissue framework of the skin leading to premature ageing, as well as create cellular damage that can cause skin cancer.

What are the health hazards of sunbeds?

The levels of UV radiation emitted from sunbeds can be up to six times as strong as the hottest midday summer sun and research shows us that people who use a sunbed before the age of 35 have a 59% greater risk of melanoma than those who don’t. Due to the extreme danger they pose the Australian government made the move to ban all commercial use of indoor tanning beds in 2015, making them illegal in all states. Whilst this move was made in Australia, use of these dangerous sunbeds is still prolific and completely legal in the Netherlands.

Are there safer alternatives?

We get it, it’s bad enough living under the cold grey sky for up to 8 months of the year, but then to have that pasty, pale winter skin! A safer way to tan is to use a non-toxic fake tan lotion or cream. Unfortunately though, not all ‘fake-tans’ were made equal with many leaving you with a nasty chemical-smell that will last the duration of your tan, that also happens to make your skin look like an Orange Fanta experiment gone-wrong! Our secret is Three Warriors and Eco Tan; two incredible Australian brands who have created Tanning and Body Care products that are Certified Organic by the Organic Food Chain Australia, Accredited Toxic Free by Safe Cosmetics Australia, Vegan & Cruelty Free! The even better news about Three Warriors and Eco Tan is that their natural fake-tan products won’t leave you smelling like chemicals or with patchy, orange skin.

Which tan is right for me?

Choosing the best tanning product for your skin can be a difficult process so here we break it down to make your life easier:

Three Warriors Face Tan Aqua Mist: the cult favourite from this luxurious Australian organic tanning brand. This self tanning mist spray delivers a deep, buildable coverage that is best for warmer skin tones and people who like darker tanning. With an outstanding certified organic & natural ingredient list, including Tasmanian Spring Water that delivers electrolytes and minerals for hydration of the skin. The scents of Rose, Jasmine and Vanilla make the Face Tan Aqua Mist truly tanning heaven!

Three Warriors Aqua Mist Face Tan Organic Tan

Eco Tan Face Tan Water: this revolutionary product is one of Stephanie Van Den Sigtenhorst’s favourites (Founder of Let's Talk Slow, Digital Content Creator, Woman of Nourished) thanks to its incredible multifunctional capacity and its amazing results. Suitable for all skin types and tones including oily skin, sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema and acne. The Face Tan Water is perfect for absolutely everyone! This amazing tanning product was created specifically for the needs of the face, neck and décolletage. Face Tan Water builds to a beautiful glow, creates a youthful radiance and even substitutes as a foundation! Made with Hyaluronic Acid, one of the most effective hydrating ingredients for skin, this incredible toner/tanner calms & hydrates the skin and acts as an antioxidant.

Three Warriors Gradual Tan: this hydrating self-tanning lotion is a tanning gift to those with lighter skin as it offers the most beautiful & natural looking sunless tan.

The Gradual Tan is made with Avocado Oil, Olive Oil and Coconut Oil to moisture the skin and provide it with Vitamine A, D and E. Added Aloe Vera will keep the skin hydrated and added Chamomile Oil helps to heal and calm. The scent of Vanilla and Lime makes the Gradual Tan a heavenly self tan lotion to use on a daily basis.

Three Warriors Gradual Tan Organic Tan

Eco Tan Winter Skin: is a nourishing gradual self-tanning lotion for face & body. Perfect if you have fairer skin or like to be able to gradually reach your preferred depth of colour. This formulation has a note of organic rose geranium & will have you smelling beautiful after every application!

Three Warriors Self-Tan Mousse: this tan is ideal if you like control over the depth of your tan. You decide how dark your tan is by how long you let it develop on your skin! The Self-Tan Mousse is easy to apply and has a fast drying formula that gives a beautiful, natural looking deep tan.

The Self-Tan Mousse includes Aloe Vera to provide intense hydration to the skin and Tasmanian Manuka Honey, Coconut Oil & Tasmanian Olive Oil to nourish and nurture the skin.

Three Warriors Self-Tan Mousse

Eco Tan Cacao Tanning Mousse: get a luxurious deep bronze tan with this one-application, quick dry formula, with results visible within an hour. Perfect for when you get that last minute party invite or a spur of the moment weekend getaway. The Cacao Tanning Mousse has a delicious, yet subtle chocolate scent, & boasts an ingredient list that includes coffee, blood orange, ginger & mandarin. This wonder mousse also helps to smooth skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite… every woman’s dream!

Hempi Tan: The world's first super dark organic hemp tanning water! This tanning miracle is formulated with natural Hemp Seed Extract and Hyaluronic Acid known for their phenomenal skin hydrating properties and is made from only organic and natural ingredients. The Hempi Tan delivers a super dark tan and comes in a convenient spray on bottle. It dries instantly, smells amazing, is non-comodogenic (won’t clog your pores) and provides long-lasting colour.

To ensure best tanning results make sure you apply your Three Warriors and Eco Tan products with a tanning glove over well exfoliated skin. This will reduce the chance of having patchy areas around your elbows, ankles, wrists and other difficult spots. You can check out of favourite exfoliation options here. To give your tan longevity it is best to keep your skin well hydrated with one of these natural moisturising options.

The Three Warriors and Eco Tan organic tanning collections provide a low-fuss way to a beautiful natural bronze glow. The perfect solution for even the worst case of winter skin without the sunbed, early ageing & skin cancer!