What is the difference between St.Tropez Self Tan and Gradual Tan?
St.Tropez Self Tan contains a higher concentration of the tanning agent (DHA), which provides a natural-looking tan that lasts up to 5 days after just one application. Self Tan Classic, Express and Dark contain a tinted guide color for ease of application (so you can’t miss any patches) and also benefit from an instant wearable color while your self tan develops underneath. Self Tan should ideally be left to develop between 4 to 8hrs (excluding Express) before showering off the tinted guide color to reveal your natural-looking tan. The developed color will then last between 3 and 10 days, depending on which product was used and how the tan is maintained.
St.Tropez Gradual Tan contains less tanning agent than Self Tan, providing a light sunkissed glow. It does not contain a tinted guide colour which is ideal for discreet tanning every day and should still be left on the skin to develop over time (although you will see results from 4 to 12 hours). This product range is ideal for those who wish for a light tan or to build up their depth of color. Gradual Tan can be applied daily or every other day to build greater depth of color, but it will not develop as dark as a Self Tan product.
How do Self and Gradual Tans work?
The main active tanning ingredient used in St.Tropez formulations is Dihydroxyacetone (also known as DHA), which is derived from plant sources such as wheat and rapeseed. St.Tropez uses a 100% natural form of DHA called Vegetan. This is combined with a unique blend of skin-conditioning ingredients (including Vitamin E) that protect and hydrate the skin whilst providing a natural-looking tan. The DHA reacts chemically with the amino acids found in the upper epidermis (top layer) of the skin, producing different tones of coloration from yellow to brown. Each person has a different level of amino acids which is why we all naturally tan slightly differently in the sun. In the same way, every self tan result is individual to you and tailors to your individual skin tone. DHA should be left to develop on the skin between 4 and 8 hours for optimum results. Vegetan Premium (used in St.Tropez Self Tan Dark and our Professional Express Mist) has additional brown/black plant pigments to achieve a deeper tanning result.
Are St.Tropez products suitable for the face?
All St.Tropez products can be used on the face. However, we also have products that have been designed specifically with delicate skin in mind. For the easiest way to tan your face, try our Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist. This tropically scented transparent tan requires no rinsing or blending so you can simply spritz and glow under or over makeup, day or night. Infused with hyaluronic acid and natural skincare actives, your glow will subtly develop over 4-8 hours. Find out more about how to tan your face.