Self-tanner for a Lady with Pale Skin

Updated on June 04, 2012
S.K. asks from Minneapolis, MN
9 answers

Hi! I am super excited for summer, especially since I am a teacher and home with my boys. However, after a few scares at the derm office, I am super diligent about sunscreen, avoiding burns, wearing hats...I do not, however, want to look like Casper the Ghost all summer!

Anyone have a self-tanner that you recommend? I am looking for a product that you can buy at a drugstore/Target and something that is easy. I don't want to be streaky!

Thanks! Happy summer!

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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

I am a redhead and do best with the gradual tanner from Jergen's (for fair skin tones). I've found any of the "instant" or "tan in just one or two uses" products leave me orange and streaky. The gradual tanners take a lot longer to build up, so they're best for those like us who start off ghost white.

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S.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

I am half irish half german, so I am very pale (burn in 5 minutes without sunscreen pale!). I really like Jergens gradual taning lotion. It takes several days to build up, but that means no streaks. Also it looks tan not orange. Just use it like any other lotion.

1 mom found this helpful
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F.B.

answers from New York on

You probably don't want to hear this, but why don't you embrace your milky white self. I have olive skin, and think that the white nearly translucent thing is so absolutely beautiful. My FIL's wife is an irish belle with naturally white skin. She self tans, and looks silly for it in my opinion. No more convincing than if I were to try to be a redhead.

good luck to you and yours,
F. B.

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A.G.

answers from Chicago on

Just wanted to throw this out there . . .

I saw a pin on Pinterest the other day for looking tan--use tea! Make a pot of black tea, stand in the shower or tub and sponge the tea on your body. It stains your skin. The article said that it does not come off with sweat or whatever and lasts a few days unless you scrub it off.

I have NOT tried this. I think I will wait until next winter to try it in case it looks terrible, and I can cover up with pants!!

I, too, have heard great things about Jergens.

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C.B.

answers from Boston on

No answers, just glad you asked this. I burn in 5 minutes in the sun, turn red, then peel and am pale again. I would love to try a tanner but am afraid it will look fake. Now I just mix a few drops of foundation into my face cream to get a little but of color on face and chest when I go to work. I will be reading the responses with interest.

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M.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

St Tropez self tanning mousse is by far the best I have ever used and I have tried most every one on the market. It is expensive but the bottle lasts a long time. You can get it at Sephora and if you don't like it they take returns.

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H.D.

answers from Dallas on

I too am pasty pale and I use the Jergens lotion that is specifically for fair skin tones (says so on the front of the bottle). The key is to just rub really well in circular motions, not just up and down. Also, I don't go over my knee caps or around my ankles or the backs of my knees until the near end of all my rubbing since those are the places most prone to turning orange. If I think I'm done rubbing and I put my leg down off the side of my tub, i usually gauge on if I feel any cool spots so if I do, I rub in that area a little bit more. I've had a lot of success with this lotion and my method:)

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

I too am pale and have skin cancer on both mom and dad's side so I am careful myself - I Like the Jergen's lotion and foam with color. It is subtle, no streaks, but if you do not pay attention you can get orange spots so make sure it is evenly spread and no missed clumps. In addition do it just after a shower and make sure to stay undressed for about 5 min while it soaks in (tank and undies will do!). I like the product and when used daily it works well enough for me :)

F.H.

answers from Phoenix on

Jergens for sure, you can get it at Walgreens for about $10...so worth it. I'm dark haired, but see-thru white. Last summer I used this because, well, I'm plus sized, and although I'm in the pool a lot, I don't tan easily, I burn, peel and am back to white again. So I tried it and loved it! Everyone commented on how tan I was. I even used it on my face. And here in AZ, its hell hot, I don't like direct sun, even tho we are in it all year round. Good luck!

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