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Best Vitiligo Self Tanner: Top 10 Options for Face and Body

Written by Lexi Carlson
Medically Reviewed by Denise Christine Bries, MD
Updated
Best Vitiligo Self Tanner_ Top 10 Options for Face and Body

Are you looking for a sunless tanner to conceal your vitiligo? You are not alone.

Many people still choose to cover their vitiligo (because, yes, covering your vitiligo is perfectly fine!) And a great way to do it is to use sunless tanners.

It is time-consuming to visit a salon to get a spray tan, which makes maintaining a fake tan quite challenging.

Self-tanners and spray tanning are great options for those with vitiligo who wish to feel more at ease and confident, especially during the summer.

Without further ado, here is our list of the best self-tanners for vitiligo.

BEST BUDGET

L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion

BEST OVERALL

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse

BEST VALUE

ACM Laboratoire Viticolor Skin Camouflage Gel

Top 10 Vitiligo Self Tanners

Some of us use self-tanners, but how do you pick the best one? Out of the ten, we will choose the best overall, the best value, and the best budget.

The top self-tanning products for vitiligo are as follows:

1. St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse – BEST OVERALL (4.9/5)

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse

St. Tropez is unquestionably one of the reputable self-tanner brands. They are equipped with the knowledge necessary to develop a lovely, all-natural color tan.

This tinted tanning mousse is lightweight and straightforward to use. It dries in 60 seconds, develops in 4–8 hours, and is simple and quick to apply.

Even for pigmented skin, St. Tropez will shield it from the sun’s rays and give it a golden, summer-kissed tan. This moisturizing lotion also hydrates skin.

PROS:

  • Very lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Supple tanning mousse
  • Lasts longer
  • Pleasant aroma

CONS:

  • Quite pricey

2. ACM Laboratoire Viticolor Skin Camouflage Gel – BEST VALUE (4.2/5)

ACM Laboratoire Viticolor Skin Camouflage Gel

This vitiligo tanning gel was developed especially for people with vitiligo. It conceals vitiligo-related discoloration.

The sunless tanning components and dyes guarantee that the bronze color and tanned appearance continue for up to 5 days after application.

The Viticolor gel conceals spots of depigmentation by using a freezing complexion corrector. It is safe to use during phototherapy, despite lacking sunscreen, which makes it even better.

PROS:

  • Doesn’t run into unwanted areas
  • Easiest and quickest coverage
  • Very natural-looking tan

CONS:

  • Quite pricey

3. L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion – BEST BUDGET (4.1/5)

L_Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion -

L’Oreal Sublime Bronze gradually enhances and deepens your natural skin tone to provide the look of a tan without sun exposure.

It contains an alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) derivative that gently exfoliates dead cells from the skin’s surface for a more uniform, smoother texture.

The lotion helps to nourish the skin with vitamin E. It gradually tans the complexion within 2-4 hours; it gives the face an instant bronze shine with a slight shimmer.

PROS:

  • Keeps you moisturized
  • Smooth and no streaks
  • Natural looking tan
  • Suitable for any skin type

CONS:

  • It leaves a sticky feeling but eventually dries out

4. Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Tanning Lotion (4.7/5)

Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Tanning Lotion

This natural sunless lotion will be a relief if you attempt to avoid chemicals in your self-tanners. It’s produced with organic aloe and botanicals.

There are two variations: one for medium to dark complexion and one for light to medium skin. The hydrating lotion doesn’t produce color as quickly as a mousse for sunless tanning.

As you use it every day, your tan will gradually deepen.

PROS:

  • Natural sunless lotion for healthy skin with botanicals
  • No parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances
  • Gradually tans and conditions the complexion

CONS:

  • Subtle sunless tanning odor

5. Skinerals Californium Sunless Bronzer (4.3/5)

Skinerals Californium Sunless Bronzer

This self-tanner by Skinerals is your best bet if you desire a mineral-based composition for the defense and renewal of your complexion.

Skinerals provides a safe and efficient mixture made of all-natural substances that blend in with the layers of your skin and give your face an immediate, natural glow.

Its ingredients are mostly natural substances like lavender oil, orange peel oil, vanilla bean extract, and shea butter

PROS:

  • Non-aerosol, paraben-free formulation
  • The ideal way to subtly bronze pale skin
  • Suitable for the body and face

CONS:

  • More straightforward to use when wearing gloves or a mitt

6. Botanic Tree Self Tanner (4.6/5)

Botanic Tree Self Tanner

The Botanic Tree Self Tanner is an organic, plant-based, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and natural body oil.

This one has a bronzer, so it’s essential to use a tiny bit to prevent streaks and get results without orange tones. It absorbs quickly and won’t leave stains on your towels.

Your skin will feel moisturized and renewed after using this shea butter, aloe vera, and jojoba oil-rich product. Rosemary shields your skin, while the moringa increases collagen.

PROS:

  • Wholesome ingredients
  • Natural looking
  • No smell
  • Affordable

CONS:

  • Oily consistency

7. Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam (4.5/5)

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam

With Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam, you can achieve an authentic Australian tan. It is available in different shades to match practically every complexion.

This lightweight self-tanning foam will leave your face gleaming like it spent the day at Bondi Beach. Thanks to its aloe vera and coconut aroma!

These ingredients work toward trapping the moisture in, keeping your skin hydrated and tanned for longer. It is appropriate for people with darker skin.

PROS:

  • Lightweight texture
  • No sticky feeling
  • Deep, long-lasting color
  • Absorbs fast

CONS:

  • You need to apply with a special tanning mitt
  • Need to wait at least six hours to shower after application

8. St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist (4.4/5)

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

This face mist is the best choice if you’re scared to apply ordinary tanning lotion or a tinted mousse to your face.

Sprinkle this mist on your face, and you’ll start to have a natural glow within a few hours. The color will become more profound if you spray it the next day again.

It contains hyaluronic acid that nourishes the complexion, leaving you with a glowing tan. After using it, just keep your skin dry for at least four hours.

PROS:

  • The self-tanning mist is light and fragrant and develops color in four to eight hours
  • Clean, paraben-free beauty
  • It doesn’t streak, smells nice, and it won’t rub off
  • You may wear makeup with this
  • Non-comedogenic

CONS:

  • After application, refrain from swimming, showering, or sweating for at least four hours.

9. MineTan Body Skin Color Correcting Self Tan Foam (4.3/5)

MineTan Body Skin Color Correcting Self Tan Foam

It is a top option for people with vitiligo because of its capacity for color correction. With no streaks left behind, this solution perfectly integrates a few small patches lighter.

MineTan Self Tan Foam’s speedy action is a fantastic feature. You can cleanse your skin after application in as little as an hour to reveal a gorgeous, bronzed complexion.

It is entirely vegan, cruelty-free, and doesn’t contain parabens, mineral oils, palm oil, or sulfates. It includes coconut oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E for hydration.

PROS:

  • Customizable tan for your skin tone
  • Super easy to put on
  • It doesn’t streak and looks natural
  • Improve the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks
  • Protects you against premature aging

CONS:

  • It doesn’t smell nice

10. Miami Gorgeous Self Tanning Mousse (4.3/5)

Miami Gorgeous Self Tanning Mousse

It has a lightweight consistency, and a natural medium to dark complexion keeps its texture nicely. It is gluten-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free, and DHA eco-certified.

Given that it is a mousse, it can be a little sticky and take up to 40 minutes to dry completely, but once it does, the results are streak-free, provided that the application is not hurried.

It’s a terrific alternative for sensitive skin and the face because it contains natural oils and vitamins. They also make a significant contribution to the slick, beautiful outcomes.

PROS:

  • Easy to apply
  • Excellent results in the medium to dark
  • Suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin
  • Not scented

CONS:

  • Several uses per bottle but few
  • Lengthy drying time and slight stickiness

What is Vitiligo?

A disorder called vitiligo results when some patches of the skin lose pigmentation. With time, the discolored spots typically enlarge. It might also impact any portion of the body’s skin.

Neither the ailment is infectious nor life-threatening. It could cause stress or make you feel self-conscious. This skin condition causes the skin to develop pale white patches.

It’s crucial to wear sunscreen with a high sun protection factor and exercise additional caution when in the sun.

What Are the Causes of Vitiligo?

The precise reason why these pigment cells malfunction or degenerate is unknown. It might be connected to:

  • An immune system condition (an autoimmune condition)
  • Family background (heredity)
  • A catalyst, such as anxiety, severe sunburn, or skin damage from coming into contact with chemicals

Is Self-Tanning Lotion Safe to Use If You Have Vitiligo?

Self-tanners are safe to use on vitiligo-affected skin. Ensure the self-tanning product contains additional hydrating elements to protect and nourish your skin.

Many self-tanning products are made entirely of organic and natural ingredients. They will keep your skin moisturized and calming while the lotion is applied.

As long as you are utilizing a natural, organic product, there should be no necessity to use the older, more aggressive tanning creams.

Tips for Applying Self Tanner on Vitiligo

Vitiligo patients may prefer to self-tan more frequently even if the application methods for self-tanning lotions for normal skin are the same.

The unpigmented skin on a Vitiligo patient will still appear lighter after a spray tan or after applying self-tanners, but if you’re lucky, it will lessen the contrast.

The next day of the tanning process, you may need to reapply self-tanner to the lighter spots to make them match your skin tone.

Here are some actions to do if you are making a one-time application:

1. Exfoliate

To prepare for the application, exfoliate. By doing this, all additional dead skin will be removed, leaving only the top layer on which the lotion can function.

2. Shave

Shave the morning of the day you apply the self-tanning product or the night before. It allows the hair follicles time to close to prevent the pores from becoming darker.

3. Moisturize

Preparing your skin with moisturizer before using a self-tanning lotion is always a brilliant idea. Dry skin self-tans unevenly and fades more quickly.

Make sure the moisturizer absorbs effectively into the skin and isn’t too thick. The skin will only be sufficiently hydrated to maintain moisture while applying the self-tanner.

There are techniques to obtain the even, lovely skin tone you deserve, even though vitiligo may make those who have it feel uneasy about their skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the responses to questions concerning vitiligo that are frequently asked.

How Can I Permanently Hide Vitiligo?

To cover up your vitiligo permanently, your alternatives are as follows:

  • Cosmetic Tattoo
  • Semi-Permanent Makeup Solutions
  • Skin Grafting
  • Tropical Oxsolaren
  • Bleaching
  • Phototherapy
  • Corticosteroid creams
  • Microskin Concealers

Does Tanning Make Vitiligo Worse?

Occasionally, tanning will emphasize pre-existing pigmented skin issues. One such illness is vitiligo. You can apply sunscreen first before doing the tanning process.

Is Vitiligo Curable?

In terms of medical science, there is no actual treatment for vitiligo. With the proper diet and healthy lifestyle choices, it is manageable.

However, therapy may stop or slow the discoloration process and help your skin regain some of its colors.

Will a Spray Tan Cover Vitiligo?

In the same way, that self-tanner can cover vitiligo, so can spray tan. The results, however, will probably be uneven because a spray tan is done all over the body.

Which Is Better, St. Tropez or Fake Bake?

St. Tropez is highly recommended because it dries almost fast and gives you a natural fake tan. Fake Bake, but it takes a long time to dry despite the gorgeous hue!

Recap of Winner Picks

Let’s do a recap of the best self-tanners for vitiligo.

Best Budget – L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion

Are you looking for a little less expensive option? The least expensive choice is L’Oreal Sublime Bronze. It gradually dissipates into an undetectable gloss that eventually turns tan.

Best Value – ACM Laboratoire Viticolor Skin Camouflage Gel

It is sometimes wiser to put your trust in a product that was created especially for you, and Viticolor Skin Camouflage Gel was made to help your skin look more even.

Best Overall – St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse

This self-tanning mousse is a GREAT alternative and the best self-tanner for vitiligo! The lightweight, quick-drying solution with aloe vera is utilized for a foolproof, even bronze.

Conclusion

Self-tanner reduces the time spent applying makeup and hides the white areas brought on by vitiligo. It’s a risk-free technique to get a healthy-looking tan that looks natural.

Use fair to medium for skin that is fair or pale. Use medium to dark for olive skin or skin that tans easily. You’ll still have a healthy glow.

We hope that our evaluations for the best self-tanners have helped you discover what you need right now.

You can maintain a natural tan that will cover up any uneven skin tones and, hopefully, help you enjoy the skin you’re in by picking the perfect self-tanning product.