'Natural' self tanning disaster: Natural Fridays

I've decided to ditch my self tanner and experiment with natural ways to enhance a tan. First idea that comes to mind are carrots. Carrots have long been touted to enhance your bronzed look. So, being the 'natural remedy whizz' (hah!) that I am, I decided to try out carrots immediately.

After skinning the carrots, I grated them into about 1/4 of a small bowl since I'm only trying it out on my face. After applying the grated carrots all over my face, I immediately turned bright orange. Completely, carrotey orange. So, I just let it sit on my skin for some time and waited for awhile as I normally wait for about 20 mins for my face masks to absorb completely. Also, I was tempted to try carrots since carrot oil is supposed to be very effective against acne due to its abundance of beta carotene and Vitamin A. I happen to have a couple of them zits, huge ones too.

Anyway, after about 5 mins, I have had enough of the 'orangey' face. I washed with warm water and some cleanser and used my exfoliating face brush - but I was still orange! I looked like a mandarin orange. Totally hideous. (I seem to be getting bad run-ins with anything carrotey color like the case of my mutated carrots do). I got more and more frantic and it just struck me to use my exfoliant (I shall review it the next time) as my last resort before giving in to my 'orangey' fate. Luckily, most of the color did come off after that.

Now, I look like I've went for a tan outdoors AND zealously applied some very bad 'orangey' self tanner. Hey, I'm not exaggerating, ok? In other words, I look like an Oompa Loompa binging on mandarin oranges. You get my drift? A total disaster. I'm being teased that I can be used as the orange indicator lights when making a turn, my nose could be used as an orange highlighter and etc. You all know who you are. Grrrr......

After one disastrously long day (I actually didn't call in sick) and tons of foundation to cover up, the orange color finally wears off. You wouldn't believe it, I see amazing results. Yes, good news! My zits did appear to be smaller. So, the Vitamin A in carrots really does its trick on my zits. (Buy your carrot oil from hollistic and wellness shops) But most of all, I have a spectacular bronze color on my face that no self tanner could ever give me. I reckon the carrot has actually enhanced my self tanner's color which I've been using all along. With this fab bronze, I've laid all bronzers and self tanners while my color lasts. Heh, despite the disaster, carrots really do live up to its reputation.

Now, for some safer tips to natural tanning:

1) Drink carrot juice to preserve a tan

My fabulous friends in Europe, especially tanning-crazed Italians, always drink carrot juice after a day of tanning. They swear by it, saying that their tan looks more spectacularly bronzed. Drinking carrot juice in large quantities actually turns the skin orangey which is said to deepen the tan for a fabulously natural tan color thanks to its beta carotene. Howeved, do remember that our bodies cannot take in too much Vitamin A as it could turn toxic and hurt especially our liver. Also, try to limit your carrot juice intake especially if you're taking any forms of Vitamin A supplements too. Remember, do not binge on carrot juice

2) Boil walnut shells as self tanning sprays

According to Shalini Vadhera's book, 'Passport to Beauty', there is a natural way to make a sunless tanning spray. Simply by boiling the leftover shells after snacking on walnuts, then using this liquid concoction as a self tanner. However, I'm really new to this and have not tried it yet. Has anybody tried this out yet?

3) Invest in a good sunless self tanner

I prefer gradual moisturizing self tanners. The tan builds up gradually for a more subtle and natural look and most of all, minimizes streaking. Also they have the benefits of a moisturizer. My favourites are from Sisley and Lancaster for high end brands and other good drugstore brands are like Neutrogena, L'oreal and Dove

Word of caution: I've learnt to be more cautious now. When trying out new ingredients on your skin, do a patch test to avoid any irritations, sensitivities or any kind of embarrasing situations. Apply the patch test behind your ear or at the inner parts of your arms to test them out first