Can self-tanning moisturisers benefit skin?

Can self-tanning moisturisers provide skin benefits we find in sunlight?

My eczema disappears when I go on holiday abroad, therefore I wondered if the tanning process helps to erase eczema, and if a similar effect can be achieved when using a self-tanning moisturiser.

I know this may seem a silly question, as sunlight provides us with vitamin D, and you may be wondering why I've thought of comparing it to a self-tanner. However, when I went on holiday last year, my eczema completely disappeared once my skin started to tan, and I had skin I could only dream of in these winter months. I started to wonder if the 'bottle' tanning process would have a similar effect and calm my eczema, therefore I am going to do an experiment using 'Dove Summer Glow'. I aim to have sun-kissed skin, rather than it being red and inflamed. Therefore, my blog will follow my 5-day process of trying to control my eczema using the self-tanning moisturiser, 'Dove Summer Glow'. 

I chose to use this product, because I know that it is safe for my skin. But what I must point out is that everyone's skin is different, and what suits my skin may not suit yours, therefore please do a test patch if you buy this product. I am using the shade for 'fair to normal skin', because I have very pale skin, however my friends with olive skin also use this, so if you have olive skin it is also perfect for you. The price of this product is reasonable, at just over £5, however I am a self confessed bargain hunter, so I brought mine at Sainsbury's two weeks ago at the reduced price of £3.66. 

Results: Night 1:
I had a bath and exfoliated my skin using The Body Shop's 'Ultra Fine Bath Lily', which is £2. This is perfect for dry and sensitive skin, because the material is very gentle. It is important to exfoliate if you are prone to eczema, because it helps to remove dry skin, and it is essential to exfoliate when applying any self-tanner to provide a base for the tan to set on so it doesn't go streaky. When I got out of the bath, I ensured that my skin was dry, then applied 'Dove Summer Glow' in circular motions to provide even coverage. I let it dry a little before putting on my clothes to avoid the product transferring. I then went to bed, and couldn't wait to wake up and see the results.

Before:

After: 

As you can see from the images, Dove Summer Glow has undoubtedly improved my skin! Although some patches still remain, my skin is no longer red and inflamed, and it doesn't look as 'angry' or noticeable as it did before I used the product. I cannot believe the improvement of just one night, and I am looking forward to seeing the results with a continuous result! Therefore, I have concluded that there must be something within the tanning process that helps eczema sufferers!

I will continue to use this product and provide daily updates on the progress of my skin. 

As always, if you would like to share a similar experience then I'd love to hear your story, so please contact me!

If you would like to buy any of the products I have mentioned please click on the links below:

• The Body Shop: 'Ultra Fine Bath Lily': www.thebodyshop.co.uk/bath-body-care/accessories/ultra-fine-bath-lily-aqua.aspx
• 'Dove Summer Glow: Normal to Dark skin': www.sainsburys.co.uk/groceries/index.jsp?bmUID=1391690884586
• Dove Summer Glow: Fair to Normal skin': www.sainsburys.co.uk/groceries/index.jsp?bmUID=1391690936420

Leanne x