With COVID-19, lockdowns, isolation and the chance of a holiday in a hot exotic climate some time away, the only current option of tanning this winter is fake – but remember, it’s just as important to know what you’re using on your body as in your body.

For starters you might want to do a bit more research before popping a ‘tanning pill’ – yes, they do exist – and waiting to turn brown. Many spray and bottled tans are also full of man-made, even toxic, ingredients.

Craig Jones, CEO and founder of natural skin care brand MooGoo says when it comes to bronzing up like a goddess this winter, natural is best, so swat up on the science if you want to carry off an impressive tan.

“Tanning Creams can be healthy,” he says. “Avoid synthetic ingredients such as glycols, parabens and phenoxyethanol. Look to use healthy natural moisturising oils, and it’s important to understand your DHAs from your erythrulose.

“Erythrulose is a glucose-based tanning ingredient that combines with the skin cells on the very outer layer of skin and turns a golden brown.

“We use this in combination with the DHA to give a natural colour. So, when choosing a fake tan, check the ingredients on the label. If there’s just one tanning ingredient, DHA, it might miss the mark on a being realistic tan shade – or one that’s good for your skin.

“Also, we have found that by blending in a second natural tanning ingredient, ethryulose, the colour tends to be a more natural brown.”

Craig share three tips to consider when choosing a fake tanning product:

Which oil is listed first: Paraffin or petrolatum are the cheapest, but not necessarily the best. Squalane, almond oil and butters are the better alternatives.

Look at preservatives: Parabens are the cheapest, but natural is better. Watch out for SPF chemical filters, parabens and benzoates as they are used to preserve a lot of commercial creams.

What type of Vitamin E is used: Vitamin E is in most skin care and is a wonderful antioxidant. While synthetic Vitamin E is cheap, clear and odourless, natural vitamin E is brownish, has a characteristic smell and costs a lot more.

Prep work: Exfoliate beforehand. Make sure to wash palms and between fingers afterwards as tan doesn’t belong there naturally.

Don’t overdo it: You want to look as if you have a natural glow, not like you just walked out of a spray tan booth. Less is more. Apply every 2-3 days.

MooGoo’s How Now Brown Cow Gradual Tanning Cream (RRP $16.50) is ultra-moisturising and packed full of yummy skin repair ingredients that help with dry skin and keep the application even. The non-smelly, natural, moisturising gradual tanning formula is made with natural moisturising oils such as sweet almond, coconut and olive oil and provides a natural, non-orange, tan colour by mixing two natural tanning ingredients. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) combines with the keratin on the skin to turn it brown and erythrulose (a glucose-based tanning agent) darkens skin cells for a golden glow. It also contains ECGC (Green Tea Extract), a natural, powerful antioxidant compound, and is free of Parabens and Phenoxyethanol, instead naturally preserved with Hops Extract.

To see the full range of MooGoo products, visit moogoo.com.au

About MooGoo

MooGoo started out in CEO and founder, Craig Jones’ home, when he was searching for something to help his mother with her psoriasis. He decided to whip up a natural cream in his kitchen, as the only cream that had worked for his mum was a cream used on dairy cows. He then came up with his own version, the 'Udder Cream' using natural products and, once it cleared up his mother's skin condition, he was inundated with friends and family wanting it too. The rest is history.