Sep 20, 2026

New at the Institute of Dermatologists: Bare by Vogue Clear Whipped Tan

Bare by Vogue Clear Whipped Tan mousse bottle in Medium shade, reviewed by Professor Caitriona Ryan at the Institute of Dermatologists

Fake tan is the safer alternative to a real UV tan because any UV-induced colour change is a sign of skin damage, not health. Bare by Vogue Clear Whipped Tan develops colour through a reaction with DHA rather than UV exposure, and includes skin supporting ingredients such as niacinamide, aloe vera and lactic acid.

There is no such thing as a healthy UV tan. Any change in skin colour after sun exposure is a sign of damage, not a sign of health, which is exactly why fake tan is part of Professor Caitriona Ryan's weekly routine. This week she tried something new: Bare by Vogue Clear Whipped Tan in Medium.

Bare by Vogue Clear Whipped Tan is a lightweight, skincare infused mousse that applies clear and develops gradually into a natural golden glow over 6 to 8 hours. It is fast drying, transfer resistant, and built around skin supporting ingredients rather than colour alone.

Why Does a Real Tan Feel Like the Only Way to Get Colour?

A tan is your skin's defence response to ultraviolet radiation. The colour change means damage has already happened at a cellular level. There is no shade of tan, gradual or otherwise, that develops without some degree of UV exposure behind it, and over time that repeated exposure is what drives premature ageing and increases skin cancer risk.

Fake tan removes that trade off entirely. The colour comes from a reaction between an ingredient called DHA and the surface of the skin, not from UV exposure, so the look is the same without the damage.

What's Actually in Bare by Vogue Clear Whipped Tan?

Not every self tanner is built the same way. Some formulas are designed purely for colour, others are formulated to support the skin at the same time.

Niacinamide, to help even tone and support the skin barrier
Aloe vera, to calm and hydrate
Glycerin, a humectant that draws in and holds onto moisture
Lactic acid, which can help smooth the rough, bumpy texture associated with keratosis pilaris, often called chicken skin
Sodium PCA, a naturally occurring moisture factor in skin

Bare by Vogue Clear Whipped Tan ingredients and mousse texture close up

Who Is Behind Bare by Vogue?

Bare by Vogue launched in 2019 and has quickly become one of Ireland's best selling self tan brands, with UK success and beauty award wins following. Every formula is built around a natural, streak free finish and skin loving ingredients, designed to fit into a regular skincare routine rather than sit apart from it.

Who Should Use This?

Anyone who wants colour without UV exposure is the obvious fit, including those with dry, sensitive or reactive skin thanks to the aloe vera and hydrating humectants in the formula. It is also a sound choice for anyone prone to keratosis pilaris looking for a tan that does not draw attention to rough or bumpy texture.

How Should You Use It?

"I've tried every fake tan there is, so I don't say this lightly: fake tan is the only safe tan. This one has skin supporting ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, aloe vera and lactic acid, which is great for anyone prone to keratosis pilaris. I apply it all over but pay extra attention to the drier areas like elbows and knees. The colour is really natural, no patchiness at the ankles or wrists, and it has a light vanilla scent rather than the usual fake tan smell."
Professor Caitriona Ryan, Institute of Dermatologists

Professor Ryan's routine starts with the Bare by Vogue Express Tan Removal Gel, to lift the remnants of the previous week's tan. She then applies the Clear Whipped Tan all over, paying extra attention to drier areas like elbows and knees where colour tends to grab unevenly. Allow each layer to dry fully before dressing, and avoid water, sweating or tight clothing for the first few hours while the colour develops.

Applying Bare by Vogue Clear Whipped Tan as part of a weekly tanning routine

Does a Tan Give You Sun Protection?

A tan, real or fake, gives you colour. It does not give you protection. SPF remains essential every day regardless of how bronzed your skin looks, and a fake tan should never be treated as a reason to skip it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fake tan safe for daily or weekly use?

Yes, for most people. Formulas with hydrating, skin supporting ingredients such as niacinamide, aloe vera and glycerin work with the skin rather than against it, even with regular use.

Can this help with keratosis pilaris (chicken skin)?

Formulas containing lactic acid, like Bare by Vogue Clear Whipped Tan, can help smooth the rough texture associated with keratosis pilaris while delivering colour, though it is not a treatment for the condition itself.

Do I still need SPF if I have a fake tan?

Yes, always. A fake tan provides colour only, not any degree of UV protection.

How do I get an even colour on drier areas like elbows and knees?

Pay closer, lighter attention to these areas rather than applying the same amount as the rest of the body, since drier skin absorbs more product and tends to grab colour unevenly.

How do I remove old fake tan before reapplying?

A dedicated tan removal product, such as the Bare by Vogue Express Tan Removal Gel, breaks down old tan more evenly than exfoliating alone and gives a cleaner base for the next application.