How To Prep Skin For Self Tanner If You Have Dry Skin
Plus, those areas shed more slowly than the rest of the body. The ingredient that turns your skin bronze is a plant-based sugar molecule called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). The DHA reacts with amino acids in your skin to form brown compounds called melanoidins that stain your skin see more. As the surface skin cells rub off over the course of 7 to 10 days, the tan wears away. When it’s time to actually tan these tricky areas, it’s best to save them for the very end — after you’ve finished the rest of your body application.

Alternately, you can just have to know how to prep skin for self tanner your body sprayed and cover your face, although this might make for an uneven look. While both hair removal techniques might seem like a harmless part of your grooming routine, they should be done at least 24 hours before you get a spray tan, and ideally one to two days after. She also recommends a full skin reset every two weeks to keep your glow looking fresh and your skin in top condition for your next application. With the right aftercare, you can prolong your tan’s lifespan.
That’s why preparation is crucial, explains Fabiola Trujillo, owner of Sobe Tan in Miami. She advises exfoliating ahead of time with a washcloth or loofah in the shower to ensure you have a smooth surface so the tanner can uniformly dye the skin. Like spray-tan care, you want to be cautious if moisturizing before applying self-tanner. Oily, heavy moisturizers can affect how the self-tanning solution absorbs into your skin. It’s also helpful to how to prep skin for self tanner or remove hair in the areas you plan to apply self-tanner so you don’t have to do that afterwards, which can remove freshly applied self-tanner or spray tan.
If you end up with tan lines and want to remove them check our article – 10 simple ways to remove tan lines. UV protection for your eyes is vital, and closing your eyes will not suffice. In tanning beds, the UV light is highly concentrated and hitting you at short-range, and your eyelids can’t protect your eyes from this. From knowing how to use a tanning bed safely, to knowing how do you get the best results from tanning beds, this article will give you my top tanning bed tips for a great experience and amazing results. He also advises brushing your teeth prior to tan application, as toothpaste can collect at the side of your mouth and remove tan if you brush afterward.
“But avoid shaving or exfoliating until at least three to four days after your tan,” says Zimmerman. If you have to shave, Zimmerman recommends using a conditioner instead of shaving cream, and shaving lightly. Once you’ve successfully achieved that sun-kissed glow using gloves, it’s essential to allow the product to fully develop on your skin.
I like that I can see where it’s being applied, and get that instant gratification. The drops tend to give you a more even, smooth tan, but it doesn’t show up right away, which I don’t always love. Believe it or not, self tanners can go up to the triple digit price range. And, since you have to reapply regularly (once your tan fades), you will go through the product quicker.
Now you can say goodbye to dull, washed-out skin and say hello to flawless and natural-looking color! No matter what time of the year, Modere Cellproof Sunless Tanning Foam is the perfect go-to for a streak-free glow that elevates your confidence for results that are more than skin deep. Get authentic-looking true color and a younger-looking complexion with the new generation of clean beauty! Powered by Collagen/HA Matrix® Technology, this self-tanner doesn’t just transform your skin’s appearance with head-to-toe color, it delivers intense hydration and visibly younger looking skin. Body scrubs are physical exfoliants that work by manually buffing away the buildup of dead skin, oil, and dirt on the skin.
It’s very forgiving and blends well – it gives me the best streak-free results. With the Loving Tan formula, you let it sit for 2 hours (it drys almost right away) and then hop in the shower to rinse it off. I use this regularly, even when I don’t go through the self-tanning process.
Head over to our article, How to Exfoliate from Head to Toe, for an in-depth exfoliation routine. Lotion will create a barrier between your skin and the DHA (the active ingredient that makes you tan), which will lead to a funky application. You can apply a pea-sized amount of lotion to drier areas, like the elbows, knees, and ankles, to make sure the DHA doesn’t accumulate in those regions and make them darker. You don’t necessarily want to apply the same self-tanner you use on your body on your face. Most experts prefer tanning waters or drops for the face, as they’re far easier to control.
No.1 Tan Drops is easy to apply; either mix it into your favourite moisturizer or lotion, or apply it directly to your skin, and distribute with your hands. If you have a dark patch of self-tanner, try a tiny dab of hair removal cream. Use a cotton swab to apply a thin layer, let it sit briefly, then rinse off. Choose gentle exfoliants, ideally how to prep skin for self tanner you already have in your home.
Jennifer is the former beauty editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and more. When she’s not swatching eyeshadow all over her arms, you can find the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on end for vintage finds, eating pad thai, and hanging out with her cat, Chunks.
The caffeine content will help reduce the how to prep skin for self tanner of cellulite. Work from the legs up, using long sweeping motions to apply the colour, and use lots of tan all over the body. However, don’t add more to your mitt for the face; simply use the excess left over to pat across your complexion. Let’s face it, as soon as the weather turns cold, our black tights are on and our legs don’t see daylight until the leaves turn green again.
Finding the right shade really does take some experimenting and preparation. So, look for a product that will leave your skin smooth and DRY. If you’re more of a “do it yourselfer” you could use how to prep skin for self tanner water and baking soda to create a paste for your entire body, it’s all natural and none-abrasive.
Thus, if you shave or wax, do so at least 24 hours before applying the self-tanner. Also, try to limit shaving sessions when you are using a self-tanner for a long-lasting and even tan. The same goes for hair removal, whether it’s with wax, threading, an electric epilator, or a depilatory cream. Self-tanner is the only way to achieve a natural sun-kissed complexion without worrying about the effects that the sun can have on the skin (premature aging, pigmentation damage, sunburn, etc.). However, it can be challenging to achieve a beautiful, even tan without streaks, stripes, or unsightly demarcations. Discover here the basic tips to help you correctly apply your self-tanner, and thus achieve a natural, even tan and more lasting results.
During your appointment the most important thing is to feel comfortable, but you’ll also want to make sure your tan is as streak-free as possible. Skin cancer, sun spots and premature ageing have now made a natural tan pretty much a thing of the past. Siena Gagliano is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire specializing in features, trend stories, and shopping roundups. In her prior role, she was an editor at Cosmopolitan, focusing on beauty commerce and SEO-driven content.
Start by exfoliating your skin thoroughly to remove dead skin cells, ensuring an even application. Avoid using bar soaps or oil-based moisturizers before applying the tanner, as they can create a barrier and cause streaks. Make sure your skin is dry before applying the mousse for the best results. Brownlow’s first piece of advice is that if you are new to self tanning, “less is more.” If you aren’t happy with your glow or tan, you can always add more later. “Focus on areas with uneven application or streaking, but be gentle to avoid irritation,” she says. “Well-moisturized skin tends to shed dead skin cells more evenly.
One towelette will give you enough product for a full tanning application and can easily be stored in a purse or travel bag. Add the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze™ Self-Tanning Towelettes for Body to your packing list for quick, streak-free color. “A lot of people think the darker the color guide (which is a bronzer), the darker the tan is going to become. But that also means the more orange and blotchy the tan can become,” says Alysa. If you’re a beginner, she recommends a “less is more” approach. Shower with warm water and use an Exfoliating Mitt to completely remove the old tan.
“A clay mask will help to draw the pigment out of the skin and is ideal for larger areas,” he says. As for those smaller spots you’re trying to tackle, Frank suggests grabbing some warm lemon juice and applying it to the area. “Lemon juice mixed with a tsp of baking soda and a few drops of body oil is best for areas that are rough like elbows, palms, and ankles,” he adds. It’s important to moisturize skin after your color is set since (inevitably) color fades and how to prep skin for self tanner.
With this in mind, also opt for underwear/bikinis that you don’t mind getting any solution on that are made of a similar fabric. This way, you can opt for these each time without any worry of trying to find more suitable options. Gradual tanners are your best option, as they do not contain DHA, or contain very little. DHA dries out the skin and can definitely be responsible for a flare-up of eczema. This Ed Hardy bronzer is completely DHA-free but still helps you to build a wonderfully bronzed tan. The Clarins Liquid Bronze Self-Tanner is perfect to use when going on a night out, or a day out on the town.
If you choose to remove your body hair, it’s important to do this before you do your tan. “The trick to a truly flawless glow is all in the prep. Shave or wax at least 24 hours prior to application, and ensure skin is exfoliated with a dry brush or scrub,” Von Hep advises. “This means your skin will have an even surface, so the final result will be even, and more importantly, it will fade evenly like a natural tan would.” These mitts work in a very similar way to a body scrub, but just offer a slightly different range of benefits.
Luckily, the Smoothing Body Exfoliant contains a unique LaH6 Skin Hydration Complex with Shea and Cocoa Butters. This, plus the added Coconut Oil means that this exfoliant multitasks as a moisturiser, deeply hydrating for up to 8 hours and quenching any dry skin. An all-in-one product is a great way to simplify the long checklist of what to do before tanning. As the first self tanner tip, you should always carry out any shaving 24 hours before-hand. This will make sure that your hair follicles have had time to close up and will prevent the product from filling the pores. When this occurs, it can result in that speckled-leg look that you most likely want to avoid.
She suggests leaving it on half the time the product says for hair removal. Opt for one that has aloe in it to ensure you are being gentle on the skin. Gently massage the Saltair KP Body Scrub onto damp skin with fingertips to exfoliate. Focus on areas where dead skin tends to accumulate, such as elbows, knees, ankles, and any rough patches.
Time is your friend when it comes to getting a flawless-looking faux tan from a self-tanning spray (or any self-tanner, for that matter). While you might have the urge to throw on your clothes before your self-tanner is fully dry, this could result in a splotchy finish — and even stained clothes. Of course having a full-body tan with a dull face is just odd — so reach for the L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Water Mist, Vitamin E to complete your look. This water based formula features vitamin E for an extra dose of hydration and there is no prep required.
Hannah Baxter is a New York-based editor, creative consultant, and contributing writer with over a decade of beauty reporting experience. When evaluating a new product, she ensures that her skeptical side balances out her love for all things beauty to find the formulas that are truly worth the price tag. She’s been how to prep skin for self tanner self-tanner on a trial-and-error basis (emphasis on the error) for over 20 years. She is the author of the mental health newsletter, Anxiety Beer, and was previously the deputy beauty editor at The Zoe Report and senior beauty editor at Coveteur.