How to Prep Skin for Self Tanner: Why Shaving and Exfoliating Matter

This will ensure an even, smooth and streak-free application. Showering after your self-tan application is not the time for harsh scrubbing or exfoliating. If you really want to use products, gently use the back of your hand with an oil-free body wash to rinse the surface solution off. After applying your product to your tanning mitt, sweep across your skin in circular motions see more.

Achieving a flawless sun-kissed glow with self-tanner requires some preparation. Properly prepping your skin can make all the difference in the final result. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prep skin for self tanner.

We recommend exfoliating at least 24 hours before applying your tan to allow your pores enough time to cool and close. If you’re a beginner to self-tan using a product that gradually builds will suit you better. Chanel’s offering also helpfully comes in two shades for different skin tones and is enriched with fine coppery pearlescent pigments to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When it comes to applying self tanner to your face, use our Unity Face and Body Tanning Drops mixed in with a moisturiser of your choice. This will help ensure that you get the right amount of colour without clogging your pores. Use over a couple of days to create a deeper tan and always remember to wash your hands.

This is an instant on-the-glow stay-cay AND vay-cay essential. You will begin to see results around the 4 hours, but your tan will continue to develop for up to 24 hours after application. Knowing how to self-tan comes in very handy when you’re a bride with a busy social calendar and little time for appointments. So, without further ado, here is our fool-proof step-by-step guide on how to self-tan at home. Even though the tan itself will deepen as it seeps in, you might want to build the color over a week or so. Westbay shares, “You can apply self-tanning drops as often as preferred. Depending on the level of tan you wish to accomplish, you can reapply these drops as often as daily.”

However, the more product you apply, the darker you will become, so it is recommended to be careful in choosing and using the products correctly. In the first applications, use a small amount of product and gradually add more in later applications until you achieve the desired effect. BTAN self-tanning products are the only safe alternative to achive a golden complexion for those who suffer from rashes or have skin tumors. BTAN products are suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive, because they are 99% natural.The result obtained varies according to the starting skin tone and how much product is applied.

I would sweep over the areas of the face the sun normally hits, so your forehead, the bridge of your nose, cheeks and jawline, to give your face a more natural bronzed depth. Deep all over tans are usually best left to the professionals but a more subtle full-body glow can be easily achieved at home with regular application of self-tanning moisturisers. Men’s skin generally produces more sebum (oil) than women’s – also men’s skin texture is usually around 25% thicker and tougher.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prep Skin

We’re proud to be cruelty-free and made in the USA, upholding the highest standards of quality and ethics. The key to a long-lasting tan that’s free of streaks and splotches is proper application. Sunless tanning delivers all of the benefits of a stunning tan without theneed to spend time baking in the sun. Here’s how to get a sun-kissed complexion without the harmful rays guide on how to prep skin for self tanner!

Once you’ve applied enough moisturizer, gently rub it in using circles, and give it a few minutes to dry before moving onto the next step. The power of makeup is undeniable; our favorite products help us create the beauty looks we love, enhance our favorite features, and encapsulate our individual definitions of beauty. The best makeup routines help the modern woman boost her confidence and face the world head on—no matter what the day has in store. Our marbleized baked foundation contains multiple color-correcting shades that self-adjust to your skin tone. Whether you choose a shade slightly lighter or darker, it will still work for you. 48 L’Oréal Age Perfect Beautifying Silver Care, 80ml, £11.75Since bleaching my brown hair to match my greys in 2021, I have tried more than 100 temporary toners, from purple shampoo to indigo mousse.

Carly also says to “avoid baths all together so you don’t soak your glow away”. “The hands and feet need to look super blended as the skin in these areas are very sensitive to self-tan development.” Hands are especially prone to turning orange after self-tanning, so for best results, keep them covered. “Use a tanning mitt or latex gloves to apply the self-tanning product evenly and to avoid staining your fingers and palms,” Kittaneh suggests.

Before starting to apply a gradual tan, it is important to exfoliate your skin as it helps remove dead skin cells. By getting rid of rough or uneven patches, exfoliation ensures a more uniform application of the self-tanner and reduces the likelihood of streaks or blotches. On the other hand, if you notice that your tan is becoming uneven , a regular exfoliation can aid in fading the pigment. As the top layer of skin sheds naturally, exfoliation promotes a smoother transition between tanned and untanned areas, preventing the tan from appearing patchy or uneven over time. One of the first things you should do before applying self tanner is to exfoliate your skin.

Provides a dark and natural looking self tan in just 1 hour. Avoid using harsh soaps or exfoliants, as these can cause your self-tan to fade faster. To achieve an even and flawless self-tan, you need the right tools. The best way to tan your feet is to first focus on exfoliation. But if you’ve ever taken to the mitt, you’ll know how challenging it can be to avoid white spots on tricky areas such as the underarms and neck.

In the past, people used face scrubs and exfoliants to prep the face for tanning, but now your regular skincare routine should have you covered. If you have a consistent routine that combines cleansing with light exfoliation, you won’t need extra exfoliation and therefore won’t risk throwing your skin barrier off balance. For an even tan, you should keep your skin moisturised and nourished. However, it’s very important to moisturise at least 24 hours before applying your chosen tanning lotion, as the moisturiser acts as a barrier, preventing the tanning formula from accessing the skin. Her products require some slightly different prep work and application than you might already be doing, so I want to make sure I am setting you up for self-tan success!

The towelettes smooth and soften skin with three exfoliating acids (glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids), which prepares your skin for a natural and even application. For a natural enhanced glow that’s suited to all skin tones, we suggest Medium. For a darker ‘holiday’ tan result, or if you have a darker skin tone, we suggest Dark. Our Self-Tanning Mousse is also buildable, so you can easily apply an additional layer to deepen the results if you wish. Note that certain self-tanning products,like Fake Bake’s Flawless CoconutTanning Serum for Face and Body, require you to rinseoff the guide color with warm water after development time. Always go for thespecific instructions that come with each product for best results.

For instant, sheer glow apply this pearlescent lotion all over your face. For more coverage, layer your regular foundation over the top. For a brightening moisturiser, mix in with your day cream or use it as a cheekbone highlighter. 8 L’Oréal Revitalift Clinical Anti-UV Fluid, 50ml, SPF50, £19.99 One of the most celebrated skincare products of 2023.

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the sugar molecule that has a chemical reaction with amino acids in the outermost top layer of the skin. This reaction causes a temporary darkening, it doesn’t penetrate deeper into the skin. So, exfoliating before the application is important to ensure even application, but the skin should also be dry because oils could interfere with the binding of DHA to the stratum corneum.

Consider your skin tone and desired tan intensity when choosing a self-tanning lotion. Opt for a self-tanner specifically designed for the body, as they often have a different formulation than those for the face. You can choose between lotions, mousses, or sprays, depending on your preference and the finish you desire guide on how to prep skin for self tanner.

Follow these steps to ensure your skin is ready for self-tanning:

One of the original — and most viral — bronzing drops are by Drunk Elephant, which have a concentrated, sunshiny colour. The drops are designed to be mixed into your morning serums and moisturisers (or even your body lotion), you can adapt your tan and makeup day by day. Now that you know what you need to do tokeep your tan looking its best and lasting its longest, all that’s left is stockup on the best self-tanning products. Tiny dots on your legs are a giveaway you didn’t allow enough time between shaving or waxing your legs and applying the fake tan. To avoid this fake tan gone wrong mishap, make sure you remove any hair at least 12 hours (but ideally 24 hours) before to allow the pores to guide on how to prep skin for self tanner.

If your facial tan needs a little top-up, our Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk – Face is perfect for the job. You could also mix a little of the GLO Matte One Day Tan into your everyday foundation for an instant bronze boost. Did you know that you can also use our GLO One Day Tans to contour your face? Apply to the hollows of your cheeks, jawline, forehead and even around your nose – all the places you’d usually apply bronzer. Grab your favourite blending brush and buff in for a seamlessly sculpted look. Get your Bondi Sands glow with the added bonus of skin-loving ingredients from our Pure Self Tanning Product Range.

1. Exfoliate Your Skin

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• Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a loofah to remove how to prep skin for self tanner ead skin cells.
• Focus on dry areas such as elbows, knees, and ankles.
• Exfoliate at least 24 hours before applying self-tanner for best results.

Now that you’ve achieved the golden goddess glow of your dreams, there are a couple of things to can do to ensure you stay bronzed for longer. If you’re using one of our instant tans, like the Wash Off Instant Tans or how to prep skin for self tanner GLO Range, you can skip this step and get straight to glowing. This is also the time to shave if you want to, but be gentle.

Open pores can be one of the biggest obstacles to an even application of a self-tanner, so the pore-refining element of this product can be such a bonus to anyone with oily skin. Our Transforming Clarity Body Spray also has a hydrating impact on the skin, leaving skin feeling moisturised without impacting the application of your tan. Our Clarifying Clay Body Wash will cleanse the skin without leaving the skin feeling dry or tight, while purifying the skin to remove sweat and excess oil. If you have any cuts or scrapes, wait until they’ve fully healed before applying self-tanner to avoid any irritation or discoloration. However, keep in mind that it’s important to give your skin time to fully absorb the product before you apply another layer. Gradual tanning lotion is a great option if you’re new to self-tanning or looking for a more subtle, natural-looking tan.

2. Shave or Wax

• If you shave, do it the day before to allow any irritation to subside.
• Waxing should also be done at least 24 hours in advance.

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Apply a quarter-size amount of our clean-ingredient self tanner onto your mitt or applicator brush. Begin applying in sections, starting from your legs and work your way up. Use long, sweeping motions to ensure a streak-free application. Make sure to apply more lightly and blend well on your wrists, ankles, and hands. For your back, apply tanner with a back applicator or grab a friend to help.

3. Cleanse Your Skin

• Take a thorough shower to cleanse your body of any products like oils, lotions, or perfumes.
• Use a mild body wash to avoid stripping moisture from your skin.

4. Moisturize Strategically

• Apply a lightweight moisturizer to normal areas.
• Avoid heavy creams on dry spots to prevent uneven tanning.
• Consider using a barrier cream on very dry patches like elbows and knees.

5. Dry Completely

• Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying the self-tanner.
• This prevents streaks and ensures even application how to prep skin for self tanner.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Wear gloves or use an applicator mitt to prevent staining your hands.
• Apply self-tanner in a well-lit area to see missed spots easily.
• Start with a small amount of product and build up to your desired shade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use self-tanner on my face?

Yes, but choose a formula specifically designed for facial skin. Always patch test first.

How long should I wait after exfoliating to apply self-tanner?

It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours post-exfoliation to allow your skin to how to prep skin for self tanner.

Is it necessary to moisturize before applying self-tanner?

Moisturizing can help achieve a more even application, but avoid heavily moisturizing dry areas directly before application.

How do I fix mistakes if the self-tanner looks uneven?

Gentle exfoliation, using a tan remover, or applying a light coat over the uneven areas can help correct mistakes.

By following these preparation steps, you can enhance your self-tanner experience and enjoy a radiant, how to prep skin for self tanner glow.