How to Prep Skin for Self Tanner for Special Events: What You Should Know

That way, your tan can develop while you binge your favorite content or while you sleep, so you can wake up to a gorgeous, radiant complexion. If you love the idea of a spray tan, opt for this self-tanner spray with a wide applicator nozzle to help you get an even, streak-free result. If you’re nervous about going full-throttle with a self-tanner, try a formula made to be added to moisturizer for a more gradual effect see more.

“Our pores are wide open right after a hot shower or bath,” adds Alysa. “That can cause the tan to not achieve its full darkness.” While I thoroughly enjoy a faux glow that tricks others into thinking I just spent two full weeks OOO, I’d never been one of those people with a dedicated weekly self-tanning ritual. Honestly, I considered it a win if I applied self-tanner once every few months. I have an arsenal of tanning foams, lotions, and sprays in my bathroom patiently waiting to be uncapped—I just wasn’t confident enough in my skills to wind up without a patchy or lackluster result. Rather than experience the horror of a streaky tan, I simply resigned to a lack of warmth—until now, that is.

Achieving a flawless tan at home requires more than just applying self-tanner; proper skin preparation is essential for a smooth and even application. Here’s how to prep skin for self tanner effectively.

For a mist, Evans recommends holding the bottle about four inches away from the face and spritzing down the center and sides of the face. The active ingredient in these topical tanners is referred to as DHA, an abbreviation for the compound dihydroxyacetone. This ingredient temporarily stains the skin but will wash away within a week or so. This step is essential—hydrate your full body after you rinse off. After that, kick up your full-body moisturizing sessions to twice per day if you can swing it. “Moisturizing twice a day and keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day truly helps with keeping that tan lasting,” Alysa explains.

1. Exfoliate

However, it is recommended not to apply the product directly on the nipples if you are breastfeeding. At Mother of Tan, we are committed to providing Vegan-friendly and Cruelty-Free products. All our products are Vegan and Cruelty-Free, which is the most important factor to consider when purchasing a fake tan.

Exfoliation is the first step in prepping your skin. By removing dead skin cells, you create a smooth canvas that allows the self-tanner to adhere evenly. Use a gentle body scrub or an exfoliating glove to buff away any rough patches. Focus on areas prone to dryness, such as elbows, knees, and ankles.

Your skin is primed and left smoother, allowing you to apply your chosen self tanner seamlessly. You can use a chemical exfoliator, such as a lotion containing glycolic or lactic acid, or a physical exfoliant or scrub. You can find a wide array of body scrubs in most beauty stores and aisles. When exfoliating, pay particular attention to areas of your body where you tend to experience the most dryness, such as your knees and elbows. As well as taking longer to tan in the sun, your legs can be tricky to self tan too.

All spray tans must end, which doesn’t have to be a bad thing. When you’ve hit the seven—to ten-day mark, you’ll see signs of fading and know it’s time to scrub it. Grab an exfoliating mitt at the end of your shower and buff your skin. The skin will be soft and moisturized, and you’ll start to see the self-tanner buffing away. If your how to prep skin for self tanner is dry when you go in to get your spray-on tan, there’s a chance the pigment could cling to dry patches, resulting in a blotchy, uneven tan. Prior to your appointment, make sure your skin is adequately hydrated from head to toe.

When applying the product, start with a small amount and blend it in well, paying extra attention to areas that are prone to streaking, such as the neck, knees, elbows, and ankles. For best results, we recommend waiting at least 24 hours between applications. This will give the product enough time to fully develop and prevent any streaking or unevenness. Preparing your canvas is essential to achieving an even and long-lasting tan. So, before diving headfirst into the how to prep skin for self tanner of fake tan, let’s talk about prepping your face for a flawless application. From exfoliating and cleansing to application and moisturising, we run you through our top tips for how to fake tan.

Tips for Exfoliating:

Self-tanners work beautifully to give you great looking bronzed skin…without the wrinkles and age spots you’d get from the sun. With proper application, you can rely on self-tanners to give you a tan look whenever you want. “If you are a person that gets sweaty at night or likes to exercise daily, an express development self-tan would be ideal,” Evans explains. High-quality self-tanners, when applied correctly, provide a natural-looking tan without an orange hue. It’s worth repeating, but the safest way to tan is to  wear your SPF daily  (promise us you do this!) and then – fake it, baby! Our love of self-tan is only growing – even being housebound throughout lockdown, we still made the effort.

• Choose an exfoliant suitable for your skin type.
• Exfoliate at least 24 hours before applying self-tanner to allow your skin to settle.

2. Shave or Wax

If you plan to shave or wax, do so a day before applying self-tanner. This helps how to prep skin for self tanner prevent irritation and allows your pores to close, reducing the chance of dark spots. Ensure your skin is clean and free of products after shaving or waxing.

It’s superb for hard-to-reach areas, and for evening tan lines. For those with dry, sensitive skin, The No.3 Tan Lotion can give especially great results. Equally they can use No.1 Tan Drops from Boë, where they mix it with their favourite moisturizer. Normally mousses are the easiest to rub on and distribute – but all Boë’s products fits the bill. They are how to prep skin for self tanner as quick drying formulas to suit fast paced lives, where we multi task and are on the run. They have the extra benefit that behooves the most of us, as they contain ingredients that’ll make your tan slightly deeper than other self tanners – and by that, the more natural.

You can also apply a tiny amount of product on a makeup sponge or Kabuki brush to dab on those areas. “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. You may also want to wait a beat until your skin fully dries off after showering. Again, a dry canvas is best, and your skin may feel hot and damp for several minutes post-rinse.

When exfoliating, you remove dead skin cells where the DHA is suppose to settle on.The product won’t have anything to attach to, and therefore gives no result. Start by exfoliating your feet to remove any dead skin how to prep skin for self tanner and moisturising them, paying special attention to the drier areas like your heels, ankles, and the tops of your toes. This will help the self-tanner glide on smoothly and prevent it from clinging to dry patches.

Recommended Hair Removal Techniques:

• Use a sharp razor for shaving to minimize nicks.
• If waxing, opt for a reputable salon to ensure minimal irritation.

To prime skin for a fresh tan application, remove all trace of tan. The quickest and easiest way to do this is with a remover mousse and/or tan removing mitt. “By actively removing fake tan you will be stripping the skin back so don’t forget to rehydrate it! Lots of moisturiser and for the face, a good hydrating and barrier protecting serum is a good idea,” says James.

Let the formula dry on its own (don’t rinse), then throw on your loose-fitting, dark clothes when your skin is dry. This helps distribute the sunless tanning product more evenly, reducing the likelihood of streaks. It also helps prevent stained palms (if you skip the mitt, wear disposable gloves or wash hands every few minutes during application). If you’re new to or not so self-assured with self-tanner, the tips below will be especially effective if you take it easy and go with a lighter-toned formula at first. Wash with a gentle cleanser, make sure your skin is always moisturized, and avoid using retinols and acne treatments, which can dissolve color on your face. This step is essential to remove any dirt, oil or makeup residue that could interfere with the self-tanner application and result in an uneven finish.

3. Moisturize

Moisturizing is crucial for maintaining skin hydration. Apply a light, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without causing the self-tanner to slide off. Focus especially on dryer areas like elbows, knees, and how to prep skin for self tanner, but avoid applying too much product in these spots to prevent uneven color.

Best Practices for Moisturizing:

• Use a fragrance-free moisturizer to prevent reactions with the self-tanner.
• Allow the moisturizer to absorb fully before applying self-tanner.

4. Choose the Right Self-Tanner

Selecting the right self-tanner for your skin tone can make a significant difference in your final look. Consider options like mousse, lotion, or spray, and choose a shade that complements your natural skin tone.

Self-Tanner Selection Tips:

• Test a small area first to see how the color develops.
• Read reviews to find reputable brands that suit your needs.

5. Application Technique

When applying self-tanner, use a mitt for a streak-free finish. Work in sections, how to prep skin for self tanner thoroughly. Start with your legs and work your way up to avoid transferring product to clothing or furniture.

Application Steps:

• Apply in circular motions to ensure even coverage.
• Wash your hands immediately after application to avoid staining your palms.

6. Allow Time for Development

After application, let the self-tanner develop according to the product instructions. Avoid showering, sweating, or swimming during this time to ensure the color sets properly.

Final Touches:

• Wait at least 8 hours before showering for optimal results.
• Use a gentle soap when you finally wash off to maintain your tan.

By following these steps on how to prep skin for self tanner, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a beautiful, sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV exposure. Happy tanning!