How to Prep Skin for Self Tanner: The Right Way to Avoid Streaks
Achieving a flawless tan at home requires more than just applying self-tanner. Proper preparation of your skin is essential to ensure an even and long-lasting glow click here.
It is not recommended to apply layers of product one on top of the other without washing. Layering the product creates an unnatural color and could create spots on the skin. If you plan to shave, try to do it shortly before applying self-tanner instead of right after. Yes, you certainly can, and in fact, some how to prep skin for self tanner effectively you should – but we don’t.
Exfoliate Thoroughly
You want to make sure the skin is cleansed and exfoliated properly. Try using a moisturizing body wash that leaves the skin clean but not feeling stripped of all the moisture. Christine recommends the new Olay Cleansing & Brightening Body Wash. It's formulated with how to prep skin for self tanner C and vitamin B3 complex, to give the skin a radiant glow while providing long-lasting hydration.
Before applying self-tanner, it's crucial to exfoliate your skin. This step helps remove dead skin cells that can lead to uneven application and patchiness. Use a gentle body scrub or an exfoliating mitt, focusing on areas like elbows, knees, and ankles—where skin tends to be drier and may absorb more product.
We always recommend ensuring that you select a tan that will not only suit your skin tone but also your outfit and timeframe. If you’re in a rush or have had plans sprung on you last minute, we recommend applying our 1 Hour Express Mousse or Instant Tan. If you’re wanting that ‘I’ve just spent two months lying on the beaches in Mallorca’ tan, we would recommend opting for our Ultra Dark or Original Tanning Mousse. To achieve a deeper tan that will continue to develop the pigment, leave it on overnight. If you have fairer skin and are looking for a more subtle glow, opt for something gradual and buildable like our Gradual Tan or Gradual Face Tan.
For on-the-go, explore our travel-size toiletries and miniatures, so you can easily take all your skincare favourites on holidays and business trips. If you want to wax, shave or remove any hair this must be done 24 hours prior to tanning. This gives the hair follicles time to close back up again and will make sure that you don’t get dark spots or an uneven colour. Once you build up your tan to the coloryou want, you can then switch to weekly applications of the self-tanningproduct.
Therefore, bare skin, that’s free from fragrances, anti-perspirant and make up, is the perfect foundation for fake tan application. It is not recommended to apply products before or after the application until you take the first shower. Creams and oils create a barrier on the skin that could prevent the tan from developing evenly. For those seeking a flawless fake tan, it's important to opt for products that utilise natural components and avoid those containing harmful substances.
However, it’s important to note that safe tanners do not offer any form of UV protection—so when you’re outside and exposed to the sun, you must still apply sunscreen in order to protect your skin. If you're new to self-tanner or you're using a more pigmented formula, then you'll want to apply a light layer of moisturizer to the knees, elbows, and ankles. Before you start applying your tan, it’s vital to make sure that your skin is well moisturised so that the tanning product slides on nice and smoothly.
Your palms qualify as areas of thick skin and will stain darker than the rest of your skin. Scrub gently, but use more pressure and scrub longer over the thicker skin areas of your knees, elbows, the back of your hands and tops of your feet. "Self-tanners have DHA (dihydroxyacetone) which tends to dry your skin and can leave patchy areas if you tend to have drier skin already," Alysa says. "So to help prevent this, make sure your skin is well moisturized and hydrated (drink lots of water)." Gradual tan and fake tan are similar, but gradual tanners have lower DHA concentrations for a slower colour change.
Choose the Right Exfoliator
In this guide, we’ll talk you through the whole self tanning process step by step, with some of our self tanning tips thrown in for good measure. Even if you’re a tanning novice, this guide is sure to get you on your way to becoming a seasoned self tanner in no time. Don’t shave just after applying self-tanner as this will make your tan last less long. In fact, shaving is another way of exfoliating the outer skin layer. PAM consists of three simple and easy to remember steps that help to create a healthy looking and flawless semi-permanent fake tan. This is especially important if you're gradually increasing your glow or plan to consistently reapply.
The only negative thing was the pump kept sticking half way through the tan. Sunless tanning solutions do not have sunscreen protection, and will not protect you from damaging effects from UV exposure. Whenever you go into the sun you should always apply a sunscreen. Identify what it really needs with the help of our experts and discover the most suitable skin care routine for you.
Opt for a natural exfoliant that won't irritate your skin. Look for products containing sugar or salt, or consider DIY options such as mixing olive oil with sea salt. Exfoliate 24 hours before tanning to allow your skin to settle.
“Know that if you do use retinoids or exfoliants on your face, neck, or décolletage, your tan will fade more quickly than your body,” Kirbie says. If you really want to maintain the tan on your face, there are options. Use tanning drops in your moisturizer, buy face moisturizer with DHA in it, or use a spritz product to lightly dust your face after you finish your skincare routine. I would avoid using these every day, though, or your tan could get patchy in those areas.” For drops, Kirbie recommends Tan-Luxe, James Read, or Tanologist. Ask any sunless tanning aficionado and they’ll tell you that skin prep is everything when it comes to achieving seamless, natural-looking color. These are the tips to keep in mind before applying self-tanner (or going in for a professional spray tan).
So they wind up missing parts of their back because they cannot reach it. ( Ummm, not a great look when wearing tank tops) So here is a great fix that I came up with that you could do that so simple!! Put a spatula in your tanning mitt and fasten it with a hair tie, ribbon, string or rubber band. Now you can get those hard to reach areas and the mitt is snug and won’t move.
Shave Before Tanning
This will prevent any of the self-tanner from rubbing off and then developing unevenly. When it comes to the actual application, dispense the product onto gloves or a mitt and work quickly with light, circular motions to blend everything thoroughly. Leave the product on as long as indicated before rinsing it off. (For more tips on applying self-tanner, check out Kirbie’s self-tanning tips video). Here are some key tips for preparing your skin for a tan, looking after it while it develops & what to do to maintain your results in the days following.
There are nowmultiple options to choose from including lotions, instant bronzers andeven tanning drops, giving your skin a fabulous glow. If you don’t knowwhere to start, follow our simple guide to get prepped and you’ll beable to achieve a salon quality tanning from the comfort of home. We’ve all seen it—hands and feet four shades deeper than the rest of the body that totally give a fake tan away. Instead, use the excess product from the rest of the body or a tiny pea-sized amount mixed with moisturizer, says Evans. Other than that pea-sized amount of lotion, you want a clean, dry, canvas to work with. "You shouldn't have anything on your skin because it can create a barrier between that DHA, which is the main ingredient that causes the dead skin cells to turn [darker]," says Alysa.
Chlorine can also cause your tan to fade, so avoid swimming in chlorinated pools. When your tan begins to fade, use a gentle exfoliator to remove any remaining product and start the process again. You can also use a product like the Day to Day Gradual tan to maintain and top up your tan between applications. If you assume that the more self-tanner you layer onto your skin, the deeper of a tan you’ll achieve, let us stop you right there. While that logic isn’t totally whacky, it doesn’t quite hold up. When it comes to self-tanner it’s best to apply a single thin layer, let your tan develop and then wait to reapply until the instructions suggest.
Besides the obvious health benefits of sunless tanners versus tanning beds or the sun, they can also be a quick and easy way to look pleasantly bronzed before a special event or vacation. A sunless tan will give you the exact color you are looking in 5 minutes. In addition, you’ll get all the benefits of sun-kissed tan, without the harmful side effects from traditional tanning (i.e. skin cancer, early skin aging). Make sure that your skin is completely dry so that self-tanner can easily absorb. Then apply in small sections versus one large sweep to ensure an even application.
If you shave, do so at least 24 hours prior to applying self-tanner. Shaving right before can leave tiny nicks in the skin, which may become dark spots when the self-tanner is applied. After shaving, rinse your skin thoroughly and pat dry.
If you have been following me for some time or since the beginning of my blog launch back in November, you know I love my gal Tara from @tantaratans. But in case you are new around here, Tara lives right here in Kansas City and runs her very own mobile airbrush tanning business. I have been using Tara as my go-to source to get my monthly glow (aka spray tans) for over a year now - I am so thankful our paths crossed last January before we went on a trip to Mexico! If you happen to live in the Kansas City metro area and need a spray tan, I cannot recommend Tara or her services ENOUGH. She has been so fun to get to know over the past year and her spray tans are by far the best and most convenient sunless tan you can get in the city.
Moisturize Key Areas
Begin with a small amount of product and work in sections, blending the product in circular motions. Be sure to apply the self-tanner evenly and avoid applying too much product in one area. Pay attention to areas like your elbows, knees, and ankles, as they tend to absorb more product and can appear darker than the rest of your body. Use a small amount of product in these areas and blend thoroughly.
Exfoliate your skin the day before or even for a few days leading up to the day of your session. 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.
Apply a light moisturizer to dry areas such as elbows, knees, wrists, and ankles. These parts of your body tend to absorb more self-tanner, leading to darker patches. Make sure to use a non-greasy formula that won't interfere with the how to prep skin for self tanner.
Avoid Heavy Creams
Many areas of the body such as the hands, feet, elbows, and knees, have drier and thicker skin. These areas develop and hold onto self tanners more easily, which can cause uneven coloring. Thoroughly moisturizing prior to applying self tan will help to apply colour more evenly. DHA deposits into the dead surface layer of the skin, so you want to remove the flaky layers that are about to shed -- any dry patches will react with the tanner and look darker than other areas.
Simply smooth onto the skin, follow our maintenance tips, and you’ll get your best glow ever. Whether you’re a full-time fake tanner or just prefer the occasional bronze, getting a good fake tan routine nailed is an essential. Although we’re a fan of quick wins that don’t take up a lot of time, there is the odd occasion where we need to spend a little extra dedication for a full, flawless bronze from head to toe. We’ve got the rundown of the different types of fake tan here. If you guys try out these products, tag me on stories or leave a comment and let me know what you think! I’ve tried out COUNTLESS self tanners and continue coming back to this one and this routine, because both work really well for my skin.
Too little product can cause streaks, so be sure to apply a generous amount to each section of your body. The key here is to gently wet your mitt before wringing it out completely. Think of it similar to using a wet versus a dry beauty blender to put on your makeup. The dampened mitt is going a) prevent your self tanner from soaking right up into the mitt, and b) help your self tanner to glide on more easily, without settling into dry spots.
While moisturizing is important, steer clear of heavy creams immediately before tanning. Thick lotions can create a barrier between your skin and the self-tanner, resulting in uneven color. Stick to lightweight, hydrating products.
Panty Liners for Hands
To prevent your palms from staining during application, consider using panty liners. Place them on the inside of your hands to protect against unwanted color transfer while still allowing you to grip the product.
Choose the Right Day for Application
While, yes, you can do it in the comfort of your own home at any time of day, how exactly do you achieve a faux tan that's both long-lasting and streak-free? Lucky for you, we've asked ourselves the same question before. To get the answer (as well as a faux year-round glow), we tapped Sophie how to prep skin for self tanner, a celebrity tanner and St. Tropez skin finishing expert, to learn more. From how to properly apply self-tan to choosing the right shade for your skin tone, keep reading to learn all the best tips and tricks for getting a sun-free self-tan at home. • Use an ice cube, cold washcloth, or roller to cool your face and close pores prior to applying self-tanner.
Timing can also play a significant role in achieving the perfect tan. Opt for a day when you don’t have any major plans right after application. Give yourself enough time for the self-tanner to develop fully, usually around 6-8 hours, to avoid any unexpected color changes.
Right before applying self-tanner, be sure to wash your face and remove all makeup, oils, and other products from the skin, says Natalia Radosz, tanning expert and CEO of Glow 2 Go NYC. “I recommend using [a gentle cleanser] to get rid of any residue and make sure your skin is completely clean,” she says. Otherwise, leftover makeup or debris can contribute to uneven patches of tanner on the skin. To achieve the best results with gradual tanning lotion, you’ll need to properly prepare your skin beforehand.
Patch Test the Product
Before going all out, conduct a patch test with your chosen self-tanner. Apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area, like your inner arm, to check for any adverse reactions and see how the color how to prep skin for self tanner on your skin type.
When applying the actual self-tanner, it's best to work in small sections. Start with your legs and go up, applying the product in circular motions. "Always use enough product so that you can glide the tan over limbs with ease," Evans says. BTAN self-tanning products are perfect for those with vitiligo, as they can cover the light patches and create a uniform complexion. We recommend applying the product with the Perfect Tan brush for greater precision. Start by applying the product from the center of the white patch outwards, up to 1/2 mm from the edge; let it dry and proceed with a second layer on the entire body using the Perfect Tan glove.
Showering or taking a dip in the pool soon after will impede results. Plan accordingly if using a self-tanner with a guide colour/instant bronzing—you may want to rinse off before bed to prevent stained bed sheets. But there are ways to fix your self-tanning mistakes, says Dr. Lee — to a point. If you’ve accidentally applied too much product in one area, your best bet is to exfoliate. Try gently rubbing the area with a scrub, or use an exfoliating pad. Don’t overdo it, or you could end up with a dark spot that’s also red and irritated (yikes).
Application Technique
When applying self-tanner, use a tanning mitt to ensure even coverage and prevent your hands from staining. Start from the feet and work your way up, using circular motions to blend the product seamlessly how to prep skin for self tanner your skin.
By following these steps on how to prep skin for self-tanner, you will set yourself up for a beautiful, glowing result. Remember that the key lies in preparation, so invest some time in getting your skin ready for the best possible outcome.