How To Prep Skin For Self Tanner Like a Pro

Not to mention, one of the best things about it is that it can be used on your face and body—no need for two separate products. To add a touch of subtle iridescence, we love how to prep skin for self tanner. Certain areas such as hands and elbows are drier and can turn patchy click here. To avoid this, says Jules, “moisturise your hands, elbows, knees and feet as well as your nails with an aloe vera based moisturiser,” says Jules. This gradual tan is highly moisturising and hydrating, but its key feature is the bang-for-your-buck Deep Honey shade, which is punchier than most similar slow-glow products.

After all the effort you’ve gone through to look how to prep skin for self tanner a bronzed goddess, the last thing you want is for it to have rubbed off or turned patchy. Claire has some easy wins to make your tan last for longer. Here is our ‘how to’ guide to achieving that perfect base so that your tan will go the distance and stay airbrush chic right into day 6. For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance.

Make sure to get in areas like elbows, knees, and neck and move mitt or scrub in a circular motion to clean the skin as well as possible. Your hands may look fine, and then 4 hours later they’re all dark. Scrub the palms of your hands with an exfoliator or this tan remover soap after you've finished applying your self-tanner.

One side exfoliates, the other side can be used to apply your tan. Selecting a self-tanner formulated with hydrating ingredients can make all the difference. “Starting with the right product for your skin is the most important first step,” says Menzel. “Using formulas designed specifically for the face and body that are made with hydrating ingredients will how to prep skin for self tanner you achieve an even, natural-looking tan,” especially for mature skin types.

Josie is an Online Beauty Editor with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. Her passions involve all things skincare and beauty and in her free time she likes to travel, read and get her beauty sleep. Here's all you need to know about how to prep for self tan to squash any bronzing fears and achieve an even, silky glow. Lauren Harano is a contributor for PS and was formerly an editor for PS Living, Beauty, and Shop. She has a passion for skin care, murder mysteries, and online shopping. Aside from PS, her work can be found in the pages of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen as well as online at InStyle, Esquire, NBC, and various food and travel sites.

You won’t have to worry about certain areas of the skin losing the artificial bronze tint sooner than others, as only the DHA would be applied to the skin. This also helps more sensitive users avoid food dyes and colorants irritating their skin, which are all usually found in tinted self-tanners. It will not be distorted by the tint involved in other self-tanners, and it helps the self-tan develop to a tone that is very natural to your skin color. Skin or age spots and moles will be less likely to be accentuated when using a clear self-tanner. Clear self-tanners work the same as other self-tanners, but the difference is that they do not contain the tint that other products do.

If you want your bottled tan to stick around, exfoliation prior to tanning is a must. As for the stigma of spending the time and money on this type of appearance-driven activity? The only thing any guy should be embarrassed about when it comes to self tanner is doing it badly. Focus on one area at a time, do your right arm and then your left, and break it down into small areas. Another issue that might arise is that some might feel like the tan hasn’t given them a bronzed enough look. It is important to remember that the bronze tint from normal self-tanner does not come from the active ingredient itself, but rather the dyes added.

Of course, exfoliating is always a good prep step for a smoother finish, but with IONIQ, you’ve got more flexibility if you’re in a rush or just didn’t get around to preparing your skin. Using bare hands to apply a self-tanner is arguably one of the worst mistakes people make. "I recommend using tanning mitts or soft velour towels to avoid hand stains," says Padilla. This keeps the products off your hands and allows for a more even application in the process.

It’s best to apply self-tanner on clean, dry skin for optimal results. You should put the self-tanning product directly onto the tanning mitt. Apply a small amount of self-tanner onto the mitt and then use the mitt to distribute the product onto your skin.

This allows your skin to hold onto moisture without leaving any residue that might interfere with the tanning process. For best results, wait 2-3 hours after moisturizing before applying self-tanner 12. Research shows that exfoliated skin can hold onto a self-tan for 7-10 days, compared to just 3-5 days on skin that hasn’t been exfoliated 125.

You want the most clear, even canvas possible, and water can dilute the product and leave you with a patchy result. "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. If you're using a spray solution, she recommends applying directly on your skin and using a mitt to massage in the product. If you have a mousse or foam, however, it's better to apply product on the mitt before blending on the body.

I’ve used this when I want to feel a bit more glowy, but still keep it chill. Deodorant and perfume are great, but not right before you tan. But if you want your tan to look its best, you’ve got to skip them. Deodorant and perfume can block the self-tanner from sticking evenly.

Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Of course, you'll need a good-quality self-tanner—and there are various types to choose from. They are all talc free, paraben free, nut free, gluten free and cruelty free. Be sure to check out our 3-In-1 Cleansing Bars which are safe on your tan or the Charcoal Detox Bar which can be used to remove fading tans. Treat yourself to Truly’s Silky Smooth Shave Set for all the pre-tanning essentials you’ll need.

Be sure all areas are completely dry before self-tanning as this helps create a more even application. While you may have plenty of moisturizers around your home to help with dry skin, you'll want one that is safe for self-tans. Look for fragrance- and oil-free products and natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and aloe vera. Brands like Aveeno and Cetaphil are some affordable moisturizers you can easily find at your local drugstore.

"When tanning, you should avoid using retinol or exfoliating AHAs or BHAs on your skin as these encourage cell turnover on the skin and will cause the tan to fade more quickly," says Von Hep. Exfoliate your skin at least a day before using any kind of self tanner. If you pay close attention, this light sheen can help you track where you have applied the self-tanning lotion, and where you might need to apply more. However, when applying a clear self-tanner, you will be able to notice a light sheen of the product where it is applied to the skin.

The same goes for shaving, since your skin needs time to heal from any cuts or scrapes from the razor. Pradas suggests shaving a day before your spray tan, and using a washcloth or exfoliating mitt with a non-moisturizing soap or body wash after you shave to get rid of any residue. “Witch hazel can also help to remove moisturizer residue,” she adds. 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. To begin, ensure that your face is clean and well-prepped.

"Use what is left on the mitt to apply to hands and feet, and remember to wipe in between fingers and toes and over nails with a damp cloth or makeup wipe after application." •  Use an ice cube, cold washcloth, or roller to cool your face and close pores prior to applying self-tanner. This will help prevent tanning products from clogging pores. Along with avoiding oil and lotion, you should “remove all makeup, deodorant and perfume with a cleansing wipe just before the spray,” says Evans. Your skin should be free from any products that could interfere with the spray tan. This is also the time when patience is crucial -- you need at least 24 hours to determine how the self-tanner will fully develop on your skin and see the complete results, Trujillo explains.

"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.

Don’t use self-tanner before laser hair removal appointments. The pigment/darker skin from self-tanner competes with laser’s ability to target the hair follicle, which can lead to burns and inadequate results (5, 6). Because certain areas rarely see the sun (for example, the underside of arms), they naturally look lighter when you get a suntan. Imitate that by mixing your self-tanner with lotion in these areas for a more subtle and believable sun-kissed glow. Or, you can pick yourself up a loofah or exfoliating glove from the drug store. Both of these shower accessories will work in conjunction with soft soap while using medium scrub pressure.

The clear formula is infused with coconut water and Vitamin E to soften skin and make for an easier application. It develops into a streak-free tan in just two hours and won't transfer to your clothes, sheets or towels while it bakes in. The color itself is subtle — if you're looking for a deeper tan, a different mousse may work better. As it’s a mist, this product is lightweight enough that it doesn’t feel like an extra layer of skincare or leave you with a sweaty face. It dries quickly and doesn’t require much by way of blending, leaving a natural-looking mid-level golden glow, with bonus antioxidant and hydrating ingredients.

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. Next, flex or claw your hands and fingers while applying—this helps avoid product settling into lines and creases. I like to use our small perfecting brush to really get into those small areas between the fingers and toes. Make sure you blend the tanner into your wrists and the tops of the hands with a brush to make it seamless.

If you wish to republish this content, please credit Green People as the original creator with a link to "How to use self tan with sunscreen." Please do not use an affiliate link. Formulated with active tanning agents like DHA and Erythrulose for a streak-free, gradual tan, it also contains advanced UV filters that give effective UVA and UVB defence. Gloves are crucial, so you don’t end up with orange palms.

We have learned at this stage how to prep skin for self tanner that there is no such thing as a healthy suntan, with SPF and beach umbrellas taking the front seat. Fortunately, these days a sun-kissed glow doesn't require putting hours of your holiday aside to lie in direct sunlight, dehydrated and light-headed. More and more people are relying on the DIY way to add a tint to the skin- straight from the bottle.

So, you’re ready to achieve how to prep skin for self tanner that gorgeous, sun-kissed glow and want to ensure your self-tanning experience is a success? Before diving into the world of self-tanning and achieving that gorgeous sun-kissed glow, it’s crucial to prepare your skin properly. The drier your skin, the faster you will shed those dead skin cells, and the more quickly you will lose your tan. Make sure you moisturize regularly to keep your skin hydrated. But exfoliating after will remove a lot of dead skin cells that are essentially part of your tan. This is an excellent choice for first-time self-tanners who want to try a reliable product without shelling out too much cash.

There are a few steps you can follow that really make your skin look way better. Over the years, I’ve picked up a bunch of tips for prepping your skin for self-tanner, and I’m excited to share them with you. Getting a flawless self-tan starts with proper skin preparation. By following the steps and using the tools we've covered, you can achieve an even, long-lasting glow. For darker patches, try using a self-tan remover or a simple mix of lemon juice and baking soda in equal parts 2. For maintaining smooth skin, the Aquis Exfoliating Back Scrubber is a top pick.

Experts recommend applying the lotion once or twice a week to maintain your tan. Here’s an oil-lotion hybrid perfect for beginners who don’t need their bronze to quickly appear upon initial application. Tan-Luxe’s Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion is a buildable, milky formula that allows you to customize the glow you want with every application. Its vitamin E, aloe vera, and raspberry seed oil blend provides nongreasy, long-lasting moisture that gives skin a light-from-within radiance. For those with dry skin looking to avoid a splotchy tan at all costs, opt for a self-tanning lotion with plenty of hydration benefits.