The biggest question we always see is “Should I moisturize before self-tanning?” The answer is YES, but avoid moisturizing your skin immediately before applying sunless tanner. Doing so can cause your
Moisturise before fake tan
As part of your tanning prep, it is essential to ensure your skin is hydrated by using a moisturiser every day on the lead up to your application. Avoid using a moisturiser on the day of tanning as this can cause a barrier which affects how the tan absorbs.
Do not apply lotion before self tanner -- moisturizer acts as a barrier so it will prevent the self tanner from working. Same goes for oils and perfumes. You want your skin to be as clean as possible!
You can also just add the body self tanner to your moisturizer! This is what I do. My understanding is that the skin on your face soaks up the fake tan more easily so you can quickly go darker on your face than your body. Diluting it will moisturizer will help.
cerave, cetaphil, aveeno, Bondi sands, and Vaseline intensive care cocoa radiant are all good. You could also use a gradual tanning lotion if you want to prolong the fake tan.
After applying your self-tanner, you'll need to give the product time to dry and settle on your skin. Do not get dressed right away, wrap yourself in a towel, or lie down. Wait about 10 to 15 minutes before putting clothes on—and even then, wear loose-fitting attire.
Follow your cleanse by applying your toner, serums, eye creams etc. then you're ready to get glowing. The final step in your skincare routine is your self tan step! Whether you're mixing your glow drops with moisturizer or your rose spraying the day away here are a few tips for perfecting your glowing facial tan.
Moisturize just before tanning
Fake tan can often cling to very dry areas, so make sure that your skin is well-hydrated. Use a moisturizer every day in the week leading up to tan application, then moisturize very dry areas, such as elbows, knees, ankles, feet and hands, 2 to 3 hours before tanning.
**Risk of Over-Tanning**: Applying a second layer can lead to a much darker and potentially unnatural appearance. This may result in an uneven or patchy finish, especially in areas where the product tends to gather.
Ensure you're applying your preferred product to clean, dry skin after showering and 24 hours post-shaving. Keep your application light and you'll be good to go. Learn more about preparing for your self tan here.
You should definitely moisturize before getting a spray on tan, but not too close to your appointment. Scented products like lotions, creams, perfumes, and even deodorants can affect how your spray tan adheres to your skin.
A patchy, streaky or dotty fake tan often means you've missed a 'prep step' in the run up to your treatment. Preparing your skin for your fake tan encourages an even, long-lasting glow so it's well worth examining your pre-tan routine to check where you might have gone wrong.
Thankfully, you can counteract this by incorporating tanning drops into your nighttime routine! Simply mix 2-3 drops into your moisturiser and you can top up your glow as you sleep. Turns out finding the balance between self tanner and retinol is too easy.
Moisturizing these parts using an oil-free moisturizer prevents them from soaking in too much of the tanning lotion, leading to dark patches. Keep the rest of your skin dry and free of oils and other lotions to maximize the effectiveness of your tanning lotion.
Now that your self-tanner is on, it's time to take care of it. Be patient and let it dry fully before you put on clothes, jump into bed, sit on the couch, etc. Essentially, leave it alone until it sinks in. This could take around 20 minutes.
To keep the drier areas from going patchy, make sure you moisturise all over and pay extra special attention to these troublesome areas. Try to leave the moisturiser to sink in for at least half an hour before you start the application stage of your fake tan routine.
Exfoliate and moisturize 24 hours before you apply your self tan, paying particular attention to elbows, knees, ankles and problem dry areas. Wax or shave at least 48 hours prior to treatment. This allows the pores time to close. Dotting in pores may appear if not adhered to.
Stay hydrated!
You should know by now that dehydrated skin can lead to flaking & peeling causing your fake tan to fade faster and resulting in a scaly tan. We want to try to avoid this as much as we can… Drinking plenty of water is going to keep the skin hydrated and feeling smooth.
Apply Moisturizer Before Tanner
After exfoliating your body, continue the prepping process by applying a moisturizer. You shouldn't apply self-tanner without moisturizing first, because skipping out on this prep step could potentially leave you with patchy color — this goes for your face and the rest of your body.
Self tanners can expect their golden hue to last between 7-10 days due to the natural turnover of skin cells. Or if you get a tan outside, you can expect your tan to fade in about the same amount of time at 7-10 days as well.
Smooth your face before you apply a fake tan with a facial scrub, such as the Fresh Scrub , enriched with lava beads and willow herb extract. Additionally, the Gentle Peeling Smooth Away Cream is ideal for all skin types; it eliminates dead skin cells and impurities, leaves skin soft and radiant, and ready to tan.
You can shave after tanning without removing all your newfound colour. Just make sure you wait at least 8 hours, so your tan has had time to develop. Then shave with gentle pressure, using a brand-new razor and an oil-free wash or shaving foam that won't break down your faux glow.
We all perspire while we sleep, and if you go to bed with a fresh sunless tan, where there is skin-on-skin contact it can cause a transfer of tan.