One of the benefits of gradual tanning lotion is that it allows you to customise your tan to your desired depth by applying the product once a day. However, keep in mind that it's important to give your skin time to fully absorb the product before you apply another layer.
The beauty of using a gradual tanner is the freedom it gives you to bespoke your glow. One layer provides a light, natural-looking tan, but you can build up over the course of a few days to deepen the results.
Here is the long-winded reason why you should not be double layering your self tan 🙌 1. **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. 2.
Gradual tan is best applied once a day, or every few days depending on the colour you wish to achieve. It Is not recommended to apply gradual tan twice a day as this can cause the product to build up, too much product can affect how even your colour is.
You can apply 2 days in a row. The tanner I have recommends that if you want it super dark to do a layer, then 30 minutes later do another layer, then rinse after 8ish hours like usual.
Applying too much product too quickly can result in streaking, patchiness, or an unnatural orange colour. Instead, stick to one application per day and build up your tan gradually over time. This will give you a more natural-looking result and reduce the risk of any mishaps.
While gradual tan is more likely to apply and fade evenly, it is still possible for your gradual tan to go patchy. It'll all depend on the quality of the gradual tan you're applying, how much you've prepared your skin before applying gradual tan, and how well you care for your new glow.
For an even, streak free tan, start at the centre of your back and slowly move outwards using long vertical strokes. This will ensure a smooth, golden glow top to bottom. Don't forget to blend the tan all over so it's flawless front to back! Happy tanning!
Once your special event is over, allow your tan to fade away in full and exfoliate your skin a day before your next spray tan. This creates the perfect base for a new application of tanner.
Applying at night gives your self-tanner time to develop a natural tan look. Things like showering, rain, or tight clothes can mess up your tan when it's trying to settle. And some tanning products will also stain! As the self-tanner process can take up to eight hours, applying right before bed is super convenient.
And if you apply too much DHA for your skin tone, you can end up slightly orange – no matter how good quality a tanning formula you use.
Our Self Tanning Mousse in Violent Dark is ideal for getting the smooth and even color you want, but it's not good to layer it on top of itself. Before you reapply, it's super important to naturally remove as much of your last application as possible before you put on more.
After 4-8 hours, your gradual tan will be fully developed into a natural, sunkissed glow. To achieve a deeper bronzed look, reapply your gradual tanning lotion daily to build your tan.
Double coats applied in this fashion also allow you to layer multiple products, for example creating a base tan with your first product choice and a top coat with your second product choice allows you to cross categories and get multiple product benefits in one double coat tanning application, such as using an ultra ...
Gradual tan lotion differs from regular self-tanners by providing a more subtle transformation over several applications, as opposed to the quicker and more intense colour change of regular self-tanners with higher concentrations of DHA.
You will still tan after having a gradual tan, the DHA is the active ingredient in self tanning products. This when applied to the skin will cause a chemical reaction to the amino acids present in the skin cells found in the top layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum).
Instead, my go-to formula is leaving the self-tanner on longer than specified, and applying another coat halfway through. For example, I'll apply the 2 HR Express formula and plan to leave it on for 5-6 hours, setting a timer to do another application 2.5-3 hours in.
For most users, the desired colour develops gradually over several applications, so it's worth developing a self-tan routine. For a deeper shade, you may choose to reapply the product every day — especially if you notice as the tan develops that you missed a spot the previous day.
According to Evans, you can apply gradual tanner every day until you are at your desired shade. “After that,” she notes, “stop for a few days, then use for about two days, stop again for a few days and then re-apply.” You only have to use a gradual tanner daily when you are building your glow.
We recommend avoiding swimming for 6 - 8 hours after applying your tan to allow it to develop fully on your skin. Once your tan has developed you can swim, however seawater and chlorinated pools may result in your tan fading faster.
The initial development of your gradual tan will take place over the first 2–4 hours after application, so you should avoid showering during this initial period to allow your tan to develop properly. After this, showering every day should not make your tan slower to develop.
Depending on how long your tan takes to develop, it can be best to sleep in it overnight and wash it off in the morning — just be sure to use dark coloured sheets or a tan sheet protector. Use cooler water to wash off the residue of your fake tan.
Gradual Tan Tips
Shaving also removes the surface layer of skin cells that holds the colour, which means shaving post-tan can result in colour reduction.