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.
5. 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.
The exact way to prepare for a self tan is to remove unwanted hair, shower with a natural/organic soap and exfoliate at least a few hours before applying a self tan product. In doing these things beforehand you are preventing clogged pores, the correct skin PH level and a wax taking off your new sunless tan.
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.
Make sure your skin is well moisturised before you apply fake tan. This helps to stop scaly or dry areas such as elbows and knees from absorbing too much fake tan, and becoming too dark or developing orange hues.
Before Your Tan
Before you get into your tanning bed, use a professional indoor tanning lotion to double your colour in one session to make your tan last twice as long. For an even tan: apply a thin layer all over the body by blending in circular motion. For an extra boost of colour, try a lotion with a bronzer.
Massage the self-tanner into your skin in a circular motion. Wash your hands after each section. You will avoid orange-colored palms by washing your hands with soap and water after you finish applying the self-tanner to each section of your body. Blend at your wrists and ankles.
DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT: Do not apply any lotions, oils, deodorant, perfumes, or makeup. All of these can create a barrier on your skin that the tan may not adhere to. If you have the time, take a cool water shower with soap immediately before you come to make sure all products are washed off of your skin.
Yes! Moisturising is key to a long-lasting, streak-free tan. Moisturise daily post-tanning to lock in hydration and leave your skin buttery smooth.
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.
Before applying self-tanner, it's important to prep your skin adequately. A key step to an excellent faux tan (that lasts!) is exfoliation. "Before applying faux tanner, your skin should be completely clean, dry, and exfoliated to remove any dead, dry skin," says Samantha Magill of Tournesol Beauty.
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.
AFTER THE TAN
Shower lightly in cold – lukewarm water for 45 seconds ONLY after your desired development time. Use plain water, don't use shower gels, scrubs, shampoos or loofah during the first 24 hours after your treatment. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub or scrub your skin.
Moisturizing creates a smooth, hydrated base that helps your self-tanner glide on evenly. Without it, dry areas of your body—like elbows, knees, and ankles—soak up more product, leaving you with darker, blotchy areas.
If you showered after just a few hours, you might notice your skin is not as tanned as you'd expected. Don't fret! Your colour will continue to develop and darken for a few hours (and a spray tan takes up to 24 hours to develop fully).
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.
If you leave the spray tan on for longer than 2 hours before showering it will simply develop further and achieve a deeper, darker tan.
LOTIONS Avoid any oils or lotions that use mineral oil (petroleum), baby oil, coconut oil, and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (which is found in most body washes). I have found the best lotions to use are Aveeno, Cetaphil, Hempz, and CeraVe. Lotions with perfumes contain high alcohol levels and tend to dry out the skin.
We don't recommend applying body lotion right before the Tanning Foam. Instead, we suggest exfoliating and moisturizing the day before you tan. Then right before you apply the Tanning Foam apply lotion to any especially dry areas like your ankles, knees and elbows before tanning.
Avoid shaving immediately before your spray tan session. Ideally, shave 24 hours prior to allow your skin to recover and avoid any potential irritation. Exfoliate gently: If you're shaving before tanning, gently exfoliate your skin using a mild scrub or exfoliating glove.
Poor Application
One of the main reasons for a patchy tan is bad application, as rushing the process or using the wrong technique can leave you with uneven colour distribution. Remember, fake tanning requires a gentle touch and precision, so take your time to apply it evenly on the skin.
Apply fake tan to face
Pay close attention to areas like the forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, and, of course, your neck for a seamless transition. Use a light hand and gradually build up the colour to avoid any harsh lines, uneven patches or unsightly streaks.
Moisturise heavily the evening prior to your appointment to rehydrate your skin. Applying extra attention to any dry areas. This will be the last time you use moisturiser until 24 hours after your spray tan appointment. DO NOT use moisturiser on your skin again prior to your spray tan appointment.