Exfoliate your face the day before application Exfoliating your face before applying fake tan is the best way to give your skin a fresh base for a flawless self-tan. By removing dead skin cells and impurities, you create a smooth and even surface that allows the self-tanner to adhere better and prevent patchiness.
Then, cleanse the skin and apply an oil-free moisturizer to lock in hydration, focusing on the chin, nose, behind the ears and the back of the neck. Top Tip: Oil can prevent the face tanner from absorbing properly, so avoid using any oil-based skincare products 24 hours prior to tanning.
It's important to exfoliate 24 hours prior to tanning. This will remove any dead skin and create the perfect base for your tan application. We'd recommend using our Tan Enhancing Body Polish and Exfoliator.
To achieve a natural tan while maintaining your skin tone, use a gradual tanning lotion or a self-tanner with a subtle bronze shade. Limit sun exposure to avoid over-tanning, and always wear sunscreen to protect your skin. This will help you get a sun-kissed glow without compromising your skin's natural tone.
The skin on your face is far more sensitive than the skin on your body and so it makes sense that it would need an entirely different formula. Facial skin doesn't tan in the same way as the body – it tends to go a little bit darker because of its higher pH.
Get your prep on
Self-tanner loves to cling to dry spots, so make sure you exfoliate to ensure an even application and prevent patchy results. Around 24 hours before your glow-up, slough away those dead skin cells with a gentle facial scrub or chemical exfoliant (like AHA wipes or a serum).
To avoid patchy tan, we suggest applying a light layer of moisturiser to dry areas, like the Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion, prior to applying the tan. This will create a slight barrier between your skin and the product, so that these areas remain perfectly tanned without appearing blotchy and uneven.
Avoid wearing make-up, perfume or deodorant on the day of the tanning bed session. That's because these chemicals can negatively impact the even result of the final tan. For the same reason, please don't wear watches or jewellery.
So before you self-tan, it's essential to exfoliate dead skin cells and get your skin's surface as smooth as possible. As far as exactly how to exfoliate before self-tanner, you have several options. You can use a face scrub, a chemical exfoliant or even just use a washcloth to gently buff skin.
you definitely want to use a tanning lotion prior to tanning! moisturized skin holds a tan for much longer. if you do not use lotion, the rays will bounce off your skin instead of absorbing it! After tanning, lotion is called tan extenders.
Tanning Bed Tips for Pale Skin
To prevent burning, it's essential to start with a lower-level bed and gradually increase the level as your skin becomes more accustomed to UV rays. Additionally, you should limit your tanning sessions to shorter lengths, such as 3 minutes, and work your way up to longer sessions.
Always wear FDA-approved protective goggles when using a tanning bed. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient as they do not provide the necessary protection against intense UV rays emitted by tanning beds.
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.
The skin of your face is a bit different then the rest of your skin which might be why it is harder to tan.
The professional indoor tanning industry promotes and teaches what we refer to as The Golden Rule of Smart Tanning: Don't ever sunburn. The indoor tanning industry has been more effective at teaching sunburn prevention than those who promote complete sun avoidance.
☀️Tanning Tip Tuesday☀️ How to avoid the “bunny tail” or white spots on lower back or under your arms or sides: ✅ when using a lay down bed always reposition your body every few minutes to achieve an even tan. Switch from side to side and rest your arms behind your head .
4. 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.
Rub a small amount over your face in gentle, circular movements using an Application Mitt. To really nail that natural look, grab a blending brush and buff the product into your skin. Pay extra attention to the area around your hairline and jaw where harsh lines could appear.
It is super simple to exfoliate, all you have to do is get an exfoliating mitt and an organic body wash and rub in circular motions in the shower or bath. For best results, exfoliate 24 hours BEFORE a spray tan or self tan, this will make sure your pores are closed.