Exfoliating first is an absolute must. Self tanner tends to cling to dry skin, creating that uneven patchy look (source).
Exfoliate before reapplication: To ensure a smooth and even application, exfoliating your skin before reapplying self-tanner is beneficial. This helps remove any dead skin cells or residue from the previous application, preventing patchiness or uneven fading.
Do... Stay moisturized. Using a moisturizer before & during tanning is so important. If you're skin is dry not only will the tan apply unevenly, but it will begin to patch off and look very fake & odd when fading.
Self Tanner
“Self-tanning lotions are a safe alternative to tanning beds and sun exposure, and they work by temporarily staining the outermost layer of the skin with a color additive called dihydroxyacetone (DHA),” notes Aimee Carr, an esthetician, makeup artist, and founder of Voodoo Makeup.
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.
A full-body exfoliation within 24 hours of your tanning bed session helps to clear your pores, which will result in a more even and long-lasting tan. However, if you run out of time to perform a full exfoliation, giving your body a good scrub with a loofah or similar bath brush should do the trick.
A: You should wait at least 4-8 hours before showering to let your tan fully develop. For darker results, wait up to 12 hours.
The only way to tan safely is by using self-tanning sprays or lotions. Fortunately, self-tanners have come a long way since the days when they left skin streaky and the color of orange cheese-puffs. Self-tanning products are safe and generally don't cause irritation to the skin.
Don't Wear Tight Clothing Immediately: Tight clothing can rub against freshly applied fake tan and cause streaking or smudging. Opt for loose, breathable clothing until your tan has fully dried and developed. Don't Forget SPF: Fake tan does not provide protection against harmful UV rays.
"DHA has been shown to cause an increase in free radicals in the skin," says Chere Lucas Anthony, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Fla. "This can contribute to skin aging as the free radicals break down collagen and elastin in the skin, which leads to wrinkling and skin aging."
Make sure you avoid lotions that contain petroleum, mineral oils, coconut oil or Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) – all of these can compromise your fake tan. Instead choose products made specifically to help nourish and maintain fake tans, such as tan extending lotions or nourishing body butter.
Moisturizing before self-tanning is beneficial for nearly everyone, regardless of skin type. Areas like your hands, feet, elbows, and knees tend to be drier and thicker than the rest of your skin. These spots can absorb more self-tanner, leading to darker patches and an uneven tan.
Hydrated skin will not only tan better but will also keep its colour for longer. Moisturise your skin twice daily to prepare your skin for the sunshine and get that long-lasting tan. Dry skin can lead to a peeling and uneven sun tan and so is effectively the enemy.
Try using lemon and sugar to create a DIY tan removing scrub, or combine lemon or lime juice with baking soda for a fast-acting fake tan remover. Rub onto your body with a warm washer, then rinse thoroughly. Another winning kitchen combo? Olive oil and sugar.
After tanning, you will produce a little bit of sweat, but that's it. There is no reason to shower right away because water does not affect the tan. This is another myth that has been around for ages. The truth is, showering right after getting a tan will not cause staining of your skin.
If you don't have any rubber gloves handy, you can also use a sock for self-tanner application. Go with a thicker sock that doesn't have a match and use it to give your skin a healthy tan glow. Slipper socks may be a great option for a self-tanner applicator because of their thickness.
As sweat is acidic, it can cause self tan to break down when left to sit on the skin.
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.
One crucial step in this preparation is timing your shaving routine just right. If you're wondering when the optimal time is to shave before applying self-tanner, we suggest aiming for approximately 24 hours before.
Tanning is DNA damage. While you may like the look of tanned skin, it's important to understand that the darkening of your skin is objective evidence of DNA damage. The ultraviolet rays of the sun penetrate the skin's epidermis and dermis, causing damage to the cells in both layers.
Once you have washed off your fake tan moisturise your skin daily to increase the longevity of your tan. Dry, dehydrated skin will cause your dead skin cells to shed quicker, taking the fake tan you worked so hard for with it. Use an oil-free moisturiser as oil can break down the product [2].
Self-tanners contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which reacts with the amino acids in the dead layer of your skin to turn you a temporary bronzed color. The base of many of these tanners is green to prevent your tan from looking too orange.
We would recommend if sleeping in fake tan that you invest in tanning sheets (be it a fancy 'fake tan' specific sheets, old sheets you're not fussed about or a darker shade that doesn't show the tell-tale fake tan remnants so easily) and make sure you wear loose, comfy and fake tan friendly sleepwear to bed.