Skin Preparation: Shaving isn't just about hair removal; it's a form of exfoliation. By shaving a day before applying self-tanner, you ensure that your skin is smooth and free of any dead cells. This smooth surface allows the self-tanner to go on evenly and helps it adhere better to your skin.
If you are shaving, you need to shave 24 hours before any fake tan application. If for whatever reason you cannot do that, finish with cold water after shaving to close your pores. Have you ever had brown spots get stuck in your pores? This is from shaving or exfoliating right before a fake tan. Don't do this.
Shave or Wax: Hair can obstruct UV rays from reaching your skin and result in uneven tan. It is best to shave or wax (whatever you prefer) at least a day before your tanning session.
Don't be too rough, as is tempting with ingrown hairs. Being too rough just adds to the inflammation. Use an 'Italy towel' or similar exfoliating mitt on each hand (a lot of fake tan brands self them for pre-tan exfoliation) and use them to gently, lightly buff the skin about twice a week in the shower.
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.
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.
It is important not to wear tight clothing after applying fake tan as this can cause your tan to rub off or cause marks. This can make self-tanning in the morning more difficult as you must wear dark, loose clothing to avoid any transfer and you can't use deodorant or perfume.
Shaving after a spray tan can remove some of the tan, leading to uneven or patchy results. Waiting 8-12 hours after the session and using gentle shaving techniques is important to maintain the tan.
Don't Rush Your Shave Routine
You also want to make sure you're using a clean, sharp razor, as dull blades can cause unnecessary irritation and make strawberry skin more likely to occur. Similarly, shave with the grain (in other words, in the direction of hair growth) to help minimize irritation.
Tanning lotions are fantastic for gliding across smooth skin but can be trickier to blend into a hairy chest, legs and arms. We recommend you opt for a tanning spray or mousse instead because the lighter texture is easier to buff into the skin even when applied over hairy areas.
After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.
Papaya: Like carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, help to enhance your tan naturally thanks to its high beta-carotene levels. Melon: This refreshing fruit, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes will help you to keep your golden skin tone.
If you wax your legs or use a hair removal cream, you'll need to make sure you schedule around your self-tan carefully. According to Evans, both wax and hair removal cream can remove self-tanner, so plan any hair removal at least 24 hours in advance of your tanning session to ensure the legs tan properly.
We know, we know — this seems totally obvious. But after showering, towel off and wait 10 minutes until you're 100 percent dry. "Your skin has to be completely dry," Evans tells Allure. "Water left on the skin will cause a big problem as water will erase and dilute the tan resulting into dreaded streaks and patches."
The cold water will help close the pores and reduce skin inflammation. If you have time, you can soak a towel in cold water and place it on your face for a few minutes for even better results so you won't use the fateful phrase, "I get pimples after shaving" again.
Here are three practical strategies to help prevent and reduce shaving-induced skin darkening: Preparation is Key: For Razor/Wet Shaving: Begin with a thorough face wash using warm water to soften the skin and hair. Apply a rich, Moisturizing Shave Cream designed to shield your skin from the razor's edge.
Both experts say that dry brushing, the physical exfoliant that sloughs away dead skin cells, can be beneficial to keeping strawberry legs at bay. Garshick says it can prevent build-up and keep pores unclogged. You simply take a soft dry brush and brush in circular motions on dry skin before getting in the shower.
While shaving, always use a moisturizing shaving cream. Once you're done shaving, apply a soothing aftershave formulated to reduce the risk of razor bumps and irritation. Use proper technique when shaving to reduce bumps. Shave in the direction your hair grows or you're training it to grow.
Moisturise: After shaving, apply a gentle moisturiser to hydrate and soothe your skin. This step helps prepare your skin for the self-tanning product and ensures it goes on smoothly. Wait 24 Hours: Give your skin ample time to recover from shaving before applying the self-tanner.
Tiny dots on your legs are a giveaway you didn't allow enough time between shaving or waxing your legs and applying the fake tan. To avoid this fake tan gone wrong mishap, make sure you remove any hair at least 12 hours (but ideally 24 hours) before to allow the pores to close.
Use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin prior to applying a self-tanner. Using an exfoliating product also will help remove dead skin cells. Spend a little more time exfoliating where your skin is thickest, on the elbows, knees and ankles. Dry your skin.
A: I usually put this on before going to bed at night. I'll wait around 15 minutes before getting dressed. Even after it dries, I wear a long sleeve pajama top and bottoms, as well as socks, to keep from staining my white bed sheets.
We want your tan to be 20/10 and unfortunately if moisturiser is applied it can leave blotches, marks and strip the tan in certain spots on the skin. Once you've washed off the colour guide and waited at least 8 hours, you can apply your favourite moisturiser to your entire body.