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.
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.
You can shave after tanning without removing all your newfound colour. Just make sure you wait at least 8 hours, so your tan has had time to develop. Then shave with gentle pressure, using a brand-new razor and an oil-free wash or shaving foam that won't break down your faux glow.
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.
How to self tan to cover strawberry legs? Exfoliate 24h before tanning. Use a tanning glove. Shave 24h prior to tanning. Go over with a slightly damp cleansing cloth or towel. Focus on getting an exfoliating product. Develop a routine to even out skin before applying self tanner.
Wait 24 Hours: Give your skin ample time to recover from shaving before applying the self-tanner. This waiting period allows any irritation to subside and lets your skin regain its natural balance.
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.
After applying your self-tanner, you'll need to give the product time to dry and settle on your skin. Do not get dressed right away, wrap yourself in a towel, or lie down. Wait about 10 to 15 minutes before putting clothes on—and even then, wear loose-fitting attire.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For all the ladies, shaving is something we consider to be vital! But this is a huge factor in why legs won't tan. By shaving you are exfoliating the skin and therefore removing some of the tanned skin. Try to cut back on shaving, and always shave on a day you plan on spending time tanning.
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.
Shaving exfoliates the skin, leaving it supple and ready for bronzing, so it should be done before self-tanner is applied, just not right before since shaving can open pores and create cuts. Prevent irritation and schedule shaving or waxing at least a few hours before you plan to apply tanner.
If your tan is the exact shade you love and you want to keep the gorgeous glow, you typically only have to apply self-tanner about once a week.
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).
Fake tan usually stains bed sheets due to the guide colour within the formulation. The guide colour is the tint that immediately appears on the body when tan is applied – it's there to help you see where you've already applied and assist you achieving a flawless, even application.
Wear dark loose clothing; tight clothing or underwear may cause marks. Wear loose fitting shoes. 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.
It just seems like the hairs are thicker after shaving or removing them because the top part of the new hair has to push through your skin's surface as they grow back.
When should I exfoliate? Should you exfoliate before or after shaving? The answer is yes, to both. One of the most important parts of your pre-shave prep is exfoliation, which helps to buff and prepare your skin.
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.