Dampen your tanning mitt Yes, your skin should be dry prior to self-tanning, however, dampening your tanning mitt before applying your self tanner is a great self tanning tip for beginners especially to ensure an easy, smooth application. The key here is to gently wet your mitt before wringing it out completely.
Yes, your skin should be dry prior to self-tanning, however, dampening your tanning mitt before applying your self tanner is a great self tanning tip for beginners especially to ensure an easy, smooth application.
Moist skin will tan better and more evenly than dry skin. Your skin knows that moisture is important and uses a variety of methods to retain moisture in its surface. Your skin retains water within its natural oils to help them maintain an ordered structure around each skin cell.
Moisturise before fake tan
Avoid using a moisturiser on the day of tanning as this can cause a barrier which affects how the tan absorbs. Instead, only moisturise dry areas such as elbows, knees, ankles and hands. This will prevent the tan from clinging and appearing darker giving a more natural look.
To avoid staining your hands, always apply self tanner with a tanning mitt. Gels and mousses should be dispensed directly onto the mitt then swept over the skin, while mists should be spritzed onto the skin then blended with the mitt.
The first one is eumelanin, or “good” melanin, and the other is called pheomelanin or “bad” melanin. Pheomelanin is orange-red in colour. Eumelanin, on the other hand, is dark brown or black. The ratio between these two types of pigment is what makes the difference in each person's ability to tan.
Our self-tanning experts have also found that applying moisturiser to your hands and feet after letting the tan develop for 30 minutes to an hour will leave you with gorgeous results. As moisturiser prevents the tan from developing, you will be left with softer results on your hands and feet.
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.
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.
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.
The general rule of thumb is to wait at least 2 to 3 hours before showering to give your skin cells enough time to complete the tanning process. This waiting time allows your skin to retain its oils and helps lock in your tan, giving you a deeper, longer-lasting color.
A cloudy sky may not seem like the best choice for tanning, but it is still possible to tan! According to research and studies, around 90% of UV rays penetrate clouds, therefore reaching your skin. Even if you can't feel the sun on your skin, the UV rays that lead to tanning are still present.
How often should I wash my tanning mitt? We recommend washing it down every time. It'll help to keep the mitt clean, which means that your fake tan application is smooth and you don't end up with any old crusty tan from the last times affecting your new glow.
Kiss Orange Palms Goodbye: One of the biggest downsides of self-tanning with bare hands is the dreaded orange palms. But fear not, the mitt acts as a barrier, preventing the tanner from coming in contact with your palms.
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.
Hydrated skin not only looks healthier but also retains a tan more effectively. Avoid hot showers, which can strip the skin of its natural oils, and refrain from activities that cause excessive sweating immediately after tanning.
However, bear in mind, excessive hair can hinder an even tan. It's recommended to remove unwanted body hair before the session for better results.
If you're in a hurry, spray the tops of your feet with a tanning mist where the sun would hit - just make sure you're standing on a dark towel, unless you fancy bronzing your bathroom floor in the process. Don't forget to do a little clean up after your tanning session!
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.
Gradual tan is best applied once a day, or every few days depending on the colour you wish to achieve. It Is not recommended to apply gradual tan twice a day as this can cause the product to build up, too much product can affect how even your colour is.