Exfoliating before tanning is not a step to skip; it's a vital part of the process. Whether you opt for exfoliating washes, mitts, or DIY scrubs, taking the time to prep your skin will lead to a more even, longer-lasting tan.
If you tan dead, dry skin which will eventually flake off you are wasting your time and possibly your money as well if you go to a tanning salon, therefore you should always clean, exfoliate and moisturize your skin before tanning.
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.
This is such a good question, and it makes sense as to why it is one of the most popular questions women have when it comes to self tanning or even spray tanning. Can you self tan or spray tan with hairy legs? The answer is yes!
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.
Moisturise Dry Areas
To keep the drier areas from going patchy, make sure you moisturise all over and pay extra special attention to these troublesome areas. Try to leave the moisturiser to sink in for at least half an hour before you start the application stage of your fake tan routine.
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.
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.
Avoid shaving immediately before your spray tan session. Ideally, shave 24 hours prior to allow your skin to recover and avoid any potential irritation. Exfoliate gently: If you're shaving before tanning, gently exfoliate your skin using a mild scrub or exfoliating glove.
1. Exfoliate 24 hours before. 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.
Common reasons for patchy self-tanning include having products on the skin (perfume, deodorant, oil-based moisturizers, etc.) that can cause your tan to break down and fade unevenly.
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.
There are different ways to go about layering, but no matter what, you want to make sure the previous tanner has dried before applying your next layer. You can put on multiple layers in one day or, my personal favorite, apply over 2 days. I like to apply, wait 8 hours, rinse (no soap), then apply another layer.
So, does the tan go away or not when you exfoliate the skin? Not only does it not go away, but it also makes it last longer and makes your skin look softer and more beautiful. Your tan has to do with melanin pigmentation and exfoliation does not affect this at all.
Apply the Product
Apply a dollop of your tanner to the mitt, and begin massaging it into your skin, starting with your feet and working your way up. By working your way upward, you'll avoid the creases that can occur if you put your product on your torso first then bend over to get your legs.
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.
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.
You should exfoliate your skin prior to shaving, as exfoliating first can help prevent the razor from becoming clogged with dead skin cells (which can reduce its effectiveness). In other words, exfoliating first is a serious pro tip for a closer shave.
Compared to the rest of the body, skin on the legs does not produce the same amount of melanin, which results in legs getting less tan. Skin on the legs is thicker and harder and the UV light from the sun or sunbeds cannot easily penetrate it.
Knees (and elbows)
Knobbly and generally neglected, the often-dry skin on the knees is notorious for soaking up more than its fair share of self-tan. Make sure you pay attention to the knees and elbows especially when you exfoliate, and do a quick sweep over these areas with your tanning mitt.
Apply with care, patience and precision
Start from the ankles and work your way up to the thighs, using long, sweeping motions. Use a tanning mitt or a latex glove to ensure an even application and to protect your hands from staining. Pay attention to blending around the knees and ankles for a seamless finish.