What is the best way to exfoliate for a tan?

Author: Makayla O'Kon IV  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Exfoliate and shave 24 hours before tanning For your body, you can use a body scrub or lather up with a loofah. Be sure to pay extra close attention to rougher areas, like your elbows and knees.

What can I use to exfoliate my tan?

The Best Natural Exfoliants
  1. Pink himilayan salt scrubs are perfect for a pre-tan exfoliation sesh because they're all natural. ...
  2. Dry brushing is another natural exfoliant option. ...
  3. Believe it or not, oatmeal is actually an effective and gentle exfoliant.

How to exfoliate to get rid of a tan?

You can use a body scrub or a loofah to exfoliate your body. For your face, use a gentle exfoliating face wash, anti-tan face wash, or gentle face scrub.

What can you use instead of a tanning mitt?

How to Apply Self-Tanner Without a Mitt: 5 Tanning Alternatives
  • Rubber Gloves. The first alternative tool to reach for if you don't have a tanning mitt available is a set of rubber gloves. ...
  • Socks. If you don't have any rubber gloves handy, you can also use a sock for self-tanner application. ...
  • Cling Wrap. ...
  • Hands.

What exfoliate do dermatologists recommend?

Size: 1.7 oz.
  • Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Paula's choice skin perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. Courtesy of brand. ...
  • Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner. ...
  • Best for Combination Skin: Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. ...
  • Best for Dry Skin: RéVive Enzyme Essence Daily Resurfacing Treatment.

How to exfoliate | who needs it| who should avoid | Dermatologist explains

What is the best self-tanner?

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.

Is it better to tan with a mitt or gloves?

The Final Decision: Tanning Mitts Are The Best Option

When it comes to achieving a flawless, streak-free, and natural-looking tan, the self-tanning mitt is the clear winner. It offers superior control over the application process, ensures seamless blending, and prevents unwanted staining on your hands.

Should I moisturize before self tan?

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.

Do exfoliating gloves work?

Yes, exfoliating gloves work well for most skin types. It helps remove dead skin cells, prevents ingrown hairs and strawberry legs, and also gives a beautiful skin appearance.

Does exfoliating make you tan better?

Exfoliating unclogs pores, filters toxins and may combat cellulite. Exfoliating also removes dead skin cells, which prevents uneven skin tone and helps to make your skin a balanced tanning canvas.

What happens if you don't exfoliate before tanning?

When you apply self-tanner to unexfoliated skin, it can cling to patches of dead skin, resulting in a streaky and uneven tan. Exfoliating before tanning provides a smooth and clean canvas for the tanning product, ensuring that it goes on evenly and adheres to your skin properly.

Should I wet my tanning mitt before tanning?

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.

Can I self tan with an exfoliating glove?

This exfoliating glove uses a special weave on the fabric to gently but effectively remove dead skin and old tanner 🧤 and you only need to use it once to see the amazing (slightly disgusting) results!! All this helps prep your skin for the smoothest application of your self-tanning mousse.

What is the number 1 rated fake tan?

Best fake tan formulas 2025 at a glance:
  • Best overall: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam.
  • Best colour-correcting mousse: Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam.
  • Best for beginners: Tan-Luxe x Paris Hilton The Future Airbrush 360 Self-Tan Mist.
  • Best for natural results: St.

What tanner does Kim Kardashian use?

Ardell Body Drench Quick Tan Instant Self-Tanner

Kim Kardashian flashed her own bottle of Body Drench when showing off her travel makeup bag — and she definitely knows a good sunless tan! If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member?

What is the best tanning oil?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Supergoop Glow Oil SPF 50, $40.
  • Best Scent: Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Body Oil SPF 50, $38.
  • Most Nolstagic: Vacation Baby Oil SPF 30, $22.
  • Best for Dry Skin: Hampton Sun Silk Body Oil SPF 50, $28.
  • Best for Oily Skin: Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow SPF 50, $42.

Which exfoliation method is best?

Those with dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin may prefer just a washcloth and a mild chemical exfoliator, as mechanical exfoliation may be too irritating for this skin type. Those with oily, thicker skin may want to use stronger chemical treatments or mechanical exfoliation.

What is the black stuff when I rub my skin?

The “black stuff” when you rub your skin is nothing but dead cells, dirt and surface grime. It comes off due to friction caused by rubbing your skin.

What not to do after exfoliating?

After peeling, your skin is even more sensitive. Therefore, avoid direct sun exposure, which can lead to even more visible signs of aging. If you must expose yourself to the sun, use a broad spectrum physical sunscreen. Avoid strenuous workouts, dry saunas and steam baths.

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