For the actives in your self-tanner to do their job properly, they need to be applied to clean skin. This means skin free from deodorants, fragrances, and body lotion – unless you're actually a fan of a patchy tan… So make sure you shower first to remove any lingering prods that can interfere with your tanner's DHA.
Your self tan will look so much better if you apply a light, oil-free moisturizer. The moisturizer helps to layer in a smooth surface so you don't get streaks. If you use a moisturizer it also absorbs excess self-tanner and prevents spots that darker in some areas.
By making sure your skin is well moisturised and hydrated you will have a better chance of applying an even self-tan that lasts. Use an oil free moisturiser to make sure that it doesn't create a barrier to the fake tan.
As it turns out, this is because the skin on your chest is much thinner and has smaller pore than the rest of your body, making it harder for the tan to stick.
Make Sure Skin Is Completely Dry
Most experts recommend showering before applying self-tanner as this is the best way to ensure skin is clean and free of any oils or products that could interfere. But it's important not to rush into tanning straight away.
Exfoliation after tanning can strip away the outer layer of skin where the self-tanner has done its job, causing the tan to fade faster. Stick to gentle cleansing and avoid exfoliating scrubs, rubbing yourself dry, or loofahs post-tanning to keep your tan intact.
This happens because “Each of us produces a different quantity and quality of melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by our cells found in the basal layer of the skin,” explains Dr Puig. The cells that produce melanin are called melanocytes.
How long does it take for fake tan to develop? For a deeper and longer lasting glow, let your fake tan develop for 6-8 hours before washing it off. If you are going for a more natural glow, 2-3 hours is ideal. Just remember to avoid contact with water in the initial stages after applying fake tan to your face.
If you use quite a bit at a time or double coat it may make you sticky as it takes your skin longer to absorb it until it's dry to touch. You can try blow drying it if you have a hair dryer or you can lightly dust some baby powder over it to reduce the stickiness.
Prior to tanning, moisturize the chest and shins to help prevent dry patches and promote a more uniform tan. 3. **Apply sparingly:** Use a lighter touch when applying self-tanner to thinner-skinned areas to prevent overloading the skin.
Once you have washed off your fake tan moisturise your skin daily to increase the longevity of your tan. Dry, dehydrated skin will cause your dead skin cells to shed quicker, taking the fake tan you worked so hard for with it. Use an oil-free moisturiser as oil can break down the product [2].
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.
For the actives in your self-tanner to do their job properly, they need to be applied to clean skin. This means skin free from deodorants, fragrances, and body lotion – unless you're actually a fan of a patchy tan… So make sure you shower first to remove any lingering prods that can interfere with your tanner's DHA.
AFTER THE TAN
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. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub or scrub your skin.
The skin on your legs has a different depth and texture than the rest of your body so it might not take as well to tanner. Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself that might explain why your calves won't tan: Is there any residue left on your calves from products like moisturiser, shaving foam or body oil?
Prep school
Don't moisturise immediately before applying fake tan as it can stop the colour ingredients working. Instead, smooth Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Lotion, over your elbows, wrists, knees, ankles and toes (the dry areas that 'grab' tan, creating that orange, wrinkly effect).
Hydrate With Oil-Free Moisturiser
Annoyingly, fake tan clings to dry skin, which then causes a patchy and uneven tan. So, to make your faux-glow look more natural, make sure that you hydrate any dry areas (think elbows, ankles, feet, palms, knuckles and cuticles) before applying your tan.
Moisturise that back
Some self-tanning products can be drying, so you want to make sure your skin is soft and hydrated. DHA (the most common tanning agent) also clings to any dry patches and tends to go darker in these areas. So, up your self-care in the week before tanning for patch-free, glowing results.
Your fake tan needs time to develop before your next shower, and we recommend waiting for at least four hours but no more than one day.
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. The best time to fake tan is at night as this will give the tan full developing time and you don't need to worry about what you are wearing.
Apply the self-tanner in sections (such as the arms, then legs, followed by the torso). Massage the self-tanner into your skin in a circular motion. Wash your hands after each section.
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.
Type IV – Brown skin color, brown hair, and brown eyes, tans more than average, rarely burns, and rarely freckles. Common ethnic background: the Mediterranean, Southern European, Hispanic.
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.