7 Expert Tips for a Natural-looking Self Tan
Summer is here and everyone wants that bronze glow. But, it’s not worth the sun damage. Luckily there are safer alternatives to help you get a natural-looking self-tan. Keep reading for expert tips on how to achieve a sun-kissed complexion without harming your skin.
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Exfoliate Like a Pro!
Self-tanner loves fresh skin, so it’s essential to remove dead skin cells on the surface by exfoliating before you self-tan. Exfoliating the day before or the night before your tanning session will help you get a long-lasting and natural-looking tan.
For best results, go for a double-action organic body scrub. Gently massage it onto your skin, and watch it work its magic, leaving you with a smooth canvas for that flawless tan.
2. Shave for Perfection
Once you’ve exfoliated your entire body, move on to shaving. Shaving removes dead skin cells and allows the tanning product to penetrate more evenly onto your skin. What’s more, shaving helps to create a smoother surface for the tanning product to adhere to, resulting in a more even and streak-free tan. It’ll also prolong your tan and prevent it from fading too fast.
3. Rinse Your Skin
After your shower, it’s crucial to rinse your skin thoroughly to ensure a flawless tan. Residues from hair conditioner, shave gel, or body lotion can create a barrier, preventing the self-tanner from absorbing correctly. So, you want to avoid that by using a gentle, bland soap in the shower and washing off any product completely before drying off.
4. Make Sure Your Skin is Dry
Wait a few minutes after showering to ensure your skin is fully dry before applying self-tanner. This step is important as your skin should be completely dry before applying self-tanner and there shouldn’t be any moisture or dampness on the surface. This will help the self-tanner to adhere evenly and prevent streaks or uneven patches.
5. Hydrate and Moisturize
Once you’ve showered and dried off, it’s time to apply a hydrating body lotion strategically to prevent any overabsorption or unevenness. Pay extra attention to areas like hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, armpits, and the bottom of your feet. By doing so, you’ll avoid any unwanted dark spots in these areas and achieve a beautifully balanced tan.
If you’re planning to use a self-tanner on your face, make sure to moisturize there as well. This creates the ideal canvas, allowing the self-tanner to blend seamlessly and give you that radiant, natural glow you’re after.
6. Shine Without Bling
Before you start applying your self-tanner, remember to remove all jewelry – rings, necklaces, and earrings. By doing this, you’ll have a smooth canvas to work on without any obstacles in your way. It’ll also prevent any staining or discoloration of your jewelry caused by the self-tanner.
7. The Application
Start with a light application and build gradually. Applying multiple thin layers of self-tanner allows you to control the depth of your tan, ensuring a more natural and seamless finish. Remember, less is often more when it comes to self-tanning and it’s important to give each layer enough time to dry before applying the next one.
With these pro tips, you’re all set to conquer the world with your stunning self-tan. The great thing about self-tanner is that it mimics the tan you’d get from UV radiation but without all of the associated skin damage that UV radiation causes.
Keep in mind that self-tanners typically contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a special molecule that interacts with the proteins in the outermost layer of dead skin. This chemical reaction results in a temporary darkening, giving you that beautiful tan. As your skin naturally sheds its top layer of dead cells over the next few days, the tan will gradually fade. To maintain a natural look, consider reapplying self-tanner every few days or as needed.
