How To Prep Skin For Self Tanner: A Step-by-Step Guide
- prepskin23
- Jul 23
- 10 min read
Pour how to prep skin for self tanner into the bowl and stir until the lotion and coffee combine to create an even consistency. The resulting color will be dependent on the strength of the coffee, but it should be a light brown or dark beige color. Coffee self-tanners have the ability to stain clothing and linen just like normal self-tanners do. Make sure that the self-tanner has dried or that you have showered and removed excess product before wearing white or any other light-colored clothing. https://us.ioniqskin.com/blogs/blog/how-to-prep-skin-for-self-tanner

As for how to prep skin for self tanner, it lasts a while and looks very natural. The only con here is that although the packaging is on the bigger side, in our experience, we needed to use more than we wanted to so that we could achieve an even tan. “The most important thing is to wear loose, dark clothing on the plane,” says Harknett. After tanning, consider wearing dark, loose fitting clothing to prevent any unwanted staining, says Black.
Self-tanner sticks to drier areas more and makes these areas darker, so by applying a barrier cream you will be helping even out the color and tone of your tan. You will have to put more work into prepping psoriasis skin than normal skin. The skin cell build-up needs to be removed as much as possible before applying the self-tanning product. Wanting to avoid the sun when you have a skin condition such as psoriasis should not mean that you cannot have a beautiful bronze tan. The sun's UV rays stimulate melanin production in the cells of the outer skin layer, so once these cells are shed, you are left with your original skin tone.
Claire Sullivan is a contributing commerce editor for WWD and Footwear News, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion, and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She’s tested hundreds of products during her time as an editor, so she’s well-versed in selecting the products that make a meaningful difference in your skin and hair. If you want to apply a new, fresh tan after a couple of days it’s best to completely remove the old tan first. The easiest way to do this is to opt for a self-tan remover, for example, the Bali Body Self Tan Remover, to remove the old unwanted self tan within minutes. Achieving that perfect, sun-kissed glow is just the first step.
As stated on their brand, their self tanning formulas are must haves for those looking for streak free and natural looking glow. Thanks to industry innovation, self-tanners are easier than ever to apply without leaving you looking streaky or orange. Magnetic Skin technology allows for the IONIQ One sprayer to cover every curve and inch of your skin, even the hard to reach places. Allowing you to give yourself the natural tan you are looking for all from the comfort of your home, no appointments needed. Coffee is rich in vitamin B-3, niacin, which is created by a breakdown of a key compound known as trigonelline. Niacin could help to prevent nonmelanoma skin cancers, and even work to prevent other skin growths.
• Use an oil-free cleanser to thoroughly clean your face and neck (if tanning your neck). If you use an oil-based cleanser, it can prevent self-tanner from evenly absorbing. To help you out, we’ve put together this quick guide and video at the end for how to self-tan your face to maintain a natural-looking tan no matter what time of year. CraftCoffeeBlog.com is your daily dose of caffeine inspiration—brewing tips, coffee curiosities, and everything in between. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a coffee aficionado, we’re here to help you savor smarter and sip happier, one delicious cup at a time. Tarryn Feldman is a Nashville-based celebrity makeup artist who specializes in tanning.
"Self tanners affect our skin by temporarily darkening the surface without altering skin structure or causing direct damage like UV rays," adds Dr. Shokeen. "The DHA in self tanners lasts several days and fades as dead skin cells naturally slough off." The duration of your coffee self-tanner will vary based on factors such as your skin type and how often you exfoliate. Generally, the tan from a coffee self-tanner can last anywhere from three to seven days. However, natural fading will occur as your skin naturally exfoliates, so regular maintenance applications may be necessary to keep up the color. For a more intense tan, you can apply additional layers every few hours until you reach your desired shade.
I love that it is easy to apply and doesn’t require any rubbing,” she says. We love that it’s packed with hyaluronic acid too, so the skin benefits go deeper. Our editors note that this makes the product a good choice for dry skin, particularly if you’ve found other face tanners to be drying or irritating. Once you’ve reached your destination, it’s all about maintenance.
Buff the tan onto your skin in how to prep skin for self tanner motions for a glorious, streak-free finish. These homemade self-tanners can be easily prepared at home using some simple and natural ingredients. We all wish to get that glowing dark tan as it enhances our beauty and makes us look more gorgeous.
Let’s break down each step so you can get started with confidence. If you want to learn more about keeping your skin fresh and glowing, be sure to check out our blog on facial toner. It’s full of easy tips that help your skin stay clean and happy every day. Keep in mind you can use self-tanners for more than just faking a tan. Using self-tanner to temporarily even out skin tone and camouflage the appearance of hyperpigmentation is a longtime celebrity secret weapon, including on deeper skin tones.
Just remember to let each layer dry completely before adding more. However, some skin types may experience discoloration (looking a bit orange or yellow) if left on too long past around 8 hours. You may also get a streaky tan as you're more likely to rub or wash off some sections. 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. Baby Oil Raw oils like coconut, olive, or sunflower will work in a pinch, but be sure to pick up baby oil if you want the best results.
For a seriously flawless finish on your bronze, there’s no beating our Luna Bronze Contour Blending Brush. If you notice any patches or fading, touch up your self-tanner as needed to maintain a flawless tan. Let the self-tanner dry completely before getting dressed or going to bed. This will help avoid any transfer or staining of your clothes or sheets. On the other hand, if you need extra hydration a lotion or oil will get you a long-lasting colour with a flattering, light-reflecting sheen. Stick to these basics, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of self-tanning.
If you're in a rush, exfoliate at least 3-4 hours before applying tanner 8. For the body, try an oil-free scrub or an exfoliating mitt like Glow By Erin's dual-sided mitt. For your face, go with a glycolic or lactic acid exfoliant 6.
For instance, if you’re looking for instant results and a super-quick drying action, a mousse or spray might be the right choice. These formulas will also work well if you live in a hot climate, exercise often, or have hot flushes, but it’s better to steer clear if your skin is dehydrated or tends to be dry. Avoid any triggers that might cause how to prep skin for self tanner psoriasis to flare up and use products that are gentle and kind to your skin. Organic and natural ingredients will be the most nourishing and nurturing, helping to heal and soothe your skin, all while giving it a bronze tan. They have different types of self-tanner types, but I personally love this mousse for psoriasis.
As someone who is so pale that my natural skin tone is borderline translucent, self-tanning is one of my favorite indulgences. Nothing gives me a confidence boost like waking up with the kind of natural glow that suggests I've been outside at least once in my life without any sun damage. It's a little too easy to end up looking patchy, streaky, or worst — orange. I will repeat these steps about 1-2 times per week to maintain a healthy fake tan. I always shave my legs using my joy razor in combination with a Raw Sugar Living sugar scrub to ensure a smooth canvas to apply the body butter as evenly as possible. With regular mousse self-tanners, I’ve never experienced such moisturized skin post-application.
To really nail the natural-looking tan, apply a light layer of moisturizer to your wrists, so your golden glow blends in seamlessly with no harsh lines. In this guide, we’ll talk you through the whole self tanning process step by step, with some of our self tanning tips thrown in for good measure. Even if you’re a tanning novice, this guide is sure to get you on your way to becoming a seasoned self tanner in no time. Yes, you can use coffee self-tanner on your face; however, it’s crucial to be mindful of your skin’s sensitivity. Always do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying it to your face to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction. If your skin is prone to breakouts or irritation, consider diluting the tanner with more coconut oil or using it sparingly.
I’ve written a few other good articles on this, but I want to focus this one on the basics. This product happens to be paraben, sulfate, and phthalate free and uses only naturally-derived DHA. St. Tropez has been making some of the highest quality self-tanners for a long time, and they have always been popular. Don’t worry, we’ll talk about how to apply it towards the end of this guide.
Even just a spec of perfume or deodorant is enough to leave you blotchy. Apply the lotion/moisturiser mix onto the feet and ankles working it carefully around the Achilles’ heel as this is a streak hotspot! As with the hands, work the how to prep skin for self tanner into the gaps between the toes and the sides of the toes. Your diet may be the last thing on your mind pre-tan, but it's actually something you should keep in mind. Hogg recommends eating foods that are high in lysine prior to your appointment. "This is a really important amino acid for tanning and will improve the color you achieve," she explains.
Aveevo Daily Moisturizing body wash or Cetaphil Daily Nourishing body wash. All of these body washes have great ingredients in them that will help to preserve not only your tan, but keep your skin healthy. Continue to massage the self-tanner in gentle circular motions, avoiding the feet, knuckles, elbows, and armpits, as these areas require special attention.
"If you exfoliate with oil-based scrub, the oil can create a barrier between skin and self-tanner. You'll be left with weird marks and both dark and light spots." After nailing the timing and choosing the right tools, it's time to tackle those tricky dry areas like elbows, knees, and other spots that need a little extra attention before self-tanning. These areas tend to hold onto old tan and can lead to uneven results if not properly prepped . Tara is obviously the brains behind all of her products and services, so always feel free to reach out to her personally as well. She is an amazing resource and seriously knows the ins and outs on the science behind how these solutions should work for your skin. There isn't one size that fits all when it comes to spray tans and her tailored approach is something that I have loved so much about Tara.
The reason using how to prep skin for self tanner are ideal is because they don’t damage your skin, which makes it the best option for your health – even more so if you wish to achieve a tan all year-round. A tan doesn’t last long even with the use of UV rays, whether it be from the sun or a tanning bed, for the same reasons. Self-tanner cannot permanently stain your skin, since the skin essentially sheds off those dead skin cells every 2-4 weeks, and with them goes your tan. Contouring has long been a beauty secret for enhancing your natural bone structure, giving depth to your face, and achieving that coveted sculpted look.
I have what I think is a relatively comprehensive skin prep routine ahead of tanning, but it’s clearly not perfect because I always end up with the same issues. Sustainability is becoming a key selling point for top self-tanner brands. From refillable bottles to biodegradable formulas, the industry is evolving to meet the demand for environmentally friendly beauty. Look for products with clean, non-toxic ingredients and brands that prioritize sustainability throughout the production process.
Then, we combined our findings with expert advice from Aguilar, professional airbrush-tanning artist Kristyn Pradas, and certified aesthetician Rhea Souhleris Grous. Designed to prolong your glow, this after-sun hydrates deeply while helping your tan last. The milky formula instantly soothes sun-exposed skin and helps support an even fade. It’s the number one fake tan fear – but while patchiness can happen, it’s also avoidable. With the right prep and a few smart fixes, your colour can stay even long after you land. I’m an updates editor at NBC Select who has covered skin care and beauty since 2021.
Don't forget to move between clawing and straightening your fingers to get every part of your hand. Then, use a wipe to remove the self-tanner from your nails, fingertips, and palms, since those areas don't naturally tan. Once you're done, you can go to bed and rinse the product off in the morning. When it comes to self-tanning your hands, choosing the right product is key. Opt for a self-tanner specifically formulated for the face and body, as these tend to be lighter and easier to blend. Avoid products with a dark guide colour, as they can result in a more intense tan than desired on the hands.
So much so that I recommend using a spare pillowcase—I ended up getting a bit of self-tanner on my new sheet set. Once you've exfoliated, it's important to moisturize your skin to keep it hydrated and healthy. Apply a light unscented moisturizer to your entire body, paying extra attention to any dry or flaky areas.
Self-tanning is not for the how to prep skin for self tanner of heart, as it's a complete routine that requires attention to detail and many correct steps prior to application to avoid looking like an Oompa Loompa. It's easy to forget about taking off your old self-tanner or think you can get away with applying a new coat on top to even out the color when it's almost entirely faded. But this is a bad idea, as not only will your skin look patchy, but the old coat has oxidized by now, which means the new layer of self-tanner will likely turn orange by the time it dries. Ideally, a spray tan can take anywhere from 6-12 hours to develop fully. The time needed can depend on a series of factors like your skin type, the shade of tan you wish to achieve, and the kind of spray tan you have received.



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