How to Prep Skin for Self Tanner Before Applying a Darker Shade

Achieving a flawless tan at home requires more than just applying self-tanner. Proper preparation of the skin is essential to ensure an even and long-lasting result https://us.ioniqskin.com/how-to-prep-your-skin/.

Steps to Prep Your Skin

Here’s how to prep skin for self tanner effectively :

1. Exfoliate: Begin by exfoliating your skin to remove dead skin cells, which can lead to uneven application.

2. Moisturize: After exfoliating, apply a lightweight moisturizer to hydrate your skin. Focus on dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles, as they tend to absorb more product.

3. Shave or Wax: If you regularly shave or wax, do so a day before applying self-tanner. This allows your skin to calm down and prevents irritation.

4. “Eczematous skin should be very carefully exfoliated before application of self-tanner so that the new skin tone will be even and natural looking,” says Dr. Loretta. The Peta Jane Beauty Ultra Dark Mousse is your go-to for achieving the deepest, richest natural looking color. We recommend our dark shade for medium to dark skin tones, or those wanting a much deeper, bronzed glow.

   Using our mantainer cream Il Sole Everyday, the effect can last up to 15 days. BTAN products automatically adapt to the skin tone they encounter, so the risk of having unnatural colors does not exist. Yes, BTAN products are 99% natural and the DHA does not penetrate deeply, so pregnant women can use them without any contraindications.

5. Cleanse: Use a mild body wash to cleanse your skin. Avoid products with heavy oils that may create a barrier between your skin and the self-tanner.

6. We know it seems like the perfect place to rub yourself down in body makeup, but Hogg recommends doing your fake bake in front of a mirror to make sure you get all the areas evenly. And if any product ends up on the floor, you can wipe it away easily with a damp cloth. Discover our latest Self Tan Milk for the easiest, streak-free tan with all the skincare benefits. As the Events Manager for IMPACT Melanoma, Amy Mason plans and manages all aspects of the fundraising events for this national non-profit.

7. Dry Completely: Ensure your skin is completely dry before applying self-tanner to achieve the best results.

Slough away any flakes with a scrub — focusing on rough spots like the knees, elbows, ankles, and heels. Or use a cleanser with glycolic or salicylic acid to remove dead, dull skin. Oils left on skin can create a barrier on top of your skin, and produce an uneven self-tan development. You want the skin clean and product-free for the best possible result. If you want a gorgeous tan without worrying about sun damage, leave UV rays out of the equation and use a self-tanner (also known as sunless tanner).

While a tanned complexion may look stunning, UV rays can be harmful for your skin. A self-tanner is a great solution, allowing your skin to glow while concealing small imperfections and even making cellulite less visible. For an extra boost of bronze, I also love the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops. These mix in perfectly with daily moisturizer or primer for a dewy bronze that gives me that lit from within glow. You worked hard to get a flawless faux how to prep skin for self tanner —make sure you help it last as long as possible.

Tips for Specific Areas

Use our oil free moisturiser Purity repair to keep your tan healthier for longer. All tan foam formulas are broken down when suffocated under heavy oily products. So make sure to be using oil free body care to enhance your tan for longer. Purity repair is a thick and luxurious formula without greasy oils! Don't forget to wear gloves or use a tanning mitt when applying self-tanner. This will protect your hands from getting stained and ensure a more even application.

These areas tend to soak up more color since they’re on the drier side, and this can leave you with an uneven finish. If you’re using a self-tanner lotion, dilute it with a moisturizer when applying to these areas to help make the color appear a little lighter. 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. That means it can actually be a good idea to how to prep skin for self tanner shave before applying self-tanner.

Often a source of dry and flaky skin, we can't forget about the face! Wake up with glowing hydrated skin by using our Self Tanning Sleep Mask. Non-comedogenic and dermatologically tested, this deeply nourishing, rich moisturising cream can be applied before you sleep as your night cream and is suitable for those with sensitive skin. Apply self-tanner immediately after toweling off from your bath or shower. You can apply it before, or in place of, your moisturizer.

• Face: Use a gentle cleanser and consider a facial scrub to prepare your face. Apply a light moisturizer and avoid any heavy products.

• Yep, you’ve got it, moisturising is key when it comes to prepping for your tan. After shaving and scrubbing, it’s essential to make sure that your skin is nourished and isn’t left feeling dry or tight, so apply a layer straight after your shower. To achieve an even-looking glow, self tanner should always be applied using a tanning mitt.

• Hands and Feet: Pay special attention to these areas. Apply a small amount of lotion or barrier cream to prevent excess product absorption.

Since I use self-tanning products frequently, I figured it was best to share my knowledge on the best ways to keep your sunless tan lasting as long as possible! There are quite a few steps to the process, but afterward, you will stay bronzed for almost a week! Not only will lengthening the life of your tan make you feel like a bronzed goddess, but it will also help stretch the life of your expensive self-tanning products. Spray-tanning the face may not be for everyone, but it’s a simple way to keep the bronze glow going all year long.

The option to remove this is at the bottom of the checkout page on the shipping stage of checkout. If your return request is approved and requires shipping, then you receive an email with shipping instructions and a return shipping label. Freebies, promotional gifts, and gift cards are not returnable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait after exfoliating to apply self-tanner?

It’s recommended to wait at least a few hours or overnight if possible to allow your skin to recover and fully absorb moisture how to prep skin for self tanner.

Wait at least 4-8 hours before taking a shower to allow the self-tanner to fully develop on your skin. Showering too soon can cause the tan to wash off or appear streaky. By mastering these techniques, you'll achieve an even and natural-looking tan without leaving home. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't flawless; each application will help you improve. Shower at least half an hour before you plan on self-tanning tocleanse your body and remove any deodorant, make-up or moisturiserthat will cause your tan to become patchy or streaky.

Can I use self-tanner over hair removal products?

In this post we’ll dig deep into how to self tan without streaks and how to apply self tanner evenly. We’ve got the expert tips, how to prep skin for self tanner, and product recommendations that will make it not only possible, but probable. Watch your golden glow develop throughout the day and keep your skin hydrated. Made with Argan Oil, you can enjoy soft, supple skin all day long. If you don't intend to apply the tanner to your entire skin surface, then feather it in to those areas by gradually applying a thinner layer.

It's best to avoid self-tanning immediately after using hair removal products. Allow 24 hours for your skin to settle.

This is also the time to shave if you want to, but be gentle. Freshly exfoliated skin is often more sensitive, so tread lightly with your razor to avoid any redness. Discover the top tips and application tricks for a flawless, streak-free self-tan application every time. If you've used one of our self tans that develops into a deeper glow, there are a couple of things you can do to ensure a flawless finish. Immediately after you apply your self tan, try not to move your face too much.

It would be helpful not to take a bath immediately before using the self-tanner. Water slightly swells the top layer of the skin, which could be the reason for an uneven tan. Right after applying the product, you can use powder makeup, while for foundation or cream concealers, it is recommended to not spread the product but to dab it in small quantities. No, there are no contraindications, but it is still recommended not to apply the products directly to intimate areas. BTAN products, in addition to having a pleasant fragrance and moisturizing the skin, contain active anti-aging ingredients that make the product a real beauty elixir. Fake tan looks great on the skin, but less attractive on white bed linen, towels and clothes.

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. Her products require some slightly different prep work and application than you might already be doing, so I want to make sure I am setting you up for self-tan success! These tips and tricks can also be used if you get an actual spray tan done by either Tara or another tanning specialist as well. Unfortunately, if it isn't done well, it's one of the most obvious DIWY — did it wrong yourself — beauty projects one can undertake. Typically, self tanning products take anywhere from 10–20 minutes to dry — but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.

Don’t use self-tanner before laser hair removal appointments. The pigment/darker skin from self-tanner competes with laser’s ability to target the hair follicle, which can lead to burns and inadequate results (5, 6). 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. Choose a shade intensity (light, medium, deep, very deep, etc.) that will complement (but not overpower) your skin.

When applying, we suggest using a tanning mitt like the St. Tropez Tan Dual Sided Luxe Tan Applicator Mitt to ensure that your hands stay protected from any unwanted orange palms. Using a mitt ensures that the tan application is as smooth and easy as possible. For fool-proof application, it is best to start from the bottom up. Start with the shins, applying in circular motions and adding more product as required. Keeping your skin hydrated and how to prep skin for self tanner can help preserve your spray tan and ensure it fades evenly.

What if I accidentally missed some areas while prepping?

Instead, only moisturise dry areas such as elbows, knees, ankles and hands. This will prevent the tan from clinging and appearing darker giving a more natural look. If you do feel that you would need to moisturise before fake tan, choose a light oil free moisturiser that can absorb quickly and not sit on the skin.

If you self-tan immediately after shaving, your skin can react to the ingredients in your self tanner, creating a similar rash to razor burn. Additionally, your self tanner can "cling" to your open pores, causing that strawberry legs-look. You probably won't be shocked to learn that the best way to preserve a self-tan is by ensuring proper application, and the steps above will help you enjoy your bronze or golden glow for longer. Still, there are ways you can further extend the life of your self-tan. "Don't exfoliate every day, go to a sauna, or take super hot showers. Anything that causes you to sweat will cause your tan to fade earlier," says DiMarchi. "If [you follow] proper post-tan protocol, then you should easily be able to get at least a week out of your tan, maybe longer if you have a darker skin tone," she notes.

If you notice missed spots, you can gently exfoliate the area and reapply a small amount of self-tanner to even out the color.

It also is manufactured in Europe and this matters because Europe has a higher quality standard of ingredients than we do here in the US. Europe actually has thousands of ingredients banned that are deemed safe in the US. PLUS, a good exfoliation routine is also key for helping your skin care products penetrate deeper how to prep skin for self tanner your skin!

Conclusion

Preparing your skin properly before applying self-tanner is crucial for achieving an even, natural-looking glow. By following these simple steps and tips, you can enjoy a beautiful tan without the streaks or patches.

One of the biggest things you need to know is that how you prep and what products you use on your skin beforehand can dramatically affect how your sunless tan comes out. Even if you choose not to use the Sunless Rae self tanner, choose shade medium when purchasing a self tanner. It will be the best mousse shade to guarantee the most natural looking sunless tan.

Kelsey is fashion expert and resident Harry Potter nerd. At the office, she spends her day writing about style, beauty, and literally every move Kylie Jenner makes. On the weekends, you can find her sifting through vintage shops and hunting for the perfect burger. Covering your entire face with too much product is a one-way ticket to Oompa Loompa Town. Seventeen picks products that we think you'll love the most.

Check spots like your knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists to avoid harsh tan lines. Blend the product—possibly diluting or adding more—to create a natural look at these transition points. To remove or dilute the product, try rubbing the area with a damp towel. While exfoliating is a must, you do want to time it right. "One of the most common self-tanner mistakes I see—and warn my how to prep skin for self tanner about—is shaving or exfoliating immediately before self-tanning," says makeup artist Ashlynne Serrano Padilla.