8 Self-Tanning Tips for Faking a Healthy Glow

We all should know by now that suntanning is very unhealthy. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice having that sun-kissed skin. We’ve put together a list of essential tips to help you fake that healthy glow with self-tanning.

Before You Tan

1. Get rid of hair.

Part of having beautifully tanned skin is making it look as smooth and flawless as possible. Removing any body hair before tanning can help. Be sure to shave at least 24 hours before you self-tan to make sure any cuts or nicks are healed. Also, keep in mind that any type of hair removal after tanning can strip the tan away.

2. Exfoliate.

Exfoliating the skin may be the best way to get the best look when self-tanning. Dead skin cells accumulate over time and if they’re not scrubbed away, they’ll sit on top of our skin creating a bumpy, uneven, and scaly appearance and eventually slough away slowly but surely. When self-tanning products are applied to non-exfoliated skin, it will adhere to those dead cells and slough away with them leaving behind an uneven tan.

3. Take a cold shower.

Taking a cold shower before applying a tanner will close up your pores. Closed pores are essential when applying self-tanner. Not only will it aid in achieving a more even application, but it may also prevent the tanner from causing an acne outbreak. Taking a shower also hydrates any overly dry areas. When drying off, be sure to leave these dry areas a bit hydrated. Dry skin tends to absorb more color than other parts of the body making it dark than the rest. So try not to completely dry your knuckles, elbows, knees, and feet after your shower.

While You Tan

4. Use a mitt.

Applying self-tanner with your hand is a good way to leave behind streaks. To avoid this uneven application, use a self-tanning mitt. With this mitt, you can have a smooth and even application with no fuss. Start at your feet and work your way up in a sweeping motion. Do not apply in a circular motion.

5. Add a little moisturizer for the face.

You’ll often hear that you should avoid applying moisturizer when self-tanning, but for those with dry skin, this would be impossible. Get a little creative and mix a drop of oil-free moisturizer with your tanning solution on your mitt and apply it to your face.

After You’ve Tanned

6. Use a hairdryer.

Once you have the perfect coverage, grab your hairdryer to help it set. Be sure it’s blowing cool air and move it along your body. Not only will this help the solution dry faster, but it’ll also help to kick the tanning development process into overdrive.

7. Carefully wipe away any excess.

You’re bound to have a bit of tanning solution leftover on your hands and under your fingernails. An oil-free makeup remover should do the trick. Carefully wipe away the excess solution from the palm of your hands, your nail cuticles, and even your toenail cuticles.

8. Avoid oil-based moisturizers.

Oil-based lotions and creams are a sure-fire way to slick away just about every self-tanner on the market, so avoid them at all costs. If you must moisturize, just make sure the product is oil-free.

There you have it! You are now on your way toward faking that healthy glow.

If you are in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, our experts at The Dermatology Group are here to offer you more information. Give us a call today!