How to Use Sunless Tanners for Men

Sunless tanners, which are usually gels, creams, spray-on liquids or lotions designed to bronze the skin, are a safe alternative to exposing your skin to potentially harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Choosing the right sunless tanner for men will involve finding a product that applies smoothly without appearing blotchy or, even worse, orange.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sunless tanning products
• Loofah
• Moisturizing cream

1. Choose the right sunless tanners by applying the product on a small test area such as the inside of your wrist. This will be the best way to determine whether the sunless tanning product provides a natural-looking tan, and whether it matches your skin type. Test the tanners right in the store before you make a buying decision you will later regret, or better yet, ask for samples to take with you.
2. Wash, exfoliate and moisturize your skin before you apply sunless tanners for men. Shave your face, Use a loofah to scrub and remove all dead skin, and apply moisturizers to dry areas such as your knuckles, knees and ankles. Allow your body to dry before you use sunless tanners to avoid a splotchy or uneven application.
3. Use gentle circular motions to apply a sunless tanning cream or gel. Start off sparingly by using a very small amount, and spreading it thinly over your skin. If you use your hands to apply the sunless tanners, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap immediately afterwards so that the insides of your palms do not become stained.
4. Re-apply sunless tanners for men for a deeper tan, or to make your tan appear more natural by accentuating your cheekbones, shoulders, nose and forehead. Avoid applying too much tanning cream to areas of your body that might not normally get tanned, such as the tops of your feet or the insides of your arms. The trick to using sunless tanners effectively is to make people think you really did tan in the sun.
5. Let the sunless tanner dry on your body for at least 15 minutes before you put your clothes on. While some products may set instantaneously, it's better to wait a little while so that your tan will appear smooth, uniform and natural. It will generally take a few hours for your skin to absorb the sunless tanner completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a sunless tanner that is both hypoallergenic and contains moisturizers to reduce the chance of skin irritations such as rashes.