How to Correctly Apply Self-Tanner

Self-tanning lotion is a healthy alternative to sunbathing and tanning beds because you'll avoid potentially harmful ultraviolet rays. The formulas of the self-tanners have been improved through the years, and most tanning lotions tend to look natural if properly applied. The key to applying self-tanning lotion is to spread the lotion evenly all over your body so you don't get stripes or dark and light areas.

Things You'll Need

• Body exfoliator
• Body scrub
• Self-tanning lotion

Instructions

1. Exfoliate the areas of the body where you plan to apply the self-tanning lotion. This will help you have even-looking tan. Moisturize dry rough areas, including elbows and knees. Start this process a couple days before the self-tanning lotion application.

2. Shower before using the lotion and scrub with a loofah sponge or use a gentle body scrub to smooth rough areas of the skin and exfoliate dead skin cells. Also, shave or wax your legs before using the self-tanner.

3. Begin applying the self-tanner. Start in one area and make sure you are applying the lotion evenly on the skin surface. For example if you are rubbing the lotion on your arms, you should start at the top or bottom of your arm and work your way to the other side, making sure you get every area of the arm -- top, bottom and sides. Avoid applying it to fingers and toes.

4. Allow the different body parts to dry before lying down to sleep or rubbing up against any surface, including clothing and other objects. This may take about an hour. If you get dressed before the self-tanner is dry, you might remove some of the lotion, resulting in an uneven color.

5. Examine the tan areas and touch up spots as needed. Self-tanning toilettes can be used for fast touch-ups.

Tips & Warnings

• Moisturize rough, dry areas of skin with a lotion or cream a couple of days before applying the self-tanner. Rough areas may become darker because of the texture of the skin. Do not use a moisturizer right before the self-tanner because it may interfere with the skin absorption and alter the color of the tanning lotion.

• If you have never used a self-tanning lotion, you may want to test the color on a small part of your skin first to make sure you like the results.

• Always wash your hands with soap and water after applying the self-tanner so you don't turn your palms orange.

• You can exfoliate the self-tanning color off of your skin if you do not get the right shade.

• Wait for a couple of days to wax or shave your skin after a self-tanning treatment because this may remove some of the color from your sunless tanner.

References

• Spa Magazine; Ask the Expert: How Do I Correctly Apply Self-Tanning Lotion?; Celeste Hilling