How to Apply Self Tanner Properly
With a self-tanning product, you can give yourself a bronze glow without the risk of skin damage due to harmful ultraviolet rays. The only down side to self tanning is that it will wear off after a few days. Before you begin experimenting with self tanners, look for something that will complement your skin by darkening it about two shades. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to maintain your bronze skin. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Exfoliating soap
- Loofah sponge
- Towel
- Latex gloves
- Moisturizer that contains Vitamin E
- Cotton balls
- Cloth
- Blow dryer
Instructions
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Choose a self-tanning lotion from a pharmacy or department store. Some of them will give you a glowing tan in about two hours.
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Exfoliate your skin in the shower using a loofah sponge before ever applying self tanner. This will get all the dead skin off your body and help prevent patches. It also helps your fresh layers of skin absorb the product better. Towel-dry afterward. Apply a thick moisturizer that contains vitamin E from head to toe. Apply more to thick areas of skin like elbows, knees and ankles. This will help you get an even tan, preventing dry spots and streaks. It also helps your skin absorb the tan better. Let your moisturizer settle into your skin for at least 10 minutes before applying your self tanner.
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Put on latex gloves. This prevents orange-colored hands or tinted fingers after you're done. Apply your self tanner from bottom to top, thinking in sections. Start with your legs and feet. Then move to your back, belly and chest. Make sure to do your arms last. Apply an even amount in circular motions, and always make sure to rub it in as much as possible. Apply very carefully on elbows, knees and ankles. Take the gloves off and apply the tanner to the backs of your hands with cotton balls. After you're done, wash your hands and dry them. Apply a small amount to the tips of your fingers. Rub the tips of your fingers on a wet cloth.
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Let your skin dry for at least an hour before putting on clothes or getting in the bed. You can use a blow dryer to dry your tan faster.
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Apply a thick moisturizer with vitamin E daily to maintain your tan and hydrate your skin. This will keep the color steady and prevent patches and sweat spots.
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Re-apply your self tanner every day until you achieve the color you want. After that, apply it at least twice weekly. Apply it three times weekly if you're active and sweat a lot. Follow the previous steps, but don't exfoliate your skin. When you exfoliate, you scrub off your color and dead skin cells that contain the tanner's color.
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Repeat the entire process when you start to notice patchiness and spots in your sunless tan. Usually, you can stretch your self tan for about two weeks.
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Tips & Warnings
It takes practice to master applying your own self tanner.
Never apply it in a damp, humid place. Make sure the room and air is completely dry. If you don't, you might have streaks when it dries.
Always do a "spot" test. If the color doesn't suit you well, take it back to the store and exchange it for a different product.
