How to Apply Fake Tan to Your Legs

Sunless tanner makes legs appear more toned.

Whether in skirts, dresses, shorts, or bathing suits, the legs are one of a woman's most exposed body parts. A tan helps legs look slimmer and more toned, and masks imperfections such as broken veins. You can get tanned legs quickly and safely using a "fake" or sunless tanning product, which works by temporarily darkening the skin. Sunless tanner can be applied at home in just a few simple steps, creating a "tan" that will last for several days.

Things You'll Need

• Sunless tanner
• Exfoliating scrub or washcloth

Instructions

1. Look for a sunless tanning product. Sunless tanners are available in lotions, sprays, and even wipes. Most brands are available in several colors so that you can choose the one that best complements your skin tone.

2. Read the product instructions carefully before applying product. Instructions may vary by brand or type of product.

3. Test a small amount of product somewhere on your body the day before applying. This will help determine a possible allergic reaction to the sunless tanner.

4. Take a shower or bath before applying product. You may also want to use an exfoliating scrub or washcloth to remove dry skin for a smoother application of the product, according to the Mayo Clinic website.

5. Shave your legs. This provides a smoother surface for product application. Also, shaving after applying sunless tanner may speed the fading of the product.

6. Apply sunless tanner to legs following product instructions. The Mayo Clinic suggests applying product sparingly to areas where the skin is dry or thickened, such as the knees, ankles and feet. These areas tend to soak up the sunless tanner, creating darker areas.

7. Wash hands thoroughly immediately after applying tanner. Focus on the nail area, knuckles, and the areas between fingers, as these areas are prone to staining from the sunless tanner.

8. Allow the sunless tanner to dry completely before dressing. Follow package instructions regarding how long to wait before bathing or swimming. Color should begin to develop within a few hours and will develop completely within 24 hours.

9. Reapply sunless tanner as desired, following steps 4 through 8. Color will begin to fade gradually after a few days.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Sunless Tanning