How to Get a Good Faux Tan
The safest way to get bronzed skin is to use a sunless tanning lotion. Sunless tanning lotion with dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a chemical approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, can be applied right at home. Exposing your skin to harmful rays from the sun or a tanning bed isn't necessary. However, applying sunless tanning lotion can be challenging and if done incorrectly -- you can end up with uneven, streaky skin. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Sunless tanning lotion
- Exfoliating mitt
- Body lotion
- Latex gloves
- Hair tie
- Makeup remover pad
- Baby oil
Instructions
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Rub a small amount of sunless tanning lotion on the inside of your wrist. Wait 24 hours to see if your skin develops a negative reaction to it. Discontinue using the product if it does and test another sunless tanning lotion.
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Cleanse your skin. Scrub your skin in the shower with an exfoliating mitt to remove dead skin cells and any residue of other products previously used on the skin. Dry your body off with a towel. Don't skip this step because starting with a smooth foundation is essential when trying to achieve an even faux tan.
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Rub body lotion only onto dry and wrinkly areas of your body because these areas eagerly absorb sunless tanning lotion and may come out darker than the rest of your body. Include your knees, elbows, feet, face and hands. The lotion dilutes the sunless tanning lotion and will keep the skin in these areas from absorbing too much product.
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Position yourself in a well-lit bathroom free of steam or humidity as this can make you sweat and results in tanning streaks. Put latex gloves on your hands to keep them from staining. Pull your hair out of your face and secure it behind or on top of your head with a hair tie.
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Apply sunless tanning lotion to your legs and feet. Use long, broad, downward strokes and aim to rub in an even amount of lotion. Apply lotion to your abdomen and chest area. Don't forget the sides of your torso -- and avoid bending over from here on, as this may crease your stomach and affect your application. Rub sunless tanning lotion on both of your arms and use a sponge paintbrush to apply the tanning lotion to your back.
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Use a sunless tanning lotion on your face and neck that is made especially for facial skin -- because the color of your face is lighter than that of your body. Don't forget to apply lotion behind your ears and under your chin.
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Take off the latex gloves. Wet a makeup remover pad with sunless tanning lotion. Wipe the pad over the back of your hands and fingers.
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Let the sunless tanning lotion set and dry for an hour. Avoid water getting onto your skin and don't engage in activities that make you sweat. Don't sit or lie down because sunless tanning lotion can stain anything you come in contact with. After three hours your full tan color will appear. If it's too light for your liking, repeat the application process.
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Maintain your tan by moisturizing your skin daily to keep it from drying. Apply baby oil to your skin before taking a shower to create a barrier between your tanned skin and the water. Reapply sunless tanning lotion once a week.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a tinted sunless tanning lotion so you can see where you've applied the lotion -- and avoid skipping areas.
References
- Photo Credit Ralf Nau/Lifesize/Getty Images
