How to Tan Your Legs

DHA reacts with amino acids on the skin's surface to create color.

The safest and most effective way to give your legs a lasting golden glow is with a sunless tanning -- or "fake tan" -- product that contains the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Fake tan creams, lotions, gels and sprays will give your legs a sun-kissed look without the mess and hassle associated with bronzing makeup and, more importantly, without the risk of skin damage associated with exposure to ultraviolet rays. Choose the right product for you, prepare the skin effectively and use the correct application technique to achieve natural-looking, even color without any telltale orange streaks.

Things You'll Need

• Self-tanning product
• Loofah or oil-free body scrub product
• Moisturizer
• Petroleum jelly

Instructions

1. Purchase a sunless tanning product suitable for your skin type and skin tone. Look for products from reputable brands that contain low levels of DHA combined with erythrulose, a natural substance that yields a longer-lasting, natural-looking tan.

2. Exfoliate your legs using a loofah or a gentle, oil-free body scrub product to remove dead skin cells immediately before using self-tanner.

3. Apply a thin layer of moisturizing lotion to your knees, ankles and feet to prevent over-absorption of color in these dryer areas. Blend in the edges carefully for an even tan.

4. Apply petroleum jelly to your nails and cuticles to protect them from staining as you apply self-tan. Alternatively, use self-tanning mitts, which help you to blend in color without staining your hands.

5. Apply a light, even layer of self-tan product, starting with your feet and working upward. Blend creams, lotions and gels in small, circular motions, being careful not to leave any gaps. If using a spray product, move the bottle constantly for an even application.

6. Allow six to eight hours for your tan to develop fully.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are new to self-tanning, use a product with a wash-off cosmetic tint so you can easily see the areas you have covered during application. Alternatively, build up your tan gradually by applying a sunless tanning moisturizer every day. If you still don't feel confident, treat yourself to a professional spray tan at a local salon.

• Apply your fake tan product to a small, inconspicuous patch of skin to test for irritation and check the final color result before applying to legs or other large areas of the body .

• Some fake tan products require you to wait for the product to dry before dressing, while others are instantly absorbed so you can dress immediately after application. Refer to the instruction leaflet included with your particular product for guidance.

• Correct uneven or unnatural color by soaking in a bath with baking soda added to the water, or by brushing the skin with a dry skin brush before showering. Use fake tan correction wipes or a lemon wedge to fade dark lines.

• Allow your tan to fade completely before reapplying to prevent build up of uneven color.

References

• Now Magazine: Piz Buin Self Tanning Lotion + Colour Dial
• Today MSNBC: Ready, Set, Glow! Sunless Tanning Tips
• Elle: Summer Glow: Best Self-Tanner Tips