You can get a sun-kissed glow without spending hours on the beach. However, getting anything wrong in the preparation and just five simple steps wrong means ending up with a disaster made for your skin. If you want your tan to look both natural and appropriate, here is how to achieve it.
Start with Clean and Smooth Skin
Prep your skin the day before you tan. You can do this by exfoliating—use a scrub or mitt, particularly on dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and heels.
By removing dead skin, your tan will go on more evenly and stay longer. If you shave or wax, then do it at least 24 hours before—your skin needs time to settle. Besides, open pores may result in the tan fitting unevenly or looking patchy.
No Products on the Skin Before You Tan
Ensure your skin is dry and clean. Avoid deodorants, moisturisers, and perfumes before you get to the tanning bed. These products could tarnish the colour of your tan.
The best results come from a tanning mitt. Each application is even, and your hands won’t end up orange. Start with the feet and work your way up in a circular motion.
Go Light on Tricky Areas
Your elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists absorb more colour. They can take on a darker shade than the rest of your body if you aren’t careful. Don’t put too much on these places. With the residue from your mitt or a soft sponge pad, lightly but thoroughly blend each one in.
When tanning your face, use a special facial formula for self-tanning. It’s usually a tad softer. Smear it into the growth of your hair and neck so that it looks like you were born with that colour of skin.
Let It Dry Properly
Avoid falling for the “fast dry” label on the bottle. For self tan, take time to develop before dressing. Allowing about 10 to 15 minutes should be enough. After that, put on dark, loose clothing so that nothing comes into contact with your skin.
During the development period of your tan, don’t swim, shower, or sweat. Some tans take only an hour, while others can take up to eight hours before they are ready to be unveiled.
Keep Your Skin Moisturised
After removing the top layer of colour (also known as the guide colour), add a touch of moisturiser each night. It is kind to your skin and helps your tan stay beautiful as it wears off.
Use a sensitive lotion rather than one with perfume. Don’t wash with harsh scrubs or greasy products—these can remove your tan and make it fade unevenly. And avoid hot showers that last too long!
Know When to Reapply or Remove
There’s no need to keep slapping on a new tan every couple of days; just let it fade out on its own. But wait until the first layer is mostly gone before adding another layer of tan. An exfoliating glove, tan remover, or a soak in a hot bath can all help get this clag off. A little time away from your skin’s favourite shade keeps it looking good and healthy.
Pick the Right Formula for Your Skin
If your skin is dry or sensitive, choose a formula with moisturising ingredients. These may include aloe vera or coconut water, and they help keep your skin from getting dry and irritated. Don’t use heavily perfumed products if your skin is easily irritated. Most fake tans are less reactive than before, but it’s still smart to patch test new ones.
Glow Without the Guesswork
A good fake tan isn’t just about colour—it’s about feeling confident and looking fresh. By following these simple steps, you’ll get a glow that looks natural and lasts longer. Prep well, apply with care, and keep your skin happy—it’s that easy.
