How To Prep Skin For Self Tanner with the Best Moisturizing Techniques

You can find many products on the market, so you have a lot of textures and fragrances to choose from. One of my favorites is Warm vanilla sugar foaming scrub by Bath and Body Works, because it leaves the skin very smooth, and I love that vanilla scent. If you have how to prep skin for self tanner somewhere to go, maybe a night out in the summertime, and have a dress that exposes arms and legs, but this body makeup on, and you’ll get an instant glow.

Lightly dampen the mitt with how to prep skin for self tanner and wring it out to help the tanner glide on smoothly. Then apply a small amount of tanner to the mitt and use gentle circular motions to work the product into the skin, section by section. “For a deeper tan, you can reapply as needed,” says Dr. Engelman. Brownlow’s first piece of advice is that if you are new to self tanning, “less is more.” If you aren’t happy with your glow or tan, you can always add more later. “Focus on areas with uneven application or streaking, but be gentle to avoid irritation,” she says.

Their self-tanner and skincare collections contain antioxidants and hydrators like vitamin E, jojoba oil and aloe vera. Getting the perfect tan on your hands can be a challenge with self-tanner. It’s okay to make some mistakes along the way.Luckily, there are some easy fixes that can salvage your summer glow.

I used the most drops recommended (12) because I wanted to see if they would still render me an even tan, and I wasn’t disappointed. Since I used so many drops, my tan was pretty deep, so it’s nice to know that I can tailor the tan more in the future for a more subtle, non-streaky glow. I’d never tried any Tanologist products before, but when Beauty Director Erin Jahns told me the brand makes one of her favorite self-tanners, I knew I had to try it for this test. Blown away is an understatement—the Tanologist Express Tan Mousse exceeded how to prep skin for self tanner expectations and more. The super-foamy mousse has a golden guide color and sinks in quickly to skin.

I know this step may be a given, but I added it to remind you to use a tanning mitt, instead of your bare hands. Depending on how dry your skin is, you may want to add a light layer of moisturizer to dry areas mentioned above. If you have dry skin, you’ll need a formula with added hydration.

•  Use an oil-free cleanser to thoroughly clean your face and neck (if tanning your neck). If you use an oil-based cleanser, it can prevent self-tanner from evenly absorbing. Depending on the self tanner you purchase, the application can vary. Different formulas have different instructions, duration times, etc. As we’ve mentioned, there are self tanners specifically formulated for the face. However, you should still try to to select the right face self tanner for your skin type.

From tackling tanning on a tight schedule to expert exfoliation advice, we've mapped out solutions, no matter what sort of time frame you're working with, so fear not, day-of planners. Ahead, we've broken down tips and product recommendations for achieving swimsuit-ready skin, whether you're prepping a month, a week, or a day in advance. Baby OilFor your hands, use the baby oil and then pull on a pair of plastic gloves (like the kind that come with hair dye) before scrubbing it off. Sisley has a great reputation using clean ingredients like hibiscus flower and sesame extract. It has a luxurious texture and feels more like skincare than your typical self-tanner product.

However, inhalation of spray-on tanning chemicals may potentially pose a risk for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cancer. If you’re a cool skin tone you should be going for a green-based self-tanner. And because green neutralizes reddish-pink, it’s good for those with really fair complexions that may have other tanning products turning orange. The color produced by a self-tanner will gradually fade over time as the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin are shed. The length of time that a self-tan will last depends on how often you exfoliate your skin, how well you take care of your skin, and how dark you want your tan to be.

If you’re worried about self tanning your face, you could try mixing a little of your self tanner with your favourite moisturiser to dilute it slightly for a lighter application. This is also the time to shave if you want to, but be gentle. Freshly exfoliated skin is often more sensitive, so tread lightly with your razor to avoid any redness. This limited-edition collab between Miley Cyrus and how to prep skin for self tanner Glow includes all of the pop star's favorite items that protect against UV exposure and leaves your skin with a sun-kissed, summer glow. A few drops of this coconut-scented goodness deliver a plant-based golden tan as well as a healthy dose of skin probiotics to help reverse signs of sun damage and aging in just 15 minutes. Achieve your dream glow with this lightweight, fragrance-free face mist for sensitive skin sufferers seeking hydration sans pore-clogging ingredients.

This lightweight mousse glides on effortlessly, offering a radiant, natural-looking tan. It contains nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and jojoba oil, ensuring your skin remains healthy and hydrated. For medium skin tones, opt for a self-tanner shade that complements your existing skin tone, providing a healthy bronzed finish. Fair-skinned individuals often fear that self-tanners will result in an unnatural contrast, but with the right approach, achieving a beautiful sunless tan is within reach.

“Well-moisturized skin tends to shed dead skin cells more evenly. Regularly apply a hydrating lotion or oil to keep your skin hydrated,” she says. This easy-to-use tinted mousse is ideal for beginners and those daunted by the self-tanning products because it leaves skin with a subtle, buildable wash of color that’s also moisturizing. One applied, it dries down quickly without any stickiness, and the ingredient list includes aloe vera and hyaluronic acid for hydration and to prevent uneven fading. The tinted formula also helps with even application and showing where you’ve missed any spots. How do you get a beautiful natural glow or a tropical tan without sunbathing?

Beauty by Earth's Self Tanner is composed of organic ingredients, and its results are just as good as any other sunless tanning lotion. Smoothing this creamy lotion on your skin will help revive it with organic shea butter and coconut oil, banishing dry patches and a dehydrated epidermis. The color is easily buildable, and you'll have a natural-looking bronzed complexion after a few uses. You may have seen this TikTok viral self-tanning water on your FYP, but it’s essentially a self-tanning spray that can be used alone or blended into lotion for an even golden glow. It’s quite hydrating with avocado oil, chia seeds and grapefruit oil, and it also contains color-correcting actives to brighten the skin.

Rinse off with warm water and pat your skin dry with a towel. Just be patient, and make sure you don't over-exfoliate your body, which can cause issues like redness, irritation, and inflammation. The best way to get an even and natural-looking result is to do your self-tan prep and exfoliate your skin a day or two before. Using an exfoliating glove, scrub or chemical exfoliator to gently buff and dissolve dry, dead skin will create a soft and smooth surface that’s ready for self-tanning. Pay particular attention to your elbows, knees and feet, because these areas of the body often have skin that’s thicker and drier. You could also apply a light, unscented body moisturiser to these spots directly before applying your self-tan.

If you're using a spray solution, she recommends applying directly on your skin and using a mitt to massage in the product. If you have a mousse or foam, however, it's better to apply product on the mitt before blending on the body. Mousses typically dry very fast, she notes, so you'll have more control if you apply with the glove. After you step out of the shower and pat dry, steer clear of any lotion. You want absolutely nothing between your skin and tanning product of choice, but you can use a pea-sized amount of lotion on drier areas, like your knees, elbows, and ankles.

Since it is exposed, the epidermis requires frequent cell regeneration. You lose 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells each minute, which is about 50 million cells every day. The epidermis is comprised of up to 30 layers of dead skin cells. The top layer of these dead skin cells is called the stratum corneum, which is the exposed, outermost layer of your skin. This peel takes it up a how to prep skin for self tanner, making it a great choice for those seeking solutions for more pronounced skin concerns.

Full-body skincare is the name of the game here—that means shaving, exfoliating, moisturizing, and even hydrating from within. After exfoliating, make sure to moisturise your skin to prevent dryness and flakiness, which can cause the self-tanner to appear uneven or patchy. Don’t just moisturise immediately before, ensure you have kept up to a consistent regime in the days or weeks leading up to the application.

Nothing is more of a telltale sign of a fake bake than hands that resemble Colby Jack cheese (been there). To be sure your hands don't take on any unwanted splotches, wash them right after your finish tanning, being careful to avoid splashes that may get on the rest of your body. Prevent staining and wait until the product is fully dry before you get dressed to prevent streaks and staining clothes. Use a makeup brush to blend the areas around your hands and wrists so that you don't finish with a stark line.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any self-tanners from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

“For really stained palms, I would use a hair removal cream like Veet,” Evans said. “It takes off the top layer, so will remove the self-tan.” The same method, though, is not recommended for streaky tan jobs. Below are some of Evans’ expert tips and tricks on how to achieve the best sunless glow at home.

For the most part, you have a specific cleanser, sunscreen, body lotion, etc. that you use on your body, and a completely different set of products you use to take care of your face. If you leave self tanner on for more than 8 hours, it will not necessarily result in a darker tan. However, it may cause the self tanner to become patchy or uneven. It is always best to follow the instructions on the product you are using to ensure that you do not leave it on for too long. It is essential to understand how to properly take care of your skin to make sure your self tan will last as long as possible.

You worked hard to get a flawless faux tan—make sure you help it last as long as possible. Hydrating your skin with daily moisturizing is the best way to do so. Though you've applied a self-tan, that doesn't mean you should expose your skin to harmful UV rays. Continue to use sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that's water-resistant and at least SPF 30. Basically, any move that can potentially smear, smudge, or transfer your product should be avoided.

Hydrated skin holds a tan much better than drier skin, and dry areas might turn out darker and patchy, which could cause the tan to appear very unnatural and blotchy. Even though you will be using a how to prep skin for self tanner with your self-tanner, it is a good idea to moisturize a few hours before your self-tanning application as well. There have been plenty of innovations in the sunless tanning market over the last six decades, and now there’s a variety of options for people looking for a quick tan. Here at Talking Tan we cover everything about tan, from tanning beds to fake tan, for more check our About Us. If you continue to moisturize regularly even after tanner has been applied, this does also help contribute to how long it lasts because hydrated skin sloughs off slower than dry skin does.

DiMarchi loves this mask for lightening your tan and providing a gentle exfoliation. The squalane will keep your skin feeling hydrated and looking glowy. If you need to remove self-tanner from head-to-toe, baby oil is a quick and gentle way to go.

It's best to read the instructions on whatever tanner you use. However, regardless of the formula, you'll want to thoroughly exfoliate your skin before application to slough away dead skin to prevent streaks and splotchiness. For an instant radiance boost, apply a few drops of this brightening body shimmer oil.

“For really stained palms, I would use a hair removal cream like Veet,” Evans said. “It takes off the top layer, so will remove the self-tan.” The same method, though, is not recommended for streaky tan jobs. Below are some of Evans’ expert tips and tricks on how to achieve the best sunless glow at home.

For the most part, you have a specific cleanser, sunscreen, body lotion, etc. that you use on your body, and a completely different set of products you use to take care of your face. If you leave self tanner on for how to prep skin for self tanner than 8 hours, it will not necessarily result in a darker tan. However, it may cause the self tanner to become patchy or uneven. It is always best to follow the instructions on the product you are using to ensure that you do not leave it on for too long. It is essential to understand how to properly take care of your skin to make sure your self tan will last as long as possible.

You worked hard to get a flawless faux tan—make sure you help it last as long as possible. Hydrating your skin with daily moisturizing is the best way to do so. Though you've applied a self-tan, that doesn't mean you should expose your skin to harmful UV rays. Continue to use sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that's water-resistant and at least SPF 30. Basically, any move that can potentially smear, smudge, or transfer your product should be avoided.

Hydrated skin holds a tan much better than drier skin, and dry areas might turn out darker and patchy, which could cause the tan to appear very unnatural and blotchy. Even though you will be using a moisturizer with your self-tanner, it is a good idea to moisturize a few hours before your self-tanning application as well. There have been plenty of innovations in the sunless tanning market over the last six decades, and now there’s a variety of options for people looking for a quick tan. Here at Talking Tan we cover everything about tan, from tanning how to prep skin for self tanner to fake tan, for more check our About Us. If you continue to moisturize regularly even after tanner has been applied, this does also help contribute to how long it lasts because hydrated skin sloughs off slower than dry skin does.

DiMarchi loves this mask for lightening your tan and providing a gentle exfoliation. The squalane will keep your skin feeling hydrated and looking glowy. If you need to remove self-tanner from head-to-toe, baby oil is a quick and gentle way to go.

It's best to read the instructions on whatever tanner you use. However, regardless of the formula, you'll want to thoroughly exfoliate your skin before application to slough away dead skin to prevent how to prep skin for self tanner and splotchiness. For an instant radiance boost, apply a few drops of this brightening body shimmer oil.