Since it’s a lotion, application is super easy and within a few hours, you’ll notice a gorgeous bronze color. It’s also worth noting that how to prep skin for self tanner the scent is very minimal and it doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy or sticky post-application. She recommends exfoliating prior to applying the tanner, and looking for formulas that are hydrating and fragrance-free, as those are less likely to cause irritation.

Ultimately, always consult with your dermatologist before adding a new product to your routine when you’re dealing with eczema. Peta Jane Beauty's Gradual Face Tan features our award-winning secret formula, organically derived ingredients without any fragrance or dyes. This non-comedogenic moisturizer delicately tans your skin without how to prep skin for self tanner clogging pores, giving an even tan complexion.

Use a gentle cleanser to thoroughly cleanse your skin, paying extra attention to areas such as the face, where makeup residue may be present. Removing any oils or residue will ensure that the self-tanner adheres properly to your skin and gives you an even and long-lasting tan. Now that you have all the necessary information on self-tanning, it's time to dive into the dos and don'ts of achieving a flawless tan. Follow these tips to ensure how to prep skin for self tanner a successful and natural-looking result.

1. Exfoliate Your SkinExfoliation is crucial for removing dead skin cells that can cause uneven tanning. Follow these tips:
It is best to arrive at your appointment with your skin already hydrated and moisturized. If you have naturally dry skin, it might be necessary to moisturize again the morning of your tan. If you are curious about if and when you should moisturize, contact us via email or DM on Instagram.
For a cream product, apply it the same way you would a moisturizer, using your hands to slather an even layer around the face. Make sure your coverage includes the entire face, including "oft-forgotten areas such as the front and back of the neck, hairline, and ears," says DiMarchi. Dr. King agrees with Evans that those with acne-prone skin should look for products specifically noted to be noncomedogenic.

• Fake tan sticks to hair-free skin easier, so ideally shave one daybefore your tanning. This gives your skin time to close up the pores,preventing streaks and brown speckles. Self-tanning can leave us looking like a naturally bronzed goddess or a splotchy orange mess, and much of the outcome is literally in our hands. Some experts shared with us the most common mistakes people make when using self-tanner or getting a spray tan that can lead to less-than-desirable results. However, it may darken the color during the life of your sunless tan.
• Use a gentle body scrub or exfoliating mitt.
• Before applying self-tanner, use the body wash in combination with a natural loofah (we picked up ours from Shoppers Drug Mart) to exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells. Doing this can help the self-tanner apply more evenly, and avoid any dark patches. To apply, wet the loofah, apply the body wash and rub gently in circular motions, focusing on the rougher parts of the body like the knees, elbows and ankles. Before we get into the tanning part, Christine recommends setting aside time and space to avoid interruptions and distractions. It's important to work swiftly and smoothly for the best results, using long light spreading motions. Those with light to medium skin tons should use the application mitt for the best self-tan.
• Focus on dry areas such as elbows, knees, and ankles.
• Exfoliate 24 hours before applying self-tanner for the best results.

After you apply your self-tanner, you’ll want to apply lotion daily to prevent dry, flaking skin and help your tan stay pigmented and even. This statement applies both to the application process and the after-care. If you’re how to prep skin for self tanner in any way, you’re much more likely to wind up with orange spots, white patches, or a regrettably uneven hue. No matter what kind of self-tanner you choose, you’re more likely to get the results you’re looking for if you follow these best practices. Because, when it comes to self-tanner, even the most “fool-proof” formulas can lead to a mishap or two. The summer months start to near, you look at your wintery pale skin and think ….
2. Shave or WaxIf you remove hair from your skin, do so at least a day prior to applying self-tanner to prevent irritation. Here’s how:
If you’re using a spray product — or getting your self tan at a spray salon — be sure to keep your eyes and mouth closed the entire time. It’s not safe to ingest or inhale aerosol self-tanning products. Thankfully, self tanning products have come a long way from the smelly, streaky days of yore. In case you’re still worried about looking like a blotchy Oompa Loompa, we’ve got you covered. We asked Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) to share a few dermatologist-approved self-tanning hacks. Make sure you select the right tanning product and invest in a tanning mitt to nail your fake tan.

• Shave or wax the areas where you plan to apply tanner.
• If you need to get a wax, manicure, touch up your hair color, or shave your legs; do it before applying self tan. All of the treatments can partly remove or tear on your applied self-tanner. When you are using Boë, it’s the same processes that happens in your skin as the sun’s rays – so it’s your skin that creates your tan.
• The moisturiser acts as a barrier, creating a more even surface and reducing the likelihood of uneven coloration. Arguably the most important step in your pre-tanning ritual, exfoliation sheds dead skin cells and dry skin to make sure that you have a smooth and even surface for your tan cover. Exfoliation will also improve circulation to encourage blood flow and help give your limbs a healthy glow of their own before you've even put on your tanning mits. At least a day before you plan to tan, apply the Mio Skincare Heavenly Body Radiance Salt Scrub onto wet skin and rub in with circular motions before rinsing off.
• Allow your skin to calm down for 24 hours before tanning.

If you find yourself at a pool or hot tub, consider staying poolside. Chemicals like chlorine how to prep skin for self tanner have a stripping effect on your tan, causing it to fade quickly, weakening your longest lasting self tanner. Finally, refrain from wearing tight clothing or anything that could cause friction on your skin, as this can cause your self-tan to wear off faster. But if you’ve ever taken to the mitt, you’ll know how challenging it can be to avoid white spots on tricky areas such as the underarms and neck. We asked our b.fam to spill the beans on their no.1 tan hack for the best tan results, like, ever.
Certain areas such as hands and elbows are drier and can turn patchy. To avoid this, says Jules, “moisturise your hands, elbows, knees and feet as well as your nails with an aloe vera based moisturiser," says Jules. Irrespective of your skin tone, it's crucial to maintain your gorgeous glow. Glow Gradual Tanning Moisturiser is an excellent choice for extending the life of your tan. This daily moisturiser helps prolong your tan and provides essential hydration. Simply apply it regularly to keep your skin looking radiant.
3. MoisturizeMoisturizing helps create a barrier that prevents the self-tanner from clinging to dry patches. Here’s what to do:

• This can be used on one-day-old tan, and any time after this when you just need to get rid of remnants of an old tan or want to start again on a new, clean canvas. It leaves skin feeling hydrated, too, meaning it primes for your next application. Modern tanning brands may come and go, but I know can always rely on St. Tropez for a solid, efficacious formula, be it a fake tan mousse, mist or instant tan. The following 7 products are my favourite go-to buys from the brand, no matter what kind of tan you're after. If you want a more luxurious tanning experience, the Luxury Velvet Mitt is super soft and will effortlessly glide across skin to achieve a streak free even finish. Remembering to work in circular motions in sweeping across the body to blend in your tan allow guide colour to show you where the tan is.
• Hydrating your skin with daily moisturizing is the best way to do so. These basic tips will help you apply a self-tanner so you get even coverage and longer-lasting results. These basic tips will help you apply self-tanner so you get even coverage and longer-lasting results. Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying. These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin.
• When tanning in the bathroom avoid porous surfaces such as wooden floors and tiles with grout, and move the bath matt away. Wipe off any tan that sneaks onto surfaces and tackle tan stains on grout with a mix of one part bleach to four parts water. At the Boë-office we have different strategies for our different products – and see no particular reason, to have a static regime for adding self tan before or after moisturizing.
• Apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to your skin.
• It can also leave an invisible film preventing development of the spray tan. To avoid those unsightly white patches, start by shaving your underarms a day before applying self-tanner to allow your skin to heal. Before applying self-tanner, you’ll need to prepare your skin.
• By following these guidelines, you can select a self-tanner that will give you a beautiful, even tan while taking care of your skin's health and appearance. Remember to read product descriptions carefully and consider reviews from users with similar skin tones and types to make an informed decision. This product is safe, however, for those with skin sensitivities or allergies, it is recommended to consult a health care professional before using the spray tan booth. Norvell sunless spray tanning solution uses a breakthrough odor control technology designed to virtually eliminate the odor that may be present when the solution interacts with the skin. The advanced technology currently used in sunless tanning solutions is designed to ensure a natural, bronze how to prep skin for self tanner.
• Avoid heavy creams and oils that can affect the tanning process.
• Pay special attention to dry areas like elbows, knees, and feet.
• Most self-tanners take about minutes to dry, but it's a good idea to check the label on your specific product to be sure. Avoid getting the self-tanner wet or sweating while it's drying to ensure that it fully absorbs into your skin. These are designed to be non-comedogenic and gentle on sensitive skin. For a subtle look, consider mixing facial tanner with your regular moisturizer. Wait at least 6-8 hours before showering to allow the self-tanner to develop fully.
• Being able to achieve a gorgeous, glowing tan without harmful UV rays – what could possibly be better? Gone are the days of sitting in the sun covered in baby oil or frying skin under the bright (and extremely dangerous) lights of tanning beds. Instead, airy foams, creamy lotions, and lightweight drops have replaced the past, creating a safe, sun-kissed glow right at home. As you smoothly apply our lotion, you'll feel the rich, creamy texture pampering every inch of your skin. The subtle, natural scent of coconuts transports you to beach-side vistas while skin transforms to bronzed. Reveal a gorgeous, natural-looking tan that looks and feels as if you've just returned from a tropical holiday.
• Note is to always distribute with your hands – also when using the No.2. Tan the back of the neck and down the sides of the torso — even going into the underarms — and tan each arm, stopping at the wrists. If this guide has inspired you to get your glow on, don’t forget to tag us in any Instagram posts, and use #bondisands to let us know how much you love your Australian tan.

After exfoliating, it’s essential that you moisturize your skin thoroughly before you apply any kind of self-tanner. This step helps ensure that your tan looks even and natural rather than streaky or blotchy. Moisturizing also prevents the self-tanner from clinging too much to dry patches on your body like elbows and knees.
4. Choose the Right Self TannerIts high standards of durability, colour-fastness, shape and size retention ensure the linen stays looking and feeling good despite repeated washing at high temperatures. Try washing your how to prep skin for self tanner sheets in a 60 deg wash, or as hot a wash as the care label allows if the stain persists. Soak harder-to-shift stains on white cotton bedding in a pre-wash stain removal solution before washing as normal. One of the best self-tanners for a sun-kissed face and neck. The colourless formula protects your clothing and bed linen. Use the Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Liquid Bronzer to give your face some color — you can even mix it with moisturizer or foundation for an all over tan.
As always, the best way to apply fake tan is to follow the advice of tanning experts. In the midst of winter when we’re bundled up a majority of the time, sometimes all you need is a good bronzer to fake a sun-kissed glow. Plus, if you’re dealing with bad eczema breakouts on the body, this is a good way to get a tan look without further-irritating your skin.
Aside from PS, her work can be found in the pages of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen as well as online at InStyle, Esquire, NBC, and various food and travel sites. Tropic Ambassadors are beauty-lovers-turned-business-owners who sell Tropic products. If you shop with one of our Ambassadors, please let us know so we can link your purchase to their business. Tropic Ambassadors are beauty-lovers-turned-business-owners who sell our products. Select an Ambassador from the list below to link them with your order. Then take a small amount of product in the palm of your hand, starting with the T-zone, forehead, nose and chin.
Selecting the right product tailored to your skin type and desired shade is important. Consider the following:

• Choose between lotions, sprays, or mousse based on your preference.
• Test a small area first to ensure compatibility with your skin.

5. Application ToolsUsing the right application tools can make a significant difference:

• Invest in a tanning mitt for a smooth, streak-free finish.
• Use a brush for detailed areas such as around the face and feet.

FAQs About Prepping Skin for Self TannerWhat if I have sensitive skin?Opt for hypoallergenic products and always do a patch test before full application.
How long should I wait after shaving or waxing before applying self-tanner?It’s best to wait at least 24 hours to allow your skin to settle and reduce the risk of irritation.
Can I use self-tanner on my face?Yes, but choose a formula specifically designed for facial use, and follow the same prep steps.
Do I need to exfoliate every time I tan?Exfoliating once a week is sufficient, but always exfoliate before your first self-tanning application.
Following these steps on how to prep skin for self tanner will help you achieve a beautiful, bronze glow while maintaining healthy skin. Enjoy your radiant look!