Self-tan Practices to Keep Color Looking its Best

Naturally sunkissed or from a bottle, either way, both forms of color can take a little work to maintain. Granted one is a little more fun than the other. Nonetheless! If you’re too impatient for a gradual natural tan or simply believe in limiting your sun exposure the alternative to gain some instant color is appealing but can be tricky with the upkeep. With self-tanning products continuing to get better, much of the work to extend a self-tan mostly has to do with application practices and skincare. These are some of the self-tan practices that can prepare your skin to ensure your glow lasts.

Skin

Preparing your skin for self-tanning is one of the best ways to ensure your color stays looking its best. Making sure the skin is balanced and hydrated can help it to accept the tanning agent seamlessly. This typically begins with ensuring that skin is exfoliated and free of any buildup of skincare products, hair, or dry skin. This is especially important if you have any remaining products on your skin from a previous tan.

Not only does this not create the best results, but it can also begin to cause irritation. When exfoliating, it’s not always necessary to use a skincare product or scrub. Using tools to exfoliate can be just as, if not more effective. Some of the best include dry brushing regularly and using exfoliating shower towels. If using an exfoliating scrub just make sure that the product doesn’t contain excessive oils. This can cause the result to appear uneven because the oils create a barrier between the product and the skin.

Application

My favorite trick to make sure the application is quick and without mistakes is using a water-based moisturizer. Hands, ankles, feet, elbows, and knees all get a healthy amount of lotion worked into the skin, before letting it sit, and then apply tanning product. If after the first coat you plan to apply a second, depending on the product, it can help to allow the first layer to begin to dry before re-applying.

Self-Tan Practices that Extend Color

Lastly one of the more fun steps that can be incorporated into a tanning routine is, throwing on a silk loungewear set or robe, doesn’t matter as long as it’s silk. Avoiding cotton or more absorbent fabrics can allow the tanning product to stay in place, helping it to develop evenly. Once color is already developed the best way to extend your glow? Hydration! The more hydrated your skin stays after tanning application the better your skin can maintain the product, allowing it to fade gracefully.

What are your favorite self-tanning tricks that work for you?

-xo