With the risk of skin cancer from sun exposure, and tanning beds now confirmed as being "as deadly as arsenic," more and more people are turning their backs on harmful UV rays and reaching for tan-in-a-can - an option, thanks to top-of-the-line sunless tanning products and new technology, that can finally look real.
How Does Sunless Tanner Work?
The dihydroxyacetone in the sunless tanner reacts with the keratin protein in your skin's top layer, temporarily dying the skin. Your "tan" will fade away as this top layer of dead skin cells flakes away.
How to Apply Self Tanner
As you might know from at-home hair-coloring kits, dyes don't discriminate - whatever they touch, they tint. This means slopping on a self tanner isn't as easy as your usual moisturizing routine. Listen up for a failsafe - well, almost - guide.
Avoid getting caught orange-handed by washing your hands every five minutes through your session, or by slipping on a pair of surgical or plastic gloves.
Exfoliate, Cleanse, & Moisturize for a Perfect Sunless Tan
When it comes to self tanner, the ladies at the counter will always tell you to follow the rule of three: cleanse-exfoliate-moisturize. What they don't tell you, is how far in advance you should be following this topmost trifecta. You should be sloughing away unwanted skin cells for a handful of days prior to your "tanning" session, and following the scrubbing with a good dose of rich moisturizer.
Exfoliate Often
By exfoliating with either a mechanical scrub or washcloth, you will give your skin a natural, dewy glow, your fresh skin will allow products to penetrate better, and you'll have rid yourself of tough alligator spots that lap up the tanner, resulting in unsightly brown patches.
Cleanse & Moisturize
On "tan" day, lather yourself up in a bath or shower, exfoliate as you have for the past few days, shave your legs, and moisturize your skin, paying attention to those tough spots, like your knees, ankles, feet and elbows. The moisturizer will help the tanner glide on seamlessly. Avoid a too-hot cleanse that will leave you steamy and sweaty - wait for your body to cool down and open you bathroom doors so the air dries up, too.
If you're home alone, or don't mind being in the buff around company, keep your tanning ensemble to a minimum. Go naked for the all-over bronze look, or sport an old bathing suit if you're looking to create some "authentic" tan lines.
Avoid Orange Hands by Washing Frequently
Avoid getting caught orange-handed by washing your hands every five minutes through your session, or by slipping on a pair of surgical or plastic gloves. Though, I must warn you, the latter does make an even application a wee bit more difficult.
Apply an Even Coat of Self Tanner
To begin, focus on applying self tanner to one area, and don't move on until you're finished.
Apply more than you would your average moisturizer, and don't wait for the product to soak in completely - just focus on getting an even coat. Keep your eye on the clock and dart to the sink to wash the product from all your hands' nooks and crannies every few minutes.
Apply Less Self Tanner to Knees, Elbows & Trouble Spots
When working on those trouble spots - ankles, knees, feet and elbows - slow down and use less tanner. Such dry, hard areas are thirsty deserts that love to soak up product. If you're an expert mixer, create a combination of one part self tanner to one part moisturizer (and do it well). Don't forget to keep washing those hands, paying particular attention to your nails and the sides of your fingers.
Use a Special Self Tanner for Your Face
If you want your face to have the same beachy glow as the rest of your body, be sure to use a face-specific tanner and apply with care. Blend well into the hairline, and if you have short locks, work product into the skin behind your ear. Your neck and face will absorb and react to the product more than the rest of your body, so use less tanner for the same color.
After Applying Tanner
When you're all done, wait for the sunless tanner to dry completely before getting dressed, and avoid contact with water - especially chlorinated water - for several hours. Depending on the product, your "tan" will appear within one to two hours, and will last for a few days, eventually fading away. You can keep your faux glow by routinely applying new product, but be sure to continually exfoliate and moisturize.
Common Sunless Tanner Mistakes
Streaky Tan
To avoid lines of pale and dark "tan," be sure to exfoliate evenly and allow your moisturizer to completely absorb into the skin before application of the tanner. If you are prone to poor application, chose a product that takes longer to dry, such as a lotion instead of a foam, so you have plenty of time to work the tanner evenly into your skin. Another option is to pick a product with an instant tint, so you know exactly where you've applied it.
Blotchy Tan
Darker ankles, elbows, knuckles and feet come from poor exfoliation and too much product on these trouble spots. The hind-sight solution is to give such areas a gentle scrubbing with your loofah, again pulling out the moisturizer for another dose. Some skincare companies sell self tanner remover, as well, which will fade the dark spots for a more even look.
Orange Tan
Sunless tanners react differently on each person's skin, so the same product will look different on everyone, and various products will have a different tint on the same skin. If you're a bargain shopper, this means a lot of trial and error before you find the perfect drugstore tanner for you. To avoid looking like an Umpa-Lumpa, spot test a small, unseen area before applying the product to your whole body, or choose a high-end tanner that, with the right application, is sure to give you your ideal glow.
