Self-Tanning Guide: Everything You Should Know

Most beauty projects nowadays are DIY, including tanning. Self-tanning is one of the most fulfilling beauty procedures you can do since it is quite challenging, especially for beginners. Natural-looking tan may be hard to achieve, but it is doable.

Bondi Sands provides everything you should know as you start your journey to self-tanning.

Finish Other Appointments Before A Self-Tan

Tanning is the last skin regimen you should do. If you think you want to shave first, then do it. Also, if you still have a pending schedule at the salon for hair treatment, manicure, or pedicure, do all those things before a self-tan.

The above treatments can lessen or remove the effects of the self-tanning products you will apply. So before you hit the sun, cross out other appointments first and ensure your skin is ready for the self-tanning procedure.

Exfoliate First Before Tanning

One of the most common mistakes beginners make is to continue applying self-tanning products on dry skin. The components of the products often sink into the skin, and if it is dry, it will leave dark patches resulting in an unnatural tan look.

Generally, the essential thing you can do as you prepare your skin for self-tanning is exfoliation. Self-tanning foams, lotions, mists, or oils work best on skin that is not dry and flaky.

When exfoliating your skin, focus on the ankles, elbows, heels, and kneels. Use a cleanser with salicylic or glycolic acid. These ingredients are highly-effective when removing dead skin.

Also, opt for an oil-free exfoliating product. Oils can leave residue on the skin that can cause uneven self-tan results. And lastly, use an exfoliator to smoothen out and remove every dead skin and residue left on the surface of your skin.

Pick A Self-Tanning Product Based On Your Skin Tone

When picking a self-tanning product, pick the ones that suit your skin tone and not the result you want to achieve. The colour of the skin plays a vital role when picking the self-tanning product you will use.

If you have pale and whiter skin, choose those with subtle shades, not darker tints. You should take a gradual approach to the changes in the colour of your skin, so you will not also get disappointed with the result.

For those with a naturally fair skin tone or already tanned skin, you can use self-tanning products with medium to darker hues. That way, it will better complement the complexion of your skin.

Tan Face First Before The Body

Although the basic rule when tanning is to start from the bottom, some recommend tanning your face before you work on your body. The face is the easiest to tan than the body since you can apply self-tanning products to it with your bare hands.

When applying self-tanning on your face, do not miss the areas around the eyes, such as under it and over the eyelids, ear tips, back of the ears, and neck. Ensure you blend the self-tanner product in an outward movement using your fingertips.

And since the face has more sensitive skin than the body, you can also try to mix the self-tanning product with a facial cream or moisturiser lotion.

Start Your Way From The Bottom

After the face, now it is time to tan the body. Using a tanning glove, start on the legs by applying the self-tanning product in a circular motion.

Once you’re done with the legs, go over the ankles going up. That way, when you need to bend, you can prevent any marks from appearing. Lastly, apply the self-tanning product on your arms and to your hands.

Give Ample Time To Dry

When you think you have already applied the self-tanning product all over your body, give them time to dry. Most tanning products have recommended time for them to set into your skin. You can double the waiting time to ensure they dry completely.

It would help if you also refrained from showering or doing tasks that can make you sweat. Wait at least six to eight hours, so the water or your sweat cannot wash off the self-tanning products you have applied. You can also save your clothes from getting stained.

Always Moisturise!

Self-tanning requires more responsible self-care treatment if you want the results to last longer. The best thing to do is by moisturising. It will keep your skin from getting dry and flaky.

Also, when choosing the best moisturiser, choose the one that does not have retinol and is used for acne treatments. These moisturisers are abrasive to the skin and can dissolve the effects of the self-tanning product you apply.

Have Fun Self-Tanning!

Self-tanning is quite a challenging beauty enhancement, especially for beginners. At first, you can experience some unavoidable mistakes when self-tanning. But you can conduct touch-ups on your initial application process. No need to start from scratch.

The best part of the entire self-tanning procedure is that trials are the key to achieving perfectly tanned skin. So have fun and enjoy the process!