Some few years ago, fake tanning was a new trend commonly practiced by celebrities and models. Fast track to today and the situation is entirely different. More beauty fanatics are finding new ways to accomplish a beautiful sun-kissed glow with readily available self-tanning lotions, mousses, wipes, and sprays. Of course, all these products are a much safer way to go about tanning than having to sit in the sun. Nonetheless, tanning mishaps such as orange palms, splotchy elbows and knees, and streaky color can make the experience a little scaring especially for novice tanners. The following rules of the thumb will help achieve both efficiency and consistency in your self-tanning endeavors.
1. Prepare the Skin
It doesn’t matter which tanning product you’re using ‘ streaking will be a problem if your skin isn’t smooth. Make sure that you exfoliate prior to tanning. This helps remove dead skin cells so that the tanning mousse or lotion that you’ll be using can absorb properly. Also, make a point to moisturize a couple of hours before tanning since dry skin contributes to streaking. Shaving can also be a good form of exfoliation, especially if you’re tanning the whole body (including the legs). More so, if you’re waxing, do so some 24 hours before applying the tan so that the hair pores can calm down. Both waxing and shaving after the tanning process speed up the fading process.
2. Moisturize your skin
I can’t understate the importance of moisturizing before a tan. If your skin is dry (not smooth) before you apply your tanner, you’ll probably see a lot of streaking. Moisturizing hydrates the skin, making it look both healthy and youthful. Also, make a point to moisturize after tanning, and daily!
3. Wear protective eye goggles
This is more so important if you’re going to a tanning bed, but is also important if you’re applying self-tanner to areas close to the eyes. Some tanning products have ingredients that might be harmful to the eye. So if you’re not going to wear any protective Goggles, be very careful around the eyes.
4. Use tanning mitt
Tanning mitts help make tanning much easier for lots of people. To start with, a mitt will prevent staining of your palms, so there’s no messy cleaning up to do after the tanning session. A good mitt will also contribute to an even, smooth and streak-free mitt. This way, you don’t have to worry about blotches, spots and other mishaps that can make self-tanning a less enjoyable experience. Our Ultimitt tan applicator is the bestselling mitt in the market, it works great and is compatible with all types of tanners and lotions.
5. Don’t skimp on the product
One of the most common self-tanning mistakes that people make is not using enough tanner. You want to make sure that you liberally cover your skin. As a rule of the thumb, one pump per arm and two per leg should suffice. But even if you find that you’re not fully covered, don’t shy away from applying some more. This helps you accomplish a more even tan.
6. Never rush a tan
Rushing a tan is one surefire way to get less than satisfactory results. If you’re using a tanning lotion or moisturizer, take your time to make sure that you evenly apply the product. Depending on the specific product that you’re using, you have to wait a couple of hours before you can get the results you’re looking for. On the other hand, spray tanners need about 15 minutes. Also, never tan more than once daily.
7. Fix your mistakes
If you’re still new to tanning, you might make a mistake or two during your first attempt. There’s always an easy way to fix the mistake before it graduates into a bigger issue. One common tanning mishap that people experience is streaking. You can erase these with a cushiony sponge with a little water. Pass it along the skin to remove unwanted streaks. You can apply nail polish remove to a ball of cotton then rubbing against these streaks.
8. Make color last
The top layer of your skin sheds, naturally. For that reason, self tanners only last for a couple of days. But you can extend the life of your tan by using a moisturizer daily. The Thermalabs Tan Enhancer is specifically designed for this purpose. It keeps the skin moisturized, and additionally protects it from free radicals and other environmental pollutants.
9. Enjoy tanning
Tanning should be a fun and enjoyable activity. You’ll be more likely to stick to it if you enjoy the time.
10. Always apply sunscreen
Just because you applied a tanner isn’t reason enough not to apply sunscreen. A lot of people forget to apply sunscreen when they go outside, and this leaves their skin exposed to the sun’s UV radiation. Most tanners nowadays come included with some SPF to protect against this radiation, but it often isn’t enough by itself. Buy a bottle of your best sunscreen lotion and apply it whenever going out.
That’s it! Follow these simple 9 rules and you should surely become a bronze beauty, with no chance of mishaps!
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