(a) If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test on a small area of skin 24 hours before applying to the entire body. If a reaction develops do not use.
(b) Exfoliate thoroughly and preferably for 2-3 days prior to the self tan application. This will give a smoother surface for the fake tan to be applied and will prevent the tan becoming patchy and uneven.
(c) Moisturise on a daily basis, preferable using a moisturiser that is from the same brand as the self tanning product. Avoid oil based moisturisers which can prevent absorption of self tanning products making them patchy and uneven.
(d) Remove any unwanted hair at least 24 hours before applying the self tan.
(e) Remove hard skin from heels of feet.
Before You Start
(a) Remove all traces of make up with a non oil based cleanser or make up remover.
(b) Remove jewellery.
(c) Do not wear perfume, deodorant or oil based body lotion.
Application Instructions
Step 1: Exfoliating Exfoliate the entire body using a generous amount of exfoliating product, paying particular attention to elbows, knees, hands, feet and ankles. Once the product has been rubbed thoroughly into the skin it can either be mitted, sponged or rinsed off. Dry the skin thoroughly.
Step 2: Moisturising Apply moisturising body lotion all over the body, paying particular attention to drier areas including the elbows, knees, ankles, feet and hands. Leave to absorb thoroughly.
Step 3: Fake Tan Application (a) Wear gloves to protect the hands from staining. (b) Apply a small amount of fake tan to the fingertips, and apply to the face in small circular movements. Blend the product over the entire face, as if applying foundation. (c) Apply minimum product around the eyebrows and hair line, to the ears and behind the ears. (d) Apply the product evenly to the neck and shoulders, again working in small circular movements down towards the arms. (e) Bend the elbows, and apply minimum product to elbows working down towards the lower arm and apply evenly. (f) Apply product to breast area if required working down towards the stomach. Bend knees and sweep only minimum product over knees. (g) Apply a generous amount of product evenly to upper and lower legs but again using minimum products over the ankle. (h) Sweep minimal fake tan over the feet, avoiding contact with the nails and soles of the feet as this may cause staining. (i) Ask someone to help you apply self tan to your back. (j) Take off one glove and sweep it across the other hand. Take off the second glove and sweep it over the other hand gently. Avoid getting product on the nail plate and palms of the hands as this causes staining.
Step4: Allow to dry thoroughly without coming into contact with water
While Tan Develops
(a) Wear loose clothing and no footwear if possible (b) Avoid perspiration by avoiding exercise and heat (c) Keep the skin completely dry (d) Do not apply any other toiletries or beauty products (e) Do not shower for at least 6-8 hours. Preferably apply before bed and shower in the morning.
After the tan has developed avoid using the following beauty products:
(a) Harsh exfoliating products and facial scrubs (b) Products that contain AHA's (c) Body brushes / loofahs / mitts
Gently pat the skin dry after showering, do not rub. Avoid excessive use of soaps. Avoid waxing, shaving or bleaching. Avoid swimming as this will shorten the life of the tan, and will lighten the colour.
These days most people are aware that UVA rays are not too good for the condition of the skin. Yet, not only are beaches as popular as ever, but there is also a steady growth in number of solarium salons.
Even after all the education about dangers of tanning, for a lot of people a quick “fix” of a bronzed body outweighs the risks of a long term damage. They think that it will take “forever” before any problems are visible.
How long does it take, really?
Working in a tanning industry I have seen first hand the damage that sun and solarium beds do to people.
First, little freckles and skin discolorations appear. Then, the skin starts to loose its elasticity. It happens so slowly, that most do not notice it. Yet, when you see two people of the same age side by side, one that tans frequently, and the other one not at all, the difference is striking.
And it is already apparent in girls in their mid-late 20s and early thirties.
In fact, if you tan regularly, at the age of 30 you will have the skin of a 40 year old woman that does not tan. By the time you are in your mid 30s, you will have loose skin all over your body. As the elastin fibres break down, the texture of skin becomes thinner, and wrinkles and creases appear. You will also get large “age spots” and broken capillaries, where the blood has boiled from the heat of sun or solarium.
And it only gets worse from then on.
What is your chance of getting of all those results if you sun or solarium tan regularly?
100%
What can you do to reverse this damage when you are older?
Not enough. You can repair the surface of the skin to look more pleasing to the eye, but nothing will repair the elastin fibres deep down in the skin that have been damaged irrevocably.
The only way is for plastic surgeon to tighten the skin, but it will cost a small fortune for your whole body to be done.
Does it all mean we should stay white and pasty all our lives?
Not at all!
These days salon spray tanning as well as self tanning products are readily available, effective and very affordable.
Sure, you might need some experimenting to find the best product for you, but once you find the right method and product, it is well worth it.
Salon spray tanning is not only very quick (especially in the booth), but also cheaper than solarium (see for price breakdown).
If you are prepared to put in a little bit of effort and learn how to tan with self tanning products, you not only will get a totally natural looking tan, but it will cost you less than bus fare to the beach.
And the best thing of all?
Your skin will stay young, tight, blemish and wrinkle free well into your advanced years without expensive cosmetics, lasers and plastic surgery.
So, what does a smart girl do if she wants to have a great tan, but is not willing to sacrifice her skin?
Both Robert Thomson & Boshena Warzecha are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Robert Thomson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Personal Desktop, Finances and Pets. Penny Lane writes for Beauty Counter Direct, who offer , skin care, designer brand cosmetics and perfumes at discount prices.. Robert Thomson's top article generates over 450000 views. to your Favourites.
Boshena Warzecha has sinced written about articles on various topics from Women. Boshena Warzecha is an author of and an owner of a spray tanning salon in Byron Bay, Australia. Boshena Warzecha's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.