A great spray tan makes you and your skin feel attractive and healthy. A bad spray tan does the opposite. Whether you get your golden glow at a tanning salon or at home, you want to avoid embarrassing tanning disasters like product running down your legs or splotchy spots on your arms. You don’t have to settle for an ok tan because you have chosen to avoid baking your skin in the sun and let’s face it, many will take their chances with traditional tanning because of the sometimes unattractive and unnatural results of self-tanning application. Here are a few things you can do:
Compatibility
Perform a test run before committing to a shade or product and if you are planning to tan before a big event, test a couple of weeks prior to the event. This gives the tan time to fade completely before applying the product again before the event. This way there are no surprises. You’ve seen the results of an ill-conceived tan, and you want to avoid joining those ranks.
Clean & Smooth
Before applying any tanning product, take a shower, exfoliate your skin, and remove hair (shave or wax). You want a smooth canvas for the product to adhere to that is clean, hydrated and free of body and product oils. Oily substances will prevent the tanner from sticking to the skin and working properly.
Give It Time
Avoid showering or bathing for at least eight hours after product application (overnight is even better) because it gives the tanner time to develop. The first shower after tanning should not be hot but lukewarm to avoid stripping off the color.
Let It Fade
To avoid an uneven color, let the tan fade before applying a new one. If you want the tan to fade faster, exfoliation will speed up the process. To make your tan last longer, avoid exposing your skin to prolonged periods in the water. Also, pat not rub your skin dry to avoid rubbing tanning product off.
Additional Tips:
- Wear flip-flops and loose-fitting, dark clothing after a spray tan application to avoid streaking.
- If you are applying the tanner yourself, make sure you follow the directions carefully and have all the items you need before getting started.
- Don’t be afraid to ask a friend for help if you are concerned about even application.
- While darker skin is naturally better protected from the sun’s harmful rays, than lighter skin, it still needs to be protected. Everyone should use a sunscreen with a high SPF with UVA AND UVB protection.
Related articles
- Sunless Tanning That Really Works (naturaltanningacceleratorsandlotions.wordpress.com)
- Sunless Tanners Still a Tough Sell, Survey Finds (news.health.com)
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