Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

The safest way to get a tan is to avoid UV rays and use a self-tanner (also known as a sunless tan). The two most common chemicals found in self-tanners are dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and erythrulose, each of which works by reacting with amino acids on the skin's surface. You've probably heard (or seen) horror stories about the bad effects of self-tanning - streaks, orange hands, dark folds - but these steps will help you avoid such disasters.

Steps

1. 1 Take enough time to apply your self-tanner. Ideally, you should have two or three hours for jumping around naked (or nearly naked). This can all be done in half an hour, but this is not a good idea if this is your first time doing this. Try to make sure you have at least an hour to complete the following steps.
2. 2 Take a shower or bath. While you're there, you need to do the following:
   • Exfoliation. The chemicals found in self tanning react with amino acids in the upper layers of the skin. By removing the top layer (which would soon peel off anyway) you ensure that the tan is absorbed into the fresh layer and lasts longer. Plus, dry skin tends to absorb more color, increasing the likelihood of an uneven tan. Exfoliating will clear away dry skin. Make sure you thoroughly exfoliate every area of ​​your skin to avoid blemishes.
   • Shave. This should be done in order to get a smoother tan, and is best done before using a self-tanner, not after. If you shave after application, then it threatens to create stains. However, if you have sensitive skin, you'd better avoid shaving before using a self-tanner, otherwise you will have skin irritation.
3. 3 Wipe it off. It is very important that your skin is completely dry when using a self-tanner. If you are going to continue to be in the bathroom, then wait for the moisture from the bath or shower to disappear. Also, make sure your area is cool enough so that you don't sweat for the next few hours.
4. 4 Do some prep work. Rubbing lotion into problem areas (knees, elbows, feet, hands) before tanning can help keep those areas from getting too dark. Also, applying moisturizer before self-tanning can help make streaks and mismatches less noticeable in sweat. All this, however, is completely optional.
5. 5 Ready, set, apply! If you don't want your hands to turn orange, wear latex gloves. Spread the tan over the skin in a circular motion, being careful not to miss a single area of ​​the skin. If you are not wearing gloves, do not spend too much time rubbing in the cream (as is often recommended in the instructions), otherwise your hands will absorb too much cream. Also use a timer to make sure you wash your hands every 5 minutes while cleaning your nails well.
   • Spread the tan from your feet to your ankles and feet and use as little cream as possible in this area. Do not put anything on your toes, heels, or the sides of your feet.
   • Apply the cream sparingly to your face and neck, as the skin darkens very easily here. Also, be sure to apply the cream behind your ears and on the back of your neck, especially if you have short hair.
   • While most people do not have sun-tanned armpits, it can be difficult to avoid this area, so it is best to apply a self-tanner and rub lightly with a damp washcloth after about 5 minutes.
6. 6 Lighten problem areas. After you've applied the self-tanner, apply regular lotion to your feet and ankles and toes. Apply a small amount to your knees, especially just below the knee. Do the same for your elbows, especially the part that wrinkles when your arm is straight. Use a lot of lotion on your hands and wrists. Wipe your navel with a cotton swab dipped in lotion. This will help prevent the area from getting too dark.
7. 7 Wait. Don't touch anything or anyone for the first 15 minutes and don't get dressed for an hour. If this is not very comfortable, then wear loose clothing. Avoid contact with water or do anything that could make you sweat for the first three hours. Try waiting 8 hours before showering or bathing again. If you feel sticky, apply baby powder with a large body puff 30-60 minutes after applying the lotion, but do not rub it in.

Tips

• Always use circular motions to even out your tan.
• Don't worry about borders; Self-tanning will not affect your lips and nipples too much, so you may not want to avoid them.
• Freckles and moles are also best darkened along with the skin.
• Stretch marks that are less than a few years old are best darkened.
• Try mixing cream with lotion for a more natural tan.
• If you don't have someone to help apply the cream to your back, use a spray, sponge brush, or roller.
• Make your own self-tanner at home.

Warnings

• Even if your lotion contains sunscreen, you shouldn't expect it to protect you from the sun. Sunscreen needs to be applied generously, so the thin layer you put on your self-tanner won't help you much.
• Due to the reaction that takes place between your skin and the chemicals in the cream, it can cause an unpleasant odor. But this will pass in a few hours.