top of page
Search

How To Prep Skin For Self Tanner for a Streak-Free Glow

  • prepskin25
  • Mar 25, 2025
  • 9 min read

Receive our latest updates about our products and promotions. The Nutrition Insider exists to educate individuals through unbiased reviews of nutrition products and companies, empowering them to take back control of their health. Sign up to get the latest info, product recommendations, and more https://us.ioniqskin.com/blogs/blog/how-to-prep-skin-for-self-tanner.



 

Plenty of how to prep skin for self tanner products still contain ingredients like sulfates, which can cause dryness and damage. That’s why McCool formulated Jousse Cleanse and Condition, her sulfate-free shampoo-and-conditioner duo, which gently cleanses while supporting your scalp health. To avoid a streaky look, Dr. Ciraldo recommends steering clear of zinc or mineral sunscreen because even though they’re great for sensitive skin, they tend to make tans look chalky. Switch up your moisturizer for a formula that does double-duty by hydrating skin while improving resilience and elasticity. Anna is a fitness + styled obsessed North Carolina girl who loves finding shortcuts to everyday beauty + style! Her goal is to share beauty tips, easy classic style + her favorite fitness/nutrition tips!

 

“Each product offers different benefits, so consider your skin type, desired outcome, and any skin sensitivities when choosing a self-tanner,” says Johnson. As a spray tan stylist, Johnson is an expert at giving clients the perfect glow in the salon. However, she notes that you can achieve a similar look at home. Tatiana Velasco is a New York City-based beauty writer who joined Good Housekeeping in 2020 as a Beauty Intern and continues to produce stories for the brand as a freelancer. She received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism at New York University where she also worked as a writer and editor for the student newspaper, Washington Square News. She is passionate about skincare, hair care, health and fitness.

 

It’s really important to do any hair removal at least 24 hours before you apply the self-tanner. Basically, though, it’s just a high-quality self-tanner on a convenient towelette. They aren’t quite as cost-effective in the long run, so you’re trading dollars for convenience. They are perfect for travel, or to use before an event, or if you just don’t have a ton of time but want a fantastic summer glow. However, be careful if you’re using your socks, or someone else’s, that you don’t ever use them on your feet again.

 

Keeping up with this routine not only extends your tan’s lifespan but also keeps your skin looking vibrant and healthy. Ideal for both beginners and tanning pros, self-tanning foams usually include a guide color. This helps you see exactly where you’ve applied the product, ensuring no spot is missed, and your tan is flawlessly even. You still need to wear sunscreen and carry out other sun proactive measures just as you would normally (2). In fact, some studies suggest self-tanning actives can trigger more damage during UV exposure, making sun protection even more important (3). Don’t let that last bit deter you— at-home self-tanning products continue to be deemed safe, just remember to apply SPF before sun exposure!

 

Our favorite method at the moment is using tanning drops because we can customize how much we want to glow by mixing it in with our moisturizer. Even more importantly, this happens to be the best-smelling option because we get to break out our beloved Brazilian Bum Bum Cream for this process. Sunless tanning is not only a quick fix, it's also a skin-safe alternative to outdoor tanning and tanning beds. The harmful effects of the UV exposure it takes to achieve a golden glow may not appear on the surface of the skin right away, but, once they manifest, they can be deadly.

 

This aloe-infused product is great at quickly fading a lingering tan. Reviewers suggest leaving on for between 10 and 15 minutes, a bit longer than the brand’s five minute recommendation. When showering, make sure to scrub the product off with a mitt or loofah to ensure the tan is evenly removed. If you use your hands to apply your self-tanner, thoroughly wash your hands and nails with water and soap to prevent your palms from turning orange. Some believe that hair how to prep skin for self tanner interfere and compromise the achievement of a natural and even fake tan. Self-tanner is the only way to achieve a natural sun-kissed complexion without worrying about the effects that the sun can have on the skin (premature aging, pigmentation damage, sunburn, etc.).


 

Moving on to your back, flip the mitt over and stretch it over each shoulder, evenly distributing the product. There’s a simple yet intriguing scientific process behind self-tanners. First and foremost, let’s get familiar with the amino acid tyrosine found within your skin cells. Tyrosine plays a crucial part in producing melanin pigment, which gives color to skin, hair, and eyes. To avoid all that mess, just make sure you shave or wax at least 24 hours before you apply self-tanner. Getting a perfect self-tan isn’t just about grabbing a bottle of self-tanner and going to town.

 

Applying self-tanner to the rest of your skin when the tan has not faded will land you with some dark and orange patches, and some unsightly streaks. Rather wait for the fade to tan, exfoliate and then reapply the tan all over. Exposed to too much self-tanner when applying it to the rest of your body, your hands will turn bright orange. You should not spread lotion generously over your entire skin, instead, focus on the problem areas such as the elbows, hands, knees, feet and other dry areas. If you're using a gradual tanner, apply it with your fingers; for a regular formula, put it on how to prep skin for self tanner a makeup sponge so you don't stain your hand. Lightly spread the color all over, going to your hairline, up to your bottom lashes, along your jaw, and down your neck.


 

Now it’s time for the dreaded moment when you delicately inch your way between your bed sheets in the hope of ruining neither your fresh tan nor your bedding. For professional tanning appointments, your beautician will give you time to let your tan dry before getting dressed. Skin cancer, sun spots and premature ageing have now made a natural tan pretty much a thing of the past. The Loving Tan Deluxe Face Tan stands out in the realm of facial self-tanners. Tailored specifically for delicate facial skin, this product offers a luxurious, natural-looking tan.

 

Understanding the process of prepping snake skin allows you to transform a natural byproduct into something useful and how to prep skin for self tanner. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a curious enthusiast, this guide provides the foundational knowledge to get started. Remember to prioritize safety and hygiene throughout the process. For more information on environmental education, visit The Environmental Literacy Council at enviroliteracy.org. Prepping snake skin is a fascinating process that transforms a shed or harvested skin into a usable material for crafts, leatherwork, or even scientific study. The steps involve cleaning, hydrating, preserving, and sometimes tanning the skin to achieve the desired final product.

 

Use lukewarm to cool water, and avoid using harsh soaps or exfoliating, as this can strip away the color prematurely. Navigating the world of self-tanning can feel like walking through a minefield. One wrong step and boom, you’re left with streaks, uneven patches, or an overly dark tan that screams “fake tan” louder than a fluorescent orange. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to self tanning. After application, wait at least 10 minutes before putting on clothes to allow the tan to dry properly.

 

Anna is a proud mama to 4 amazing how to prep skin for self tanner (18, 16, 8 + 6) and wife to her handsome husband of 19 years. We suggest using a barrier cream if the orange stain is too risky. Or wash your hands right away and use an exfoliator so the tanner doesn’t get to rest long on your skin.

 

If you're not sure which express product is right for you, take our  self tan quiz to find your perfect match. A. Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam has a warm, rich undertone that is best suited to medium to deep skin tones. It features ColourLock Accelerator™ technology, which works by locking in your glow in one hour, so you can be same day ready. Ahead, Courtney Claghorn, founder of Sugared + Bronzed shares everything you need to know about spray tan and self-tanner maintenance.

 

If you don't love them, we'll give you your money back no questions asked. If you want your tan to stick around, you must prep your skin correctly. If you need a wax or manicure, to wash your hair or shave your legs, do it before applying the tan. These treatments can remove the tan or prevent it from fully developing.

 

A lack of moisture creates fine lines and wrinkles, so boosting your skin's water levels can leave it looking plump and youthful. Vita Liberata Fabulous Self-Tanning Gradual Lotion is an ultra-hydrating formula with nourishing organic botanical ingredients. It's made with certified organic extracts, which help sensitive, dry skin heal. With the rates of melanoma at an all-time high and the risk of diagnosis increasing as you age, avoiding direct exposure to sun's harmful rays is more important than ever.

 

For these areas that bend, you may want to apply slightly less product as it may appear more orange simply from the movement of your body. You also want to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after these methods, especially if you use your bare hands. If you want to start over, but patchy tan is hanging around, use a tan remover, loofah, or if you are really stuck, body oil to help shift it. Make sure that your Airpod Pro has been prepped that first time by pulling back on the clear loop of your pod so that it attaches to the device when you latch it on.

 

This will create a barrier and prevent the tanner from soaking into your skin. That said, you do want to apply a thick lotion to your knees, elbows, and around the edges of your heels and ankles. Now that you have a how to prep skin for self tanner, bronzed glow, the trick is keeping it even and long-lasting. We’d recommend gently exfoliating every 2 or 3 days, and moisturizing often. Our Tan Enhancing Body Moisturiser leaves your skin feeling velvety soft and smooth.

 

Shorts and a tank-top are a great option during the summertime. If you’re using a tanning bed during the winter months, you might want to wear something warmer such as sweatpants and a jacket. Aftercare is another essential part of achieving the perfect tan.

 

Whether you’re busy daydreaming about poolside lounging or craving a splash of sunlight in the depths of winter, a self-tanner is ready to help. If you’ve never done an at-home self-tan before, a body butter would be a nice place to start experimenting. A body butter doesn’t require anything more than a couple of pumps into your hands and gentle circular motions all over the body. Especially with this unique formula, there’s hardly any chance of spotting missing patches of self-tanner. Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with six years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including ranking the best Supergoop! She's an authority in all beauty categories For this story, she tested a select number of products and consulted with Cosmo's staff to find the best self-tanners.

 

You can eliminate the dead skin layer with a brush with dense bristles. This can be even more comfortable to use since it’s always there, with no need for an additional product. Buy one with natural bristles, but make sure they’re compact ones for a sound effect.

 

We recommend the Vita Liberata Tanning Mousse and the Jergens Natural Glow Body Lotion for beginners. The Tan-Luxe Hydrating Self-Tan Water is packed with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and ... 1) Because obviously using self tanner is a safer alternative to spending hours in the sun. The Peta Jane Mini Mousse delivers a flawless, streak-free tan wherever you are. Jamie Schneider is Who What Wear’s senior beauty editor based in New York City.

 

For best tanning results, always make sure to prep skin properly before applying, stick to loose clothing, and protect your fresh tan by avoiding harsh chemicals. Fake tan is made up of an active ingredient (dihydroxyacetone or DHA) that reacts with the amino acids in your skin cells to create a golden colour. You’ll want to prepare your skin for your tan, getting rid of any dead skin and dry areas that will cause your tan to flake or fade quicker.

 

Spend some extra time blending in the product to your elbows and ankles, to prevent them from turning darker than the rest of your body, blending them into the surrounding areas. Too much moisturizer on the skin can make the tan lighter in some areas and even dilute it further. To learn which lotions to avoid after a spray tan, read this article.

 

For stubborn rough patches, use a pumice stone before switching to an exfoliating mitt 13. It’s really good for your skin to exfoliate, regardless if you use self tanner or not, and is recommended at least once every two weeks. If you go to a local body shop store you will find aisle after aisle of different exfoliation products. The most common exfoliates are either salt-based, rice-based, or sugar-based.

 

Goodwin recommends staying away from emollient products, as they can actually interfere with the self-tan. Avoiding deodorant, lotions, and perfumes before tanning will also allow for even penetration, says Sophie Evans, an expert tanning artist and St. Tropez ambassador. However you do it, just know that applying fake tan really does take a bit of practice, and you’ll get better the more you do it. As long as you prep well, choose a good product, and apply it evenly, you’re going to end how to prep skin for self tanner with a great tan. Many fake tanning mitts also don’t have finger holes, in fact, almost none of them do. This works great for most of your body, but harder to tan places it can make it a bit tough.

 


 
 
 

Comments


Drop Me a Line, Let Me Know What You Think

© 2035 by Train of Thoughts. Powered and secured by Wix

bottom of page