How to use self tanner

How to properly apply self-tanner – so that there are no streaks? Let’s talk about the basic rules.

How self tanning works on the skin

In the middle of the last century, reverence for aristocratic pallor gave way to the fashion for tanned skin. A new trend has created a demand for alternative ways to get a tan effect.

Bronzer

Colors the skin in a darker color with the help of pigment and is easily washed off with water. Such artificial tan lasts as long as regular decorative cosmetics.

© Healthy-Food

Self-tanning

Under its influence, the skin itself changes color. The main provocateur of this artificial pigmentation is the substance dihydroxyacetone, which, in the presence of oxygen, promotes the formation of melanin pigment.

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How to apply self tanner evenly at home

Prepare your skin

Before applying any type of self-tanning, as well as before going to the beach, you need to smooth out those areas of the skin that will “sunbathe” as much as possible. Pay special attention to the elbows, ankles, feet and knees. It is advisable to do epilation in areas that require it, otherwise self-tanning will lie unevenly.

Self-tanner lays more evenly on clean skin after epilation. Only these procedures should not be carried out directly one after another. The skin needs to calm down. © Healthy-Food

Follow the step by step instructions

  1. Wear protective gloves to keep your palms from turning orange.

  2. Prepare to act quickly. If self-tanning is kept on different parts of the skin for different times, then the shade will turn out to be uneven.

  3. Apply self-tanner in a circular motion to avoid streaks.

  4. When applying, use a sponge or a special applicator.

  5. Carefully treat all areas that should “tan”, not forgetting about inconspicuous areas: the back of the neck, the area behind the ears.

  6. Pay special attention to areas such as the décolleté, elbows, hands, knees and ankles. It is in these places that uneven application is most noticeable.

  7. Let the product absorb and dry.

  8. The first hour and a half after application is better not to dress – you run the risk of leaving stains on things from self-tanning.

  9. Avoid getting water on the treated areas for the first 5 hours. After this time, you can take a shower (not a bath).

  10. To maintain a long-term effect, repeat the procedure every 4-5 days.

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How to apply self-tanner

Features of working with different types of tanning depend, first of all, on their texture.

  • The cream can be applied with hands (with gloves) or with a sponge.

  • Lotion — with the help of a cotton swab.

The more liquid in consistency the product, the denser the applicator you will need.

When choosing an applicator, the area you want to treat is also important: if the texture of the product allows, it is more convenient to work with difficult or small areas of the skin with your fingers, rather than with a cotton swab, napkin or sponge.

The method of application depends on the texture of the product, and on the area that needs to be “tanned”. © Healthy-Food

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Safety measures

  • Protect hair, nails, eyelashes and eyebrows from getting self-tanner, which can color them, with a protective cap (for hair) and a greasy cream.

  • Before using any new cosmetic product, including self-tanner, allergic reaction test. Apply a little on the crook of your elbow and wait a few hours. If there is no redness, itching and other manifestations of a negative reaction from the skin, you can use the remedy regularly.

  • Pay attention to shelf life self-tanning – even the best product can lose its properties and harm the skin if it is expired.

  • Remember that the active ingredient in any auto bronzer can dry skin, so be mindful of the need to moisturize your self-tanned skin.

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How to use self-tanners of different types

Spray

Spray is good for large areas of the body, such as legs. This format is easy to use and dries faster than most self tanners, leaving microdrops evenly on the body and leaving no streaks. However, the spray is not always convenient for treating the face, as it can get into the eyes.

Cream

The cream is harder to handle, takes longer to dry and can leave streaks if used incorrectly. For its application, both special sponges and gloved hands are suitable. Follow the instructions carefully and the effort will pay off.

Milk

Lotion or milk is more difficult to apply without streaks due to the liquid texture. Cotton pads work best as applicators.

Mousse

Mousse is similar in effect to creams, but due to the lighter texture it is absorbed faster. For the same reason, mousse should be applied to the skin with the utmost care to avoid streaks.

napkins

This type of self-tanner, like a decorative bronzer, is great for correcting or evening out an existing tan, as well as eliminating, for example, white stripes from a swimsuit. Self-tanner, which is impregnated with wipes, is easily absorbed and dries quickly, but it is quite difficult to treat large areas of skin evenly with wipes.

Self-tanning wipes should be kept with you if you suddenly need to correct an artificial tan. © Healthy-Food

Gel

Self-tanning gel is similar in its properties to a cream, but due to the sliding texture it is applied more evenly, even if you do not have experience using such a product.

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How to apply self-tanner evenly on different parts of the body

On the back

To apply self-tanner on your back, of course, you will have to resort to outside help – even with a good stretch, you will not be able to evenly distribute the product on your back on your own. In case of urgent need, you can try to treat your back yourself, using a self-tanning spray and a mirror in which you will clearly see yourself from the back.

On your feet

Apply the self-tanner from bottom to top on the epilated skin, being especially careful about the ankles and knees – this is where streaks can remain. For an even distribution of self-tanning, carefully apply the product first on bent legs, and then on extended ones.

On the face

Use only products specifically designed for the face, otherwise you risk not only getting an uneven tan, but also harming your skin. Preparation must also be thorough. Not limited to the usual cleansing, use a scrub or peeling. Otherwise, self-tanning can clog pores and create the effect of blackheads. For a more natural result, do not process the eyelids and lips, but carefully blend the transitions from the chin to the neck and from the cheeks to the ears.

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How to apply self-tanner so that there are no streaks: life hacks

  • Do not apply self-tanner immediately after peeling. Give your skin time to calm down. So the tan will lie more evenly.

  • Use an oil-free moisturizer before applying self-tanner.

  • Spread the self-tanner over the skin from the bottom up.

  • For a lighter shade, mix self tanner with moisturizer in a 1:1 ratio.

  • For a more even distribution, use not a dry, but a wet applicator.

  • Try to stretch the skin on moving parts of the body as much as possible to avoid the formation of stripes and visual folds.

  • Do not use in the evening – fresh self-tanner may smear while you sleep.

  • Don’t wear tight clothing for the first four hours after applying self-tanner – tight clothing can interfere with the evenness of the fake tan.

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How to wash self-tanner at home

The usual light peeling during the shower will gradually remove the self-tanning – the artificial tan will simply come off with the exfoliated top layer of the skin. Steaming the skin, visiting a bath, sauna or hammam will speed up the process. When it comes to eliminating self-tanning on the face, you can also resort to whitening creams and masks.

However, if self-tanning is uneven and needs to be corrected urgently, it is tempting to resort to more extreme measures. There are many “folk” methods, from not the most harmless lemon masks to rubbing toothpaste into the skin and “shave” self-tanning with shaving foam.

Despite the abundance of life hacks, it is still safer to use a special self-tanner remover or contact a professional.

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Browse self tanners

Self-tanning milk for face and body Sublime Bronze, L’Oréal Paris

The texture of Sublime Bronze makes it easy and quick to apply for an even, streak-free tan. The milk is quickly absorbed and gives the skin a natural tanned tone.

Self-tanning wipes for face and body “Instant effect” Sublime Bronze, L’Oréal Paris

An express self-tanning option, Sublime Bronze Towels quickly add a golden hue to skin. Soft wipes serve as an excellent applicator, and the exfoliating particles in the composition help to obtain an even tan.

Self-tanning milk “Even tan”, Garnier

The classic format of self-tanning is the “Even Tan” milk. It not only gives the skin a bronze tint, but also moisturizes. The effect helps to prolong the apricot kernel oil.

Rinse-off body cream with tanning effect BB Body, Garnier

This BB body cream can be called a bronzer – a decorative alternative to self-tanning. The cream not only gives a pleasant shade to the skin, but also moisturizes and softens it.

Self-tanning spray for face and body “Even tan”, Garnier

Spray-tanning dries quickly, giving the skin a natural, like after the beach, shade and leaving no streaks. Micro spraying helps to achieve an even tan on all parts of the body.

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Is it possible to use self-tanner during pregnancy

Cosmetics, as well as the ingredients that make up them, do not have a systemic effect on the body of a woman and a fetus. Self-tanning products (we are only talking about L’Oréal products) are cosmetic products, so there are no contraindications for use by pregnant women, as is the case with any other cosmetics, for example, face cream, mascara, etc.

An allergic reaction test should be carried out in any case – even if there was no allergy to cosmetics before pregnancy, it could appear.

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