Every day, it seems, there’s a new option for self-tanners. Creams, sprays, foams — and that’s just the stuff you can do yourself. You could also go for a professional tan, like in a booth or an airbrush tan. But if you’re a do-it-yourselfer like I am, you’ll find these tanning tips useful.
- Exfoliate first. Why bother tanning the dead skin? You can use an exfoliating mitt or even a dry washcloth to buff your body in or out of the shower. You can use an exfoliating scrub with salt or sugar in it to polish dry skin away. Try to use an oil-free scrub, because it can mess with the way your body absorbs the tanning cream.
- Use a moisturizer second. Be sure to hit the typical dry spots like elbows, knees, and anywhere else your skin is thirsty. My shins and feet tend to be dry during colder weather — now that spring is springing, they’re much better. Where your skin is dry, it’ll suck up more color.
- Start at the bottom and work your way up. Most people start at the top and go south, which is usually fine — but when you bend over to do your legs and feet, you’re going to get creases on your belly.
- Don’t rush to get dressed. It may take fifteen minutes for your tanning cream to soak in. Even if your skin doesn’t feel moist/tacky, you should wait a full fifteen. In a hurry? Try a hair dryer on low. Or, pick a spray instead of a cream — sprays tend to be absorbed faster.
- Smooth things over. About five minutes after you apply your spray or cream, take a dry washcloth or a dry loofah and gently give yourself another rubdown. This will help spread out the color more evenly — your hand isn’t a smooth surface, and can spread the color unevenly.
- Be quick in the shower. Keep the water warm (not hot!) and be quick about it. Don’t exfoliate again until you’re ready to reapply the tanning cream or spray. And try not to shave as often — a hair removing cream like Nair might be a better option for saving your tan.