Want an even, long-lasting self-tan? It’s all about prepping your skin. Poor preparation causes 75% of tanning mishaps, like streaks, patchy color, and faster fading. Follow these four simple steps to create the perfect base:

• Exfoliate: Remove dead skin cells 24-48 hours before tanning for smoother, longer-lasting results.
• Moisturize: Hydrate dry areas like elbows and knees, but avoid oil-based products that block absorption.
• Remove Hair: Shave or wax at least 24 hours before tanning to prevent irritation and uneven patches.
• Cleanse: Use a pH-balanced cleanser to remove any residue and ensure even color development.

Beginners Guide to Self Tanning: Step By Step How To Prepare and Apply

Step 1: Remove Dead Skin Cells

Research shows that exfoliated skin can hold onto a self-tan for 7-10 days, compared to just 3-5 days on skin that hasn’t been exfoliated ^[1][2][5]. This step is key to smoothing out uneven skin texture, which is responsible for 43% of application mistakes, according to dermatology studies ^[2].

Physical vs. Chemical Scrubs

Picking the right exfoliant matters:

For the body, try an oil-free scrub or an exfoliating mitt like Glow By Erin's dual-sided mitt. For your face, go with a glycolic or lactic acid exfoliant ^[6].

Areas That Need Extra Attention

Pay close attention to these spots to avoid uneven, dark areas in your tan:

• Elbows and knees: Use circular motions with moderate pressure.
• Ankles and feet: Focus on rough heels and arches.
• Hands: Get between fingers and around nails.

For stubborn rough patches, use a pumice stone before switching to an exfoliating mitt ^[1][3].

Timing Your Exfoliation

The best time to exfoliate is 24-48 hours before applying self-tanner ^[7][8]. This gives your skin time to recover from any tiny abrasions and allows pores to close, reducing the risk of dark spots.

If you're in a rush, exfoliate at least 3-4 hours before applying tanner ^[8].

Step 2: Apply Moisturizer Correctly

After exfoliating, it's time to hydrate your skin to ensure it absorbs DHA - the tanning ingredient - properly. Moisturizing helps your skin stay balanced and prevents uneven patches caused by dry areas soaking up too much product.

When to Moisturize

The best time to moisturize is about 24 hours before applying self-tanner. This allows your skin to hold onto moisture without leaving any residue that might interfere with the tanning process. For best results, wait 2-3 hours after moisturizing before applying self-tanner ^[1][2].

How to Handle Dry Spots

Some areas of the body are naturally drier and need special attention. Here's how to tackle them:

For very dry spots, you can mix equal parts moisturizer and self-tanner to create a smoother application ^[7].

What to Avoid

Certain moisturizers can interfere with your self-tanner. Skip these products:

• Oil-based moisturizers: They block absorption ^[2].
• Strongly scented lotions: These can affect how the tan develops ^[4].
• Thick creams: They often leave residue that causes streaks ^[7].
• Products with retinol or AHAs: These speed up skin turnover, leading to uneven fading ^[6].

Step 3: Remove Hair and Smooth Skin

Timing your hair removal properly is key to getting an even, long-lasting self-tan. If done incorrectly, you might end up with uneven patches or fading too soon.

When to Wax or Shave

Plan your hair removal at least 24 hours before applying self-tanner. This gives your skin time to:

• Recover from irritation
• Let any redness fade

If you're in a pinch and need to shave closer to tanning, wait at least 4-6 hours before applying the self-tanner. Here's a helpful timeline to follow:

Post-Tan Hair Removal Tips

After you've applied your self-tanner, hair removal requires extra care to avoid ruining your color. Here's what you need to know:

Wait Time: Hold off on any hair removal for at least 24 hours post-tan. This gives the DHA in the self-tanner enough time to fully develop and set.

How to Shave After Tanning:

• Use a sharp razor with a moisturizing shaving cream
• Shave lightly, applying minimal pressure, and avoid going over the same spot multiple times
• Stick to lukewarm water - hot water can strip your tan
• Pat your skin dry and moisturize immediately after shaving

For delicate areas like underarms or the bikini line, try using a trimmer instead of a razor. It’s gentler on the skin and helps preserve your tan.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If shaving or waxing leaves your tan looking uneven, consider switching to a gentler method or adjusting your timing. Areas prone to frequent shaving may need extra touch-ups. Gradual self-tanning products can help you maintain your color between sessions.

Keep in mind that waxing removes both hair and self-tanner ^[7]. To avoid this, always schedule waxing before applying your self-tanner. For upkeep, gradual tanning lotions are a great way to combat color loss caused by regular hair removal.

Step 4: Clean Skin Before Application

After removing hair, it's time to cleanse your skin thoroughly. This step ensures the tanning agent (DHA) interacts directly with fresh skin cells, avoiding any interference from leftover products or oils.

Choosing the Right Cleanser

For the best results, use a cleanser that's gentle and pH-balanced. Research from the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that pH-balanced cleansers can lead to 27% better color consistency compared to alkaline soaps ^[1].

Here’s what to look for:

• Residue-free gel or foam cleansers
• Formulas with a pH of around 5.5
• Micellar water for delicate areas

One option to consider is Glow By Erin's Charcoal Detox Bar, specifically designed to leave no residue - perfect for prepping your skin before tanning.

What to Remove First

Before using your cleanser, make sure to get rid of products that might block the tanning agent. Here’s a quick guide:

How to Cleanse Properly

• Use lukewarm water to open pores gently.
• Massage your cleanser in circular motions for even coverage.
• Pay close attention to areas people often miss, like:
  • Behind the ears
  • Between fingers and toes
  • Around the nose
  • Along the hairline

Pro Tip: Allow your skin to dry completely for 5-10 minutes before applying tanner ^[3].

If you're struggling to reach your back, a long-handled cleansing brush can help. For an extra touch, swipe an alcohol-free toner over your skin to ensure it's completely clean and ready for tanning ^[2].

Once your skin is clean and dry, you're all set for a flawless tanning application.

Tools You Need for Skin Prep

The right tools can make all the difference when it comes to preparing your skin for professional-quality results. Whether you're exfoliating or cleansing, these tools are designed to improve your skin prep routine.

Tool Guide and Reviews

These tools tackle common issues like uneven texture, which contributes to 43% of tanning application mistakes ^[2]. For example, pH-Balancing Sprays, much like the cleansers mentioned earlier, help prepare your skin for better tanning results by creating the ideal surface.

Precision Application Tools

Struggling with hard-to-reach areas? The Bondi Sands Self Tanning Back Applicator, with its extendable handle, makes application a breeze, especially when used alongside a quality tanning mitt.

Maintenance Must-Haves

For maintaining smooth skin, the Aquis Exfoliating Back Scrubber is a top pick. Its durable design ensures it stands up to repeated use, keeping your skin ready for flawless applications every time.

Be sure to check out our 3-In-1 Cleansing Bars which are safe on your tan or the Charcoal Detox Bar which can be used to remove fading tans.

Fix Common Prep Problems

Even with the best preparation, self-tanning mistakes can happen. Knowing how to handle these common issues can help you achieve a smooth, natural glow.

Fix Uneven Spots

Uneven or patchy areas often happen due to poor prep. For darker patches, try using a self-tan remover or a simple mix of lemon juice and baking soda in equal parts ^[2].

For lighter spots, here’s how to address specific areas:

Keep Your Tan Longer

Good prep (like exfoliating, balancing skin pH, and proper cleansing) can help your tan last up to 10 days ^[9].

To prevent fading:

• Use lukewarm water when showering.
• Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it.
• Apply an oil-free moisturizer daily, paying extra attention to dry areas.
• Refresh the color with light layers of tanner every 3-4 days.

If you’re planning to swim, use waterproof sunscreen first. Chlorine and salt water can cause your tan to fade faster ^[9]. These tips work best when combined with the pH-balancing and cleansing steps mentioned earlier.

Conclusion: Steps for Better Self-Tanning

Getting a flawless self-tan starts with proper skin preparation. By following the steps and using the tools we've covered, you can achieve an even, long-lasting glow.

Key Final Tips

Keeping your skin smooth and hydrated is crucial for even color. If you have sensitive skin, consider using mild chemical exfoliants instead of physical scrubs to avoid irritation ^[6].

Last-Minute Checks

To ensure the best results, make sure to:

• Exfoliate rough areas at least 24 hours before tanning.
• Apply an oil-free moisturizer to dry spots like ankles and elbows.
• Use a pH-balanced cleanser right before applying the tanner.
• Apply a barrier cream to areas like knees and elbows to prevent over-darkening.

Maintaining your tan involves keeping your skin's pH balanced and steering clear of oil-based products, which can block the tanner from adhering properly ^[2][3]. Regularly using an oil-free moisturizer and following these care tips will help your tan develop evenly and last for 7-10 days ^[1][3].

FAQs

Should you moisturize before applying self-tanner?

Yes, but timing is key. Moisturize 2-3 hours before applying self-tanner, paying extra attention to dry areas like elbows and ankles. Keep your skin hydrated weekly for the best outcome. Opt for pH-balanced, oil-free moisturizers, as mentioned in Step 4, and steer clear of heavy creams or scented lotions (see Step 2 for more details).

For tips on maintaining your tan after application, check out the 'Keep Your Tan Longer' section above.