
(via: healthylifestyleplus)
We all know very well how unhealthy tanning (outdoors or indoors) is for the skin. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, baking in the sun or tanning beds can lead to serious skin damage caused by UV radiation a.k.a. premature skin aging (wrinkles, brown spots, lax skin) and even skin cancer. Can we say, no, thank you? Thankfully, being health-conscious doesn’t mean you have to surrender to that awful pale winter color. There are countless of self-tanner products on the shelves that can lend you a sun-kissed summer glow minus the harm. Here’s the step-by-step run down on how to achieve a beautiful tan without turning orange and streaky.
How to Self-Tan: Face
1. Prep your face.
Pull up your hair into a ponytail before you start.
Prep skin by gently cleansing and exfoliating. Choose a formula that doesn’t contain oil, which can prevent the self-tanner from absorbing properly.
Skip moisturizer altogether or moisturize lightly only around your nostrils and other dry areas with an oil-free lotion.
Apply under-eye cream. You want the color of your skin to be lighter under the eyes - it makes you look younger.
(via: nomoredirtylooks)
2. Start the process.
Use a gradual formula or blend equal parts self-tanner with moisturizer in the palm of your hand. With clean hands, apply a dime-sized amount onto the areas of your face where you would naturally suntan: your forehead, the bridge of your nose, the apples of your cheeks, and your chin. Then blend outward from those points. Be very light around the nostrils and above the upper lip because those areas tend to pick up more color, as they can be drier.
Use what is left on your fingers to smooth into your hairline, past the jawbone and over the back of your neck, earlobes and upper ears. If you’re blonde, be careful; the DHA in self-tanner can alter your hair color. Avoid your eyelids and eyebrows which can easily turn orange. Wash your hands immediately.
How to Self-Tan: Body
1. Test it out.
First test the formula you’re using on the inside of your arm or inner thigh. Self-tanner contains an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone or DHA, which can be a potential irritant for some people. If your skin develops a rash or reacts badly, try a different brand before swearing off self-tanners.
2. Prep your body.
Get in the shower and exfoliate your skin with an oil-free body scrub that will get rid of dead skin cells. Pay extra attention to rough, dry areas like your elbows and knees because dry skin absorbs more self-tanner.
Shave before you tan. If you prefer waxing, do so at least 24 hours before applying self-tanner. The same goes for threading or tweezing. If you apply too early after hair removal, the follicles might still be open which can let the self-tanner get in and create tiny dark spots.
Remember to stay bare, meaning don’t put on any deodorant or antiperspirant which can turn your skin a green-gray color after contact with self-tanner. Or any lotion, essential oils or perfume for that matter.
Pull up your hair into a ponytail. Rub vaseline over your nails and cuticles to prevent staining and to protect your manicure.
(via: webmd)
3. Prep your setting.
Dry yourself off and move to a cool, dry area (preferably with a full-length mirror) to start the process. Do not do this in a steamy, post-shower bathroom.
Lay down some towels or rags on the floor beneath you that you wouldn’t mind staining. Put on latex gloves to prevent turning the palms of your hands orange.
4. Begin the process.
Begin applying tanner one limb at a time, starting with your legs. Apply on the thigh and rub tanner down the leg, without neglecting the back. Once you reach the ankle (where you don’t need a lot), you shouldn’t have much left. Sweep the remaining product over your ankle, foot and toes. Repeat with the opposite leg.
Apply tanner to your hips, stomach, torso and back, followed by your shoulders and arms, in that order. By the time you reach your wrists, the tanner should have thinned out. Again, do not forget the underside of your arms, the sides of your torso and the nape of your neck. The easiest way to evenly tan the small of your back is to use an aerosol spray turned upside down.
Finally, do your hands. After finishing the rest of your body, wash your hands with soap and dry them. Then curl your hand into a claw so the self-tanner doesn’t puddle in the creases of your knuckles and spritz with spray tan. If using a lotion or mousse, rub a small amount on the back of your hand and blend the rest onto your fingers. Do not apply on your palms. Lastly, wipe your cuticles with a tissue and buff areas like elbows, knees, under the wrists and the backs of your heels with a dry washcloth to prevent them from absorbing too much product.
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5. Wait.
Wait 10 minutes to dry before dressing and avoid activities that will make you sweat, which can cause streaking.
6. Voila!
Using these steps and tips, you should have an amazing sun-kissed glow without damaging your skin cells. Begin with a light formula until you have the technique down pat. Once you’ve got the hang of it you can move onto darker tanners that will give you a longer lasting tan. Check out this list from Total Beauty to find the best self-tanner product for you.
- Andrea Kang