How to use a tanning mitt

How to apply self tanner with a mitt

Exfoliating and drying your skin help the tanner go on evenly; the mitt has not been promoted to doing your preparation for you.3

1. 1Exfoliate before applying tanner. Use a washcloth to remove dead skin cells, spending extra time on elbows, knees and ankles, where skin is thicker.
2. 2Dry your skin thoroughly. Apply the tanner to dry skin rather than skin that is still damp from washing.
3. 3Put on the mitt and apply the tanner as directed on its label. Work on your arms, then legs, then torso, rather than treating your whole body as one large painting commission. Spread the product in circular motions.
4. 4Blend lightly from wrists onto hands and from ankles onto feet. These transitions need blending rather than an abrupt edge.
5. 5Dilute the tanner over knees, ankles and elbows, which absorb more product. Lightly rub those areas with a damp towel, or apply a thin layer of lotion over the tanner.
6. 6Wash your hands with soap and water after each body section if they have contacted the tanner, to avoid discoloured palms.
7. 7Let your skin dry for at least 10 minutes before dressing. Wear loose clothing and avoid sweating for the next three hours.

When will the colour develop?

DHA, the colouring ingredient in many self tanners, usually starts changing skin colour around one hour after application. The colour is most prominent after 8 to 24 hours and generally lasts three to ten days. Judge the developed colour before deciding whether you need more product.1

There is no single application schedule for every body area. Thinner skin needs more frequent application than thicker skin to maintain the colour. Frequent use at high concentrations can produce a more yellow or orange result, so adding extra layers is not a reliable route to a more natural tan.1

Where should you be careful?

Keep DHA tanner away from your lips, nose and the area in and around your eyes, including the area from the top of your cheek to above your eyebrow. Do not inhale or swallow the product. Using a mitt does not change these restrictions.2

Self tanner can cause dryness, irritation or contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin reaction. Stop using the product if it irritates your skin. People with rosacea, eczema or a history of allergic contact dermatitis should be cautious because formulation additives can worsen these conditions. Avoid DHA during pregnancy and in children because its effects in these groups have not been widely studied.1

Does the tan replace sunscreen?

No. Continue using water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Outdoors, reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Shade and protective clothing still matter when your tan comes from a bottle.14