How to use self tanner properly

How to apply self tanner evenly

1. 1Exfoliate with a washcloth or exfoliating product to remove dead skin cells. Give elbows, knees and ankles extra attention because the skin is thicker there.
2. 2Dry your skin thoroughly before applying the tanner to help the colour go on evenly.
3. 3Apply one section at a time, such as your arms, then legs, then torso. Massage with circular motions.
4. 4Wash your hands with soap and water after each section to prevent orange palms.
5. 5Lightly blend the colour from your wrists onto your hands and from your ankles onto your feet.
6. 6Dilute the tanner on elbows, knees and ankles, which absorb more product. Lightly rub these areas with a damp towel, or apply a thin layer of lotion over the tanner.
7. 7Wait at least 10 minutes before dressing. Wear loose clothes and avoid sweating for the next three hours.

Applying in sections helps you get even coverage, rather than making application one large painting commission.1

When will the colour develop, and when should you reapply?

Expect colour to develop over hours, not immediately. Darkening can begin around one to four hours after application, with the strongest colour often appearing after eight to 24 hours. Colour can continue developing for one to three days. The tan generally lasts several days, with reported durations of three to ten days. Follow your product's label rather than using one universal application schedule. Different body areas need different reapplication frequencies. Frequent application of high concentrations can produce a more yellow or orange colour.234

The colour fades as the outer skin cells shed. Scrubbing speeds up fading, which makes an enthusiastic washcloth a poor maintenance plan.3

Can you use self tanner on your face?

Yes, but keep DHA self tanner away from your lips, nose and the entire eye area. That includes the eyebrows, eyelids and surrounding skin, not just the eyes themselves. DHA is permitted for external skin application, not these areas. Creams and lotions make it easier to avoid inhaling the product than sprays.45

How do you use self tanner on your face?

Follow the label's application directions and use the same general principles of exfoliating first, drying thoroughly and applying methodically. Keep the excluded areas clear throughout application. If you choose a spray tan, avoid breathing in the mist. Before a salon spray tan, ask how your eyes and surrounding skin, nose, mouth and ears will be protected, and how inhalation will be prevented. Choose another salon if those protections are missing.24

Who should be careful?

Self tanners can cause dryness, irritation or contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin reaction. Added ingredients can aggravate eczema or rosacea. Check ingredient lists for substances you already know you are sensitive to. Stop using a product that irritates your skin. Avoid DHA during pregnancy and in children because its effects in these groups have not been widely studied. People with lung disease should be particularly cautious about spray formulations.25

Do you still need sunscreen?

Yes. Self tanner colour does not protect against UV rays. Use a separate, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB. Apply it generously; sunscreen can go before or after self tanner. Reapply at least every two hours outdoors and after swimming, sweating or towelling off. A combined tanning and sunscreen product is less practical because sunscreen needs reapplication while self tanner usually does not.136

What is self tanner?

Self tanner usually contains dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, which reacts with amino acids in the skin's surface to create colour without UV exposure. A bronzer washes off like makeup, so the word tan is doing some temporary work. Self tanner can also camouflage stretch marks, but it cannot remove them.57