How to apply tanning drops evenly

  1. 1Exfoliate before applying. A washcloth can remove dead skin cells. For body application, pay extra attention to elbows, knees and ankles, where skin is thicker.
  2. 2Dry your skin thoroughly before application to help the colour go on evenly.
  3. 3Prepare the drops using your product's directions. Apply methodically in circular motions, working through one area at a time.
  4. 4For body application, lightly blend from wrists onto hands and from ankles onto feet. Elbows, knees and ankles absorb more tanner; soften the application there with a damp towel or a thin layer of lotion over the tanner.
  5. 5Wash your hands with soap and water after each body section to avoid staining your palms.
  6. 6Allow the product to dry. General self tanning guidance is to wait at least 10 minutes before dressing, then wear loose clothing and avoid sweating for the next three hours.
2

Even coverage takes methodical application, because a bottle cannot do the blending on your behalf.3

When will the colour appear?

Dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, is a common self tanning ingredient that reacts with amino acids at the skin's surface to darken it. Colour usually begins around one hour after application and is most prominent after 8 to 24 hours. It normally lasts three to ten days. Let the colour develop before deciding whether you need another application. Maintenance frequency depends on the formula and body area, rather than a universal daily schedule.13

A DHA tan resists washing better than a temporary bronzer, so the two are not interchangeable just because both bottles promise a tan.3

Where should you avoid applying them?

Keep DHA products away from the entire eye area, including eyelids and eyebrows, and off lips and other mucous membranes. Avoid inhaling or swallowing them. Check the ingredient list for anything you know you are sensitive to. DHA can cause dryness, irritation or contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin reaction. Stop using the drops if irritation develops. Formulas can aggravate rosacea or eczema. Avoid DHA during pregnancy because its effects have not been widely studied.13

Continue using sunscreen every day: choose SPF 30 or higher with broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB and water resistance. The developed colour does not replace sun protection.23

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Sunless Tanners & Bronzersfda.gov
  2. 2How to apply self-tanneraad.org
  3. 3Dihydroxyacetone, tanning cream, sunless tanningdermnetnz.org