Using tanning lotion effectively requires careful preparation and application steps to achieve an even, streak-free tan.
Achieving a sun-kissed glow at home is simple with the right approach to using tanning lotion.
Preparing Your Skin
Proper preparation is key to an even tan.
- Exfoliate: Use a body scrub or mitt to gently exfoliate your skin. This removes dead skin cells, providing a smooth surface for the lotion and preventing patchiness. Pay extra attention to dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles.
- Moisturize: Apply a light, oil-free moisturizer to dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and hands before applying tanning lotion. This helps prevent the tanning lotion from clinging too much to these spots and looking too dark. (Note: This step relates directly to handling areas prone to dark patches, as mentioned in the reference).
Applying Tanning Lotion
Apply the lotion in sections for control and evenness.
- Work in Sections: As highlighted in best practices, work on one section at a time. This allows you to focus on thoroughly covering each area before moving on, minimizing the chance of missing spots or creating lines.
- Apply Carefully and Evenly: Carefully applying your tanning lotion until it evenly covers your skin within each section is crucial. Use smooth, sweeping motions. You can use a tanning mitt to help distribute the product evenly and protect your palms.
- Address Tricky Areas: For areas prone to dark patches, such as your ankles, elbows, and knees, you need a slightly different approach. If you had not pre-moisturized these spots thoroughly beforehand, you can apply a small amount of your regular lotion and blend it in with your tanning lotion as you apply to those specific areas. This dilutes the self-tanner slightly, resulting in a more natural look on these typically drier spots. Apply sparingly to hands and feet, blending carefully around knuckles and ankles.
After Application
Give the tan time to develop.
- Wash Your Hands: Immediately and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after applying each section or using a mitt. Pay close attention to fingernails and cuticles.
- Let it Dry: Allow the tanning lotion to dry completely before dressing to avoid transferring the product to your clothes or creating streaks. Check the product instructions for specific drying times, but typically wait at least 10-20 minutes.
- Allow to Develop: Avoid showering or sweating heavily for the development time recommended on the product packaging (usually 4-8 hours) to allow the tan to fully set.
By following these steps, focusing on section-by-section application and addressing tricky areas like ankles, elbows, and knees with care, you can achieve a smooth, natural-looking self-tan.
