We all want a sun-kissed glow without stepping foot in the sun. Self-tanning lotion is your go-to solution for achieving a beautiful, bronzed look. If you are new to self-tanning, this quick guide will help you use self tanning lotion like a pro. Keep reading to achieve a flawless, golden tan with a few simple steps.

Remove Thick Hair

• Before you start applying self-tanning lotion, remove any thick hair in the areas you want to tan. Thick hair can create uneven spots and prevent the lotion from going on smoothly. Shaving or waxing will help you achieve that flawless, streak-free tan.

If you have fine hair on your legs or arms, there’s no need to remove it unless you prefer to. If you’re thinking about tanning your chest or back, consider removing hair in those areas, too, for the best results.

Exfoliate Your Skin

• Exfoliate your skin before applying the lotion to get the best results from your self-tanner. Exfoliation helps remove any dry, flaky patches that could make your tan appear uneven. Use a washcloth, scrub brush, or scrub gel to thoroughly exfoliate all the areas you plan to tan, paying special attention to rough spots like elbows and knees, where the self-tanner can darken more quickly. 

After exfoliating, be sure to moisturize, especially if you have dry skin. Focus on your knees and elbows, where the tan can build up. Apply lotion or oil to lock in moisture after your shower and let it fully absorb before applying the self-tanner. Try to exfoliate at least 8 hours before applying the tanner. This gives your skin’s pH time to neutralize, which helps the color develop evenly.

Protect your Palms

• Wear a tanning mitt or latex gloves when applying self-tanner to protect your palms from turning orange. If you don’t have gloves or a mitt, you can wash your hands with soapy water throughout the application process to remove any tanner.

Use Self Tanning Lotion

• Use self tanning lotion on your face and neck lightly since the skin in this area can darken fast. Apply it to your forehead, cheeks, chin, and the bridge of your nose. Then, use a gentle circular motion to spread the lotion evenly over the rest of your face. A useful tip is to apply petroleum jelly on your eyebrows first. This way, the tanner won’t stick to them and make them too dark.

Avoid applying too much tanner to your upper lip, as that area soaks it up more. Apply some behind your ears and on the back of your neck, especially if your hair is short. Areas like your knees, elbows, and hands can be tricky to tan. Bend your knees and elbows while using the self tanning lotion to prevent streaks.

Allow the Tan to Dry

• Before you get dressed, make sure your tan is completely dry to avoid any blotchy spots. Wear loose, dark clothes to prevent any staining. After you’re dressed, try to avoid water, sweating, or applying other products to your skin.

Each self-tanner has its own development time, usually between 4 and 6 hours, but some fast-tans work in as little as one hour. Once you’re happy with your tan, wash it off, but skip the soap, shower gels, and shampoo.

Shop our top-rated self-tanning lotions for a flawless tan every time. Tanning Lotion Warehouse offers all brands of sun tan lotion and indoor tanning lotion products at unbeatable prices. Call us at 888-468-8267 to find the perfect match for your skin.