When applied correctly, sunless tanning products will give your skin a beautiful, healthy glow. Your body will look like you just came back from the beach, but your skin will be healthy and without damage from the sun’s rays. There are several recommended guidelines when applying sunless tanning products. The application process is easy and just requires a small amount of preparation. To achieve a flawless, streak-free tan, be sure to read through all the suggestions before starting the sunless tanning application process.
The first step is to prepare your skin for the bronzing process. The best preparation is to exfoliate the skin on your entire body with body scrub. Pay special attention to extra dry areas such as elbows and knees. It is best to exfoliate the day before you apply the sunless tanning lotion. You can also exfoliate the same day. It is important to be sure all the scrub is washed off, and there is no oily residue left on the skin from any other soaps or lotions. Residues may interfere with the sunless tanning lotion and leave streaks or patches. Also, if you have sensitive skin you may want to avoid shaving your legs just prior to applying the lotion.
It is always best to wear gloves to protect your hands from staining. The active ingredient in the sunless tanning lotion will stain your hands if you do not use gloves. Using gloves will help your tan look as natural as possible, without leaving your palms discolored. A snug fitting disposable glove works best. If your gloves do not fit tight enough, you may have difficulty applying your tan evenly. Another suggestion is to try using an applicator sponge for those hard to reach areas. If you decide not to use gloves, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands after application.
Apply your tanning lotion in sections to make the application process easier. Start at one end of the body and work your way over the entire body. For example, start at the legs and work your way up the body. Applying your sunless tanning lotion in small sections will help you avoid streaking and help avoid missing any areas.
You will not need a huge amount of lotion for the sunless tan to work. The lotion may be used sparingly. Once you get started with the application process, you will have a better idea of how much lotion you need for each section. To start off, apply a small amount of lotion in the palms of your hands and rub your hands together before you apply the lotion on the skin. You can always add more lotion if needed, but extra lotion left on the skin can leave streaks or dark splotchy areas. It is best to spread the tanning lotion on the skin and let it thoroughly dry. Apply the lotion quickly but thoroughly, and spread in a circular motion.
If you are unable to have someone assist you with your backside, you may use a sponge on a stick to cover the hard to reach places. Apply the lotion to the backs of your hands last, after removing the gloves and washing off any glove powder residue. Avoid your palms and the bottoms of your feet. When tanning the face, it is recommended to use a sunless tanning lotion made especially for the face. These products are gentler alternatives to sunless lotions for the body.
Use a damp towel or sponge to wipe off any excess lotion from your skin. Also, use a damp towel to wipe off areas of the skin that do not normally achieve a dark tan naturally. These areas include the soles of the feet, the underside of the wrists, the under arm area, the palms of the hands, ankles, etc. Also be sure there is no excess lotion in the extra dry skin areas such as the knees and elbows. Doing this will help you achieve a dark, even, natural looking tan to the body.