The no-nonsense no-sun tan
So this summer's vacation has been replaced by work, or there is no trip to a tropical paradise planned this year... or maybe the weather is just really blah. Well, no matter what’s in store for you this season, you shouldn't have to pass up on a healthy-looking tan!
The market is flooded with great sunless tanning products. Their benefits are many: no sunburns, no sun damage, and no premature aging! How do you get the best results with a self-tanner? Here are some tips!
First off: exfoliate
For the best results, it's important to first prepare your skin. A quality peeling cream and some gloves to exfoliate with will go a long way. (Once a week is a good add-in to your routine, whether you are tanning or not.) Get some great exfoliation do's and don'ts in this article!Choosing the right product
Sunless tanning products come in a many different varieties as they do shades of tan. For example, there are lotions and creams -- the benefit of which comes by way of the ease of application. Another bonus is that it's easy to spot where you have applied the cream or not.A sunless tanning spray must often be evened out, which can make them a bit messier -- but some women find the application process is simpler overall.
You can also now buy sunless tanning wipes -- a personal favorite of some of the SheKnows editors. Why? They leave your hands clean and are very practical to carry along in your purse!
Smear without fear
The best way to apply the cream is to put a small amount on your palm and work your way from the feet up. Then shift from the left to the right side as you are working your way up. The back can be tricky, and if your hands are not super extended, the easiest solution is to ask someone for help.
Try to go easy on the elbows and knees -- you won't want to reapply the self-tanner here as much. As the skin is thicker on these areas, the tan might end up looking a lot darker than on the rest of your body.
Take your time drying
Nowadays, most self-tanning products don’t leave any stains on your clothes. Still, give it at least a few minutes before putting your clothes on, to make sure the cream has dried properly. Some experts say you should wait up to 30 minutes, but again, it depends on the particular type of sunless tanner you're using.How long does it last?
Of course this varies from product to product, but normally a sunless tan should last for at least 3-4 days. For best and longest-lasting results, a good idea is to reapply every other or third day.Good to remember: A lot of sun tanning creams do not contain sun protection. So if you are heading out in to the sun after putting it on, make sure to use some sunscreen, too.
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