How to Get an Even Self-Tan

Avoid Sunless Tanning Mistakes – Orange, Streaks & Blotchy Tans

Aug 16, 2009

Getting an even self tan isn't impossible; you just need to properly prepare your skin, & avoid common sunless tanning application mistakes. Here's how.

Typical self-tanning mistakes include the telltale orange tan, streaky or uneven tan, blotchy tan, too-tanned face, and orange hands. Avoid these fake tanning mishaps by creating a perfect canvas of smooth, fresh, moisturized skin, and applying an even application of self tanning product.

How Does Self Tanner Work?

According to Sunless.com the active ingredient in most sunless tanning products (Dihydroxyacetone or DHA) reacts with the keratin protein in your skin's topmost layer, temporarily dying the skin. Key facts to keep in mind when seeking the perfect sunless tan are:

How to Avoid a Streaky or Uneven Tan

To avoid lines of pale and dark uneven tan, be sure to exfoliate and moisturize evenly for several days before the sunless tanning "session," and allow your moisturizer to completely absorb into the skin before applying the tanner. If you are prone to poor sunless tanner application, chose a product that takes longer to dry, such as a lotion instead of a foam or spray, so you have plenty of time to work the tanner evenly into your skin. Another option is to pick a product with an instant tint, so you know exactly where you've applied it, avoiding missed areas and double-applications.

How to Avoid a Blotchy Tan: Apply Less Self Tanner to Knees, Elbows & Trouble Spots

When working on those trouble spots – ankles, knees, feet and elbows – apply less sunless tanner with more care since these usually dehydrated rough spots drink up lots of product. To dilute the self tanner product on these dry zones, create a combination of one part self tanner to one part moisturizer and mix well.

As mentioned, darker ankles, elbows, knuckles and feet come from poor exfoliation and too much product on these trouble spots. The retroactive solution is to give such areas a gentle scrubbing with your loofah, and apply plenty of moisturizer. Some skincare companies sell self tanner remover, as well, which will fade the dark spots for a more even look.

Sunless tanners react differently on each person's skin, so the same product will look different from person to person, and various products will even have a different tint on the same skin. This could mean a lot of trial and error before you find the perfect tanner for you. To avoid a very unflattering orange hue all-over, spot test a small, unseen area before applying the product to your whole body, or choose a high-end tanner that, with the right application, is more likely to give you your ideal glow.

To give your face the same sun-kissed glow as the rest of your body, choose a face-specific tanner and apply with care. For a naturally tanned look, blend well into the hairline, and work product into the skin behind your ear. The skin on the neck and face typically absorb and react to the tanning product more than the rest of your body, so use less tanning product to achieve the same color.

How to Avoid Orange Hands

Prevent orange hands that ruin your self tanning secret by washing your hands every five minutes through your session, or by wearing a pair of plastic gloves.

The copyright of the article How to Get an Even Self-Tan in Skin Creams & Cleansers is owned by Johneen Manning. Permission to republish How to Get an Even Self-Tan in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.