Sunless tanners are an easy and safe way to achieve a bronzed look without the risks associated with sun exposure. Self-tanning products darken skin pigmentation without sun exposure, and they can be highly effective when applied correctly. Knowing how to self-apply tanner is key to achieving noticeable and optimal results.
How do self-tanners work?
The efficacy of
self-tanners largely comes from dihydroxyacetone (DHA), an ingredient approved by the FDA. DHA creates a brown, pigmented color on the superficial layers of the skin, mimicking the appearance of a natural tan. This allows for a sun-kissed look without the harmful effects of UV rays.
“This reaction occurs within an hour of use and can continue to pigment for about 24 hours,” says board-certified dermatologist
Erum N. Ilyas, MD, MBE, FAAD at
Schweiger Dermatology, and founder and CEO of
AmberNoon.
When
self-tanner is applied correctly, the resulting color can last about a week. The intensity of the tan depends on the concentration of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in the product.
“Self-tanners often come as
lotions and creams with a DHA concentration within a range of 3% to 5%—yet, DHA concentration may still vary and be anywhere from 1% to 15%,” Ilyas notes.
Proper application and the right concentration of DHA are key to achieving a lasting and natural-looking tan.
How to choose the right self-tanner
When choosing a self-tanner that suits your skin and needs, there are several important factors to consider including: intensity of pigment, uniformity of pigment distribution and any risks of allergic reactions or skin irritation.
“Choose a product that has an ease of application to allow for it to be uniformly distributed on the skin, and consider product reviews to understand the intensity of the pigment offered by different products,” Ilyas suggests.
Take note of your current skin tone or tanning ability to determine the right level of darkness for your skin. If you don’t tan easily or find that your skin has little pigment, it’s better to start with lighter shades to get a sense of how self-tanners work, and how well or how much pigment your skin is able to receive with use.
“Starting with darker shades or really bronzed looks will look unnatural and take on an orangey look. If you tan easily, a
darker self tanner may work well.” Ilyas explains.
How to apply self-tanner
Applying self-tanner can be a simple process if you follow these steps:
Prepare your skin for the self-tanner
The day before use, prepare your skin for greater ease and efficiency of the self-tanner. Avoid shaving for 24 hours and exfoliate skin the day before to prevent skin irritation and for a smoother application process.
“Exfoliating the skin will reduce the tendency for self-tanners to accumulate in dead skin cells or dry skin on the surface,” Ilyas explains.
Moisturize before using a self-tanner
Apply a
moisturizer to your skin the night before you intend on using or applying self-tanner. By doing so, your skin will be moister and softer.
“Moisturizing allows the self-tanner to apply evenly across the skin,” Ilyas says.
Apply the self-tanner in sections
The next day, and with freshly prepped skin,
apply the self tanner.
With gloves or your hands, apply the self-tanning lotion or cream to each area of your body precisely and separately.
“It is ok to use your hands but recognize that the thicker the skin, the darker the pigment and your palms tend to turn orange pretty fast,” llyas says.
If you’re using your palms and hands, wash with soap and water after applying self-tanner to each area of the skin.
“Apply the product to these open areas of skin that are easier to work with first, including forearms, upper arms, calves, thighs and tops of hands and feet,” Ilyas says.
Blend in the self-tanner
“After applying the product to these open areas, blend the areas of the skin that ‘crease,’ such as the ankles, elbows and knees next,” Ilyas says.
These creased areas are at greater risk of accumulating too much product, which can accentuate the appearance of pigmentation, and should be done last, as they require extra attention and care.
“For creased areas, after applying a thin layer of self-tanner and rubbing in, apply a moisturizer on top of the tanner to slightly dilute the product. It’ll blend self-tanner more evenly to avoid accentuating color in these trickier areas.” Ilyas says.
Allow the self-tanner time to dry
After you’ve finished applying self-tanner, make sure to keep your skin dry. Avoid exercising or sweating excessively for 3-4 hours after applying self-tanner, and if you’re going out in the daylight, wear sunscreen. Self-tanners are not a substitute for sun protection.
Reapply the self-tanner, if needed
The next day, check the level of pigmentation on your skin to determine how often to reapply and if you should swap for another intensity or hue.
“If you’re happy with the color, reapply every five to seven days,” Ilyas suggests.
For a deeper or more intense color, reapply the product daily until you achieve your desired results. Once satisfied, reduce the frequency to every five to seven days to maintain the color.
