It’s not enough that you have access to a reputable fake tanning salon or a bottle of the best at-home self tanner. There are certain things that your have to carry out before getting a tan minus the sun so that you may attain the best possible result. Before the procedure, do the following:
Cleanse Your Skin
Having clean skin is one of the secrets to the enjoyment of a blotch-free and realistic fake tan. Whether you plan on getting a fake tan at the local tanning salon or at home, it’s important to rid the skin of any impurities.
Deodorants, perfumes, bronzers and other cosmetic products you apply on a daily basis can keep the self-tanner’s active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) from being absorbed completely by the skin. DHA, by the way, is an FDA-approved ingredient derived from sugar cane or beets.
Just before you set foot in the local tanning salon or start applying that at-home tanner of yours, take a shower or bath and make sure that your skin is squeaky-clean to attain the most striking and enviable fake tan.
Remove Dead Skin Cells
Exfoliating is another pre-fake tanning procedure that you should do. This is best done while you’re taking a shower or bath with the help of a loofah, body brush or exfoliating gel exclusively made for fake tanning aficionados.
Because DHA, the active ingredient of fake tanners, works by causing dead skin cells to darken, it’s important to make sure that the layer of dead cells sitting on the skin’s topmost layer is even. The process of exfoliation helps get rid of excess dead skin cells, thus giving DHA a really smooth canvas to work on. By exfoliating beforehand, it’s easier to obtain a blotch-free result, thus keeping at bay any suspicion that the golden-brown color you are rocking is not the real thing.
The quickest way to get rid of those excess dead skin cells is by using a loofah or body brush while in the shower. You may also opt for the use of an exfoliating gel. So many manufacturers of fake tanners offer this kind of product, often included in at-home fake tanning bundles.
If you choose to buy a body exfoliating gel separately, make sure that it does not contain any greasy ingredient that may leave a thin film of oil on your skin, something that will surely keep DHA from doing its job.
Get Rid of Unwanted Hair
Fake tanner may collect at the base of each hair strand, causing a dotty outcome. This common problem can be solved simply by removing unwanted hair either by shaving or waxing.
Shaving should be done at least 24 hours before undergoing the fake tanning procedure. This will give irritated skin plenty of time to heal. If the hair removal method of your choice is waxing, get one 48 hours before having your fake tan. This should give your skin pores enough time to heal and close.
Hydrate Your Skin
Well-hydrated skin is very helpful in the attainment of a realistic fake tan that lasts for days. You don’t want to get the fake tanning procedure with dry skin because it will only cause a blotchy outcome, giving away the fact that you have a fake tan. Just because fake tanning is fully embraced these days doesn’t mean it’s perfectly fine to have a fake-looking tan!
It’s a good idea to moisturize liberally on the night before you get your fake tan. However, you should refrain from applying an oil-based moisturizer. Again, you don’t want any oily residue to keep DHA from being absorbed by your skin.
Apply Moisturizer on Dry Areas
Some areas of the body are naturally dryer than the rest, such as your elbows, knees and ankles. It’s not unlikely for these body parts of yours to have more dead skin cells sitting on them even after exfoliating, causing them to absorb more DHA and end up looking darker than the rest.
In order to save yourself from such unsightly outcome, smear a little moisturizer on your elbows, knees and ankles beforehand. The friendly attendant at the local tanning salon will prompt you to carry out this important pre-fake tanning procedure. If you’re doing it at home, make sure you don’t skip this step to enjoy an outcome that’s consistent all over.
Cover Nails with Nail Polish
Nails on your fingers and toes may end up discolored when they come into contact with the fake tanning solution, so it is recommendable for you to cover them with nail polish beforehand.
