Self Tanning Lotions
Self Tanning Lotions
You will need some extra time for self tanning lotions because they take longer to dry compared to foam. Though this is about self tanning, it is still best to have some help in applying them to assure that those difficult to reach areas will have an even or equal application. But if you are the one applying the lotion to yourself, please don’t rush. Before anything else, try to shed dead skin cells by exfoliating a couple of days before you apply the lotion. New skin cells will stay longer and retain the tan better than skin cells that are about to shed. So wash and scrub your entire body well during the days prior to using the tan lotion. After every bathe, apply moisturizer on your entire body too. Moisturized skin will allow for a more even application, especially on dry skin areas that absorb more of the lotion.
On the day you apply the self tanning lotions, be sure you are rested so there is no tendency to perspire. When perspiration starts to run or drip, it will be the cause of uneven tanning streaks on your body. So a cool, less humid area is the best place for you to apply the lotion. The best place to start applying the lotion is the difficult to reach areas on your body. The rationale behind this is after you are done with the difficult to reach areas that could probably take a longer amount of time to apply lotion to, it will be a lot easier and quicker to do the other parts of your body. In doing so, there is a higher probability that the drying time of your entire body will be almost the same. Take extra care when applying the lotion on darker and drier parts of your body like the knees, elbows and ankle. Apply lightly on these areas or dilute the lotion with a moisturizer. It will help to even the tan with the surrounding areas.
Of course you would not want your palms to have a tan. If possible, wash your hands frequently throughout the process so as not to leave the lotion on your palms. If you have surgical latex gloves, that would be better in order to avoid tanning your palms and the skin under your fingernails. Remember to buy one if you don’t have yet because using them will be a lot more convenient than washing hands frequently in the process. In applying the self tanning lotion, make sure you are doing so evenly for an even shade. Light application with circular motion will assure good cover of the different areas. A follow up of lengthwise stroke application can help even out the spread. After having completed the application, allow 15 to 20 minutes for the self tanning lotion to dry well before dressing up. In about 30 minutes after drying the tan, it should start to take effect.
Here is one secret you will not find anywhere – tanning at the hairline and ears. The best way to do so would be to apply the lotion onto the scalp hairline for about a centimeter deep into your hairline so the tan would not look like a mask and unnatural. For the ears, it should be light at the back of the ears and a little bit more pronounced near the rim of the ear. Do not apply on inside cup of the ear. That should give your entire face a more natural tan look.