TOP 3 TIPS FOR SUNLESS TANNER USE

It’s that time of year…Trying on summer clothes and realizing that your winter skin tone does not match your summer wardrobe?  It’s time for some sunless tanner!

Before addressing tips on sunless tanner application, is it safe?  Yes!  Sunless tanner works through its active ingredient dihydroxyacetone, which is a simple and safe sugar.  It is safe to use even during pregnancy!  The active ingredient interacts with proteins in the outer layers of the skin to transform the color.

As I am writing tips for sunless tanner application, I am giggling a little, because I am far from perfect at this.  When you are as pale as I am, it requires excellent application because there is such a contrast from my normal skin color.  Knowing and doing it perfectly are not the same. So, if you see me at the pool and I look streaky, it’s not for lack of knowing and trying.

1 – EXFOLIATE – The goal of exfoliation is to smooth out and remove the outermost dead layer of skin.  This layer is continually shedding normally, but the more you have a smooth canvas to apply the sunless tanner, the more even the application.  

There are two main ways to exfoliate. Chemical and Mechanical.  Mechanical exfoliation is using a pumice or something else “gritty” to physically scrub away dead skin.  This can be done immediately prior to sunless tanner application.  Chemical exfoliation uses glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acid or urea to dissolve the outer layer of the skin.  Use of these products is most helpful in the days preceding applying the sunless tanner.  Most often I recommend using urea-based products.  Urea is a safe chemical. It naturally circulates in our bloodstream. When applied topically it both moisturizes and breaks down dead skin.  I recommend the milder 10% for exfoliation and 30% for calluses or thicker areas such as elbows and knees.  An affordable option is Eucerin Roughness Relief lotion – which comes in three formulas. The body lotion and body cream contain 10% urea, and the spot treatment contains 30% urea.

2-MATCH YOUR COLOR- When I was a teen, sunless tanners users were often quite orange.  Now,the products are available in a variety of shades.  Remember, what looks good on a fried may not look on you!  Try out a variety of products to find which one matches your skin tone the best. 

3- LET IT DRY – Let it dry for 10-15 minutes prior to getting dressed.  The product needs time to soak in and can easily rub off on clothes if you are not dry yet.  

Hope these tips help you get a beautiful golden FAKE tan this summer!  

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