Maintain Your Tan into the Fall: 5 Tips for Applying Self Tanner

Summertime weather often ends way too soon and before anyone is ready to say goodbye to their sun kissed skin, days by the beach, pool or hiking outdoors. While you may be spending less time outside, and layering up your clothing, that doesn’t mean that you have to lose that beautiful summer glow so fast. Rather, it just means that you may need a little help. Self tanners are a great way to maintain your tan into the Fall. These lotions, mousses and sprays make your skin look tanned without being exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays. Here are some tips for how to apply self tanner:

1. Pick a good product. Look for self tanning products that are made with simple and natural ingredients. Avoid ones made with DHA (dihydroxyacetone) as they have been known to be damaging to your skin cells. Make sure to always follow the directions and avoid getting any product in your eyes, nose and mouth. 

2. Make it the last step. When it comes to applying self tanner, make sure all your other beauty care needs are done first such as showering, applying a light layer of moisturizer to rid of dry skin, shaving your body parts and even touching up your nails. All of these beauty steps can remove your tanner.

3. Exfoliate You want your freshest skin on the surface when it’s time to apply a self tanner. So before you apply, take the time to exfoliate your skin using either a dry brush or a body scrub while showering.  Gently exfoliate your face and body. You can also use an exfoliating face and/or body wash as well.

4. Start at the bottom and work up. Start at your feet and work up your body. You may want to wear plastic gloves so you don’t over-dye dye your hands. Apply a thin layer of the tanner to your hands last. While self tanning mousses are the easiest to rub in, tanning sprays help you apply on those hard-to-reach areas. Make sure to let the tanner dry at least 10 minutes before putting on clothing.

5. Don’t over apply on your face. Apply the least self tanner to your face as it’s easy to overdo it. While using a self tanner is a great way to avoid getting hyperpigmentation, if you already have it, you may want to avoid self tanners because it can make existing brown spots darker. If you want the tan on your face more pronounced, you can always apply a bronzing powder or tinted face moisturizer.