How to Get That Golden Glow: Safety Tips for Tanning

Sharing is caring!

Woman with a bronze glow

Who wouldn’t want to have a good-looking bronze glow all year round?

Sure, chilling by the pool underneath the summer heat can get you that natural sun tan glow!

But when summer is over, or when you don’t want to risk UV damage, fake tans do just fairly well!

Before getting started, we’re here to share with you tips for a safe and perfect tan.

How Can I Get a Tan?

There are two ways you can get that bronze summer look: A real tan and a fake tan.

A natural tan can be achieved through sun exposure, oftentimes done leisurely on the beach.

As this may sound like a good idea on vacation, it is important to note that you are exposing yourself to harmful UV rays.

These can cause the skin to age and form wrinkles and dark spots. Worst case scenario, it can even lead to skin cancer.

A fake tan is your safer option. You can opt to apply self- tanning lotion or have a spray tan done at tanning salons. If you want to know more about tanning, click here

Tanning Safety Tips

Getting blotchy patches, looking too orange, or having streaky marks are the most common tanning mishaps. To avoid these from happening, here are a few tips you will want to try:

Exfoliate

This is perhaps the most important step to take before any tanning process, yet many still forget about it!

To get an even tan, make sure to scrub off dead skin. You don’t have to go crazy about it. Scrubbing with a washcloth when bathing will do the trick!

Take extra time on the dry and tough spots like the feet, elbows, ankles, and knees. Dry skin tends to absorb more self-tanner fast. To avoid these unwanted dark spots, make sure to buff your skin before adding any product.

Don’t Shave

Yes, shaving will exfoliate your skin. It is even advisable to do so, BUT not before you apply self-tanner.

Shaving or waxing will open pores and can create small cuts. To avoid skin irritations when tanning, you should schedule your waxing session at least a day before tanning.

Don’t shave right after your tan too.

Self-tanners or spray tans stick to the outermost layer of skin. Shaving or waxing after a tan is removing the tan just when you’ve applied it. Don’t put a good tan to waste!

Tan at Night

Unless you plan to spend the rest of your day at home, do your self-tanning session at night.

Why? Because your activities throughout your day might mess up your tan!

If you tan in the morning and still have to shower, put on some clothes, and brace through unpredictable weather, your tan might not set the right way.

For best results, dedicate at least 8 hours for your tan to set.

Move in Circles

Tanning experts suggest applying fake tan in circular motions. Start by working in small sections of your skin to avoid awkward streaks.

You also do not need to apply a lot of pressure when spreading the tan evenly. Gentle and consistent pressure is fine.

Wear Gloves

A lot of people prefer using their bare hands when applying a self-tan. However, this could cause orange hands when you do not apply a barrier cream beforehand or wash your hands right away.

Tanning mitts can be bought alongside your faux tan, but this may be out of your budget.

Household items like a rubber glove, an old sock, and cling wrap will suffice. Some like using makeup sponges but they tend to absorb a lot of the product.

Wearing gloves does not only prevent you from getting orange hands and feet. It smoothens the surface of your skin and applies the product wonderfully!

Don’t Sweat

After applying the tanner, your work isn’t finished yet!

We highly encourage waiting at least 15 minutes before putting on any clothes. These should be loose-fitting clothes. This gives time for the product to be absorbed by your skin.

Don’t sweat or get wet too. You sure don’t want your tan to wear off and look splotchy or uneven!

Go Easy on the Face

Can you imagine if your face got too tan? What a horror that would be!

It is much tougher to remove the product than to add more bronzer if the tan is too light for your preference.

Apply on your face last, right after you’ve applied to your whole body. Tanning enthusiasts also shared a practice of diluting the tanner with some moisturizer to lighten the shade.

Avoid Alcohol

Go for alcohol-free tanning products. Alcohol can often cause skin reactions like dermatitis and rosacea.

Patch Test

When using a new product, whether it is a fake tan or not, always do a patch test before using it.

For a tan, it serves two purposes. Firstly, it is to determine whether you are allergic to the product or not. Secondly, it is to test the shade that goes well with your skin.

Moisturize

Moisturizing after your tan has set is as important a step as exfoliating.

Keeping your skin moisturized slows down the natural process of shedding old skin. This way, you get to keep your tan longer!

Don’t Forget SPF

Self-tanners do not protect you from the sun. You still need to apply SPF every day to avoid UV exposure.

More so if you plan on getting a real tan. You must constantly apply sunscreen with high SPF before, during, and after your tanning session.

Final Words

Practice makes perfect! We can’t promise you a perfect tan on your first try even with all the tips we’ve shared.

But with more tanning experience, we have no doubt you will become a pro in no time!

Sharing is caring!

Speak Your Mind

*