At this point, you’d have to completely out of touch with the world to not know that exposure to the sun is harmful. From wrinkles to cancer, the sun can do some major damage to our bodies. The problem is, however, that most women still want to look tan and have that fresh-from-the –beach glow. Coming back from a tropical island with the same pale skin as when you left may seem like a wasted vacation for some women. However, the risk of the sun is not worth the temporary payoff.
Luckily for us, beauty product manufacturers have come to the rescue. Although self-tanners have been around for quite some time, it has only been recently that they have gained in popularity. With doctors and dermatologist warning against sun worship, tanning devotees have had to turn to other means to achieve their glow. Skin care giants are making self-tanners in every imaginable form from lotions to sprays to wipes. Women and men have more options that ever before when it comes to self-tanning but the same issue occurs: streaks.
Most people turn their backs on self-tanners when they realize that their legs and arms look like zebra stripes from poor product application. Even with advanced formulas and application technology, self-tanner application still seems to be a problem. However, with a few tips and tricks, people everywhere can achieve a straight from the beach glow at home with no telltale streaks.
The first step in even self-tanner application is to exfoliate. Before using a self-tanner, be sure to use a body scrub or exfoliating sponge to smooth skin. Shave your legs and be sure to get rid of any stubbly hair that will make the lotion glob. Dry yourself thoroughly and do not apply body lotion.
Next, use plastic gloves to apply the self-tanner. Often, even if you wash your hands directly after application, palms, and cuticles can turn orange and give away your tanning secret. Do one section of your body at a time. If, for instance, you begin with your right arm, apply the lotion or spray to the smooth areas first (i.e. the forearm and upper arm). Be sure to cover the under area of the arm as well, avoiding the elbow, wrist and armpit. Once you have the majority of the lotion rubbed into the smooth areas, use the excess to work over the wrist, elbow, and up into the armpit area. When doing these areas, your glove should barely be wet with the product. Rub the product vigorously into those areas being sure to include the surrounding arm area for blending. Do a final rub of the arm going is several directions, up, down, and around until your glove feels dry. Repeat this process all over the body using the elbow technique on areas such as the tops of feet, ankles, and knees that tend to give away a fake tan. These areas should be the last to have product applied and should be given a vigorous rub down with very little product.
If you are still wary that a crease or fold in the skin will streak up, use a small amount of normal body lotion to mix with the self tanner in areas that are prone to streaking.
Be sure to let the product set for about half an hour before you put on clothes or get into bed. The best time to apply self tanner is right before bed when you can sleep while product develops.