Golden Glow: A Guide to Applying Self Tanner

Most people enjoy having a golden glow to their skin. If you don't have time to lay out, or even go tanning, self tanning products are the way to go. It used to be that self tanners were difficult to apply and often left your skin with an abnormal orange glow with streaks like a candy cane. Some people are simply afraid of self tanners, after seeing these products used incorrectly. Here are a few tips for an easy healthy glow without hassle.

Start out by picking out a product. Many products provide easy to use spray nozzles, even sponges to help apply the tanner evenly. If you want a more gradual tan, there are many moisturizers on the market with a gradual self tan included in them. These products are nice because you can gradually increase your tan as you moisturize. Read the back of the product and all the details before you buy. Pick a color that is not too far off from your natural skin tone. There should be a diagram somewhere on the bottle to show you what to expect and how soon to expect the results. In picking a self tanner, pick the one that sounds most appealing to you and easiest to apply. That way you will be happy with your purchase and know what to expect.

Another state of the art foolproof way to a quick tan is products such as spray tan. Many celebrities and stars flock to tanning salons and spas to get spray tans done. Some salons have an automatic spray machine that will tan you with a solution that only takes a few seconds to apply. Within an hour or two, you will notice a nice healthy glow. Some salons also have associates that will give you a personal spray tan experience by doing it themself. That ensures that no spots are missed and that you are happy with your tan.

If you plan on using a self tanner or getting a product applied at a salon, start about two days before by exfoliating your skin. Apply a scrub in the shower, or use an exfoliating shower wash. This will remove all of the dead skin cells, and help for the product to apply in a smooth manner. Also, extremely dry skin absorbs products such as lotion and self tanning lotion different, often creating darker spots. Areas such as the knees and elbows are prone to staining a darker color due to those areas being dryer. Focus your exfoliation efforts on those areas. After you shower the first day you exfoliate, apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to your skin. That will help your skin to absorb some moisture before you begin self tanning.

On the day you plan to apply your self tanner, shower and exfoliate one more time. After showering, dry off your skin and wait until your skin is completely dry and does not feel damp. Take a small dab of the product and test it out on a part of your body that will not be exposed. That way you can see how the tanner will react with your skin before you try it on your entire body. Wait a few minutes, and if you are happy with the results of your "test spot", spread or spray a little product all over your body. Make sure you rub it in well to make sure that it will not streak. Wait until the product is completely dry to put clothing on, it may stain your clothes. Wash the palms of your hands well. Due to the skin on the palm of your hands being different than the skin covering the rest of your body, your hands may absorb the product and stain. Start gradual and increase using the product daily if you want more of a tan. If you are happy with the color you got after one application, you can apply it once a week to maintain your tan.

Sometimes after a few days, self tanner will start coming off. You can take a little of the product and touch up areas that are lacking color. Make sure you rub it in well, or else you will have different colored spots on your body. Apply self tanner as much as you like to achieve the results you desire. Shower and moisturize regularly to ensure the life of your tan.

If you want to self tan your face, there are products on the market just for your facial area. Your facial skin is also different than the rest of the skin on your body, so self tanning facial products are specially formulated just for that skin. Make sure you get a product that is hypo-allergenic to ensure that your face will not break out.

Self tanning can be a quick and easy way to a gorgeous tan. Many products today are hassle free and so easy to use, that it can become an easy part of a daily and weekly routine. Enjoy your tan, and try different products until you find one that suites you. It is easy to have a gorgeous summer glow all year round!