The Ulitmate Guide to the Perfect Self Tan

So you've decided to use a self tanner. This is a great choice as long as you've selected your product carefully and you follow directions to the letter. Self tanning is a skin friendly way to give your self a little color ranging from light to very dark depending on your desires. There are some things to keep in mind when thinking about using a self tanner though. First, make sure you spot check first on an area no one is likely to see incase the product you chose is way off or has a yellow tinge to it. Secondly, make sure and exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. Exfoliating a few days ahead of time, then the day you plan to use the tanner, is best. The healthier the cells are the better coverage you'll get. Try and use a moisturizer every day prior to tanning and after you apply the tanner. This will keep cells hydrated and looking their best while providing you with the longest self tan possible. I will only give you one warning, and this one I know from personal experience, once you apply self tanner, if the color is too dark, too yellow or streaked you are pretty much stuck with it until it wears off, so be careful and take your time. So now, if you're ready to take the leap, here is "The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Tan."

Time - Make sure you have allowed yourself enough time - read the entire label and follow the directions exactly. If it says two hours, then believe me- it means two hours. Most products will stain your clothes. Also if you're rushed you may ruin your tan.

What You Need - Make sure you have everything you need handy. You will need a place to take a shower or bath, a cotton washcloth to exfoliate your skin, soap, skin lotion, self tanner, sink to wash your hands frequently, a band or clip to keep hair off of your face, and a fingernail scrub brush. If you are going to apply self tanner to your back, make sure you have a sponge paintbrush with a long handle or a friend handy who know what they are doing or can follow directions. You may also want a loose outfit, such as a robe, to wear while the self tanner is drying. It's also good to have a watch or clock around.

What Are You Going To Wear? - If you are not applying sunless tanners to your entire body (and you really shouldn't if this is your first time), what you wear will determine where you want your tan lines to be. Wear tight fitting clothes above that area (swimsuit or tight shorts and tee shirt). Try not to get the tanner on the clothes though because it will stain. I actually have an outfit that I wear only for tanning. This way if I don't have to worry about staining something I intend to wear else where.

Preparation - Take a shower or bath and use a cotton washcloth to exfoliate your skin. Pay special attention to your knees and elbows. Don't shave your legs if you have sensitive skin because the tanning lotion can cause a reaction. After bathing and exfoliating, allow yourself and the room to dry off. If you are applying the self tanner in the bathroom, you do not want the room to be steamy. Nor should the room be so warm that you're sweating. Apply ordinary skin lotion to your feet, ankles, knees, elbows, hands, wrists, and any area with fine lines, such as your neck and face. Put on your "tanning" outfit.

Start Applying - Take a look at the clock and note the time. Start with your legs, doing one entire leg at a time. Start at the edge of the bathing suit or whatever you are wearing and work your way down. Apply the self tanner a little more heavily than you would apply ordinary lotion. Apply the product quickly but thoroughly, spreading in a circular motion to avoid streaking. Don't worry if a little bit of the sunless tanner is visible on your skin. Instead, be careful not to miss any areas. Be sure to keep track of the time, after 5 minutes has passed, stop and wash your hands thoroughly- you don't want orange hands or palms (be sure to use the nail brush, too) before continuing with the rest of your body. Tie your hair back and keep going. Make sure to keep an eye on the clock. After your legs, apply the self tanner to your arms and body. Save your face and neck for last. Apply sparingly to this area, because this part of your skin takes to self tanners quite well. (You may want to use a product specifically designed for the face for the best possible outcome.) Apply especially sparingly to your forehead hairline area. If your hair is short, don't forget to apply it behind your ears. As soon as you have finished with your face and neck, scrub your hands again. Now take a look at the clock. You have entered the drying zone. Allow plenty of time to dry. Don't rush it and your tan will look great in no time at all.