Reaching a flawless self-tan on mature or dry pores and skin requires the appropriate prep, software methods and aftercare. As a result of drier pores and skin sorts can take up self-tanner erratically, the important thing to a pure, long-lasting glow is hydration and cautious mixing. We spoke with high self-tanning specialists to get their greatest ideas for a streak-free, radiant tan.
Tip 1: Prioritize Hydration for a Clean Utility
“In terms of self-tanning mature pores and skin, hydration is your greatest pal,” says Courtney Claghorn, founding father of SUGARED + BRONZED. As a result of mature pores and skin tends to be drier and extra textured, she recommends beginning with a hydrating routine a full week earlier than tanning. “Moisturizing recurrently helps restore the pores and skin’s barrier and creates a supple, even floor for the self-tanner to develop fantastically.”
Isabel Alysa, superstar tan artist and founding father of Dolce Glow and Sunnee BAEskin, echoes this, emphasizing the significance of hydration each internally and externally. “Staying hydrated internally by ingesting water and externally through the use of a light-weight, oil-free moisturizer day by day will assist your tan fade fantastically as a substitute of getting patchy.”
Tip 2: Exfoliate Gently, however Don’t Overdo It
Exfoliation is vital to a good tan, however over-exfoliating and exfoliating on the mistaken time can strip the pores and skin and trigger irritation. Claghorn suggests utilizing an exfoliating scrub and mitt the evening earlier than tanning to take away lifeless pores and skin cells. “However right here’s the trick,” shares Alysa, “Don’t over-exfoliate or use something too harsh, as that may strip your pores and skin.”
Bethany Menzel, cofounder and inventive director of Saltyface, additionally recommends exfoliating no less than 24 hours earlier than software. “You’ll wish to guarantee that your pores and skin is hydrated and as clean as potential to maintain the tan from settling into any dry areas.”
Tip 3: Apply a Barrier Lotion to Dry Spots
Once you’re able to tan, all of our specialists suggest making use of a skinny layer of lotion to drier areas to keep away from uneven patches. “I all the time suggest making use of a lightweight layer of lotion to elbows, knees, arms and toes earlier than tanning,” says Alysa. “This creates a refined barrier so the self-tanner doesn’t cling an excessive amount of, stopping these areas from getting too darkish or uneven.”
Tip 4: Use the Proper System for Your Pores and skin Kind
Choosing a self-tanner formulated with hydrating components could make all of the distinction. “Beginning with the appropriate product in your pores and skin is an important first step,” says Menzel. “Utilizing formulation designed particularly for the face and physique which might be made with hydrating components will assist you to obtain a good, natural-looking tan,” particularly for mature pores and skin sorts.
Choices nice for dry and mature pores and skin: non pore-clogging Saltyface Tanning Water ($44), vitamin E–infused S+B Sunless Tanning Mousse ($40) and Dolce Glow Luce Clear Self-Tanning Mist ($48), full of nourishing oils and hyaluronic acid.
Tip 5: Spend money on the Correct Instruments
Save your arms and your tan through the use of self-tanning instruments, the important thing to a clean, streak-free glow. Claghorn suggests utilizing an applicator mitt for a seamless end, and Menzel says utilizing a mixing brush—we love Saltyface’s luxe linup—is an effective way to ensure the product is utilized evenly. “A face brush may help with mixing so the product doesn’t settle into fantastic strains,” she provides.
Tip 5: Keep Your Glow with Correct Aftercare
As soon as your tan has developed, preserving your pores and skin moisturized will assist forestall patchiness because it fades. On the similar time, Claghorn advises avoiding actions that strip moisture from the pores and skin. “It’s greatest to keep away from lengthy soaks in sizzling tubs or prolonged publicity to chlorinated water. With the appropriate prep and day by day hydration, your glow won’t solely last more, it is going to fade evenly.”
Menzel agrees that post-care is usually forgotten however is essential. “Maintaining your pores and skin hydrated and sustaining your exfoliation will be sure that your tan fades evenly and your pores and skin is prepped in your subsequent software.”
The Backside Line
For mature pores and skin, preserving a self-tan from changing into patchy actually comes down to 2 issues, says Claghorn: considerate prep and ongoing hydration. “As a result of mature pores and skin tends to be drier and might present texture extra simply, the way in which a tan fades is usually instantly tied to how nicely the pores and skin was prepped beforehand.”
Thanks to those knowledgeable ideas, the proper natural-looking, non-patchy tan is lastly inside attain.
