Tanned skin looks amazing, but actual tanning is not good for your skin (even when you’re slathered in sun protection). Luckily, when it comes to bronze and summer glow, there’s a way to have your cake and eat it, too!
Most dermatologists agree that the healthiest way to get a bronze is a spray tan. It won’t last the whole summer, but with the right solution and some extra skin pampering, anyone can look like a Greek goddess (or god).
The good news is that you don’t need any fancy (or expensive) treatments. Just a few skincare steps designed to boost hydration and keep you looking gorgeous from head to toe. Today, we’ll give you a few basic steps anyone should follow for a perfect-looking, healthy bronze.
Stay tuned.
1. Keep Your Skin Healthy at All Times
The most important things you can do for your skin are to have a nutrient-rich diet, be physically active, and stay hydrated. Your long-term healthy skin habits are the ones that matter the most if you want a glowy tan.
If you suffer from dry skin, severe acne, or dermatitis, it’s best to talk to a dermatologist before applying any spray tan or bronzing cream. Spray tans are safe, but only if applied to healthy skin, according to instructions.
2. Find the Best Spray Tan Solution for Your Skin
This can be a bit of an adventure, because it may take a few sessions to find the ideal nuance for your skin tone. But besides this, you also need to consider your skin’s texture.
For instance, dry or more mature skin may need an Aloe Vera or Oil-based solution that hydrates and tans. Ingredients like Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid are essential to prevent the tan from clinging to dry patches.
For oily or acne-prone skin, look for alcohol-based or quick-sry solutions. These dry instantly and won’t clog pores or leave the skin feeling tacky.
The best way to go about this is to try an at home spray tan solution and patch-test it. This way, you can see the shade and notice any issues early on. Plus, when you’re applying at home, aftercare is much easier.
3. Exfoliation Is Your Best Friend
Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of preparing your skin right before the spray tan session. Whether you apply at a salon or at home, you must exfoliate 24 hours prior. This helps remove dead or loose skin cells that will shed within 3 to 4 days anyway, leaving your tan looking uneven.
Don’t overscrub either. You don’t want red or inflamed skin. A gentle oil-free scrub or a mitt is enough.
4. Get Smooth
If you want to remove body hair (shaving, waxing, or any other method), do so at least 24 hours before the application. If you’re using wax, it’s best to play it safe and do it 48 hours prior. This is because hair removal opens the pores. If you spray tan too soon after, the pigment settles into those open follicles, creating the dreaded strawberry legs effect.
It’s important to note that if you have fine hair (like peach fuzz), you may not have to remove it. However, if your body hair is dense, it can act as a physical shield, leading to small white dots where the hair blocked the mist.
5. Take a Break from Your Usual Routine
On the day of the tan, the skin must be at 0% product saturation. This means no deodorant, lotions, perfume, oils, or makeup. The aluminum in many antiperspirants reacts with the DHA in the spray tan solution and turns the armpits a distinct shade of green.
Enjoy Your Healthy Bronze!
Once applied, leave the solution to set and avoid any tight clothing for the next 12 to 24 hours. After this, you can shower and do your normal skincare routine. You’ll look healthy and bronzed, like you just hopped off your surfing board (without all the UV damage)!