How to Self Tan at Home and Get Natural Looking Results

Using self tanners is a great way to get even, sun kissed glowy skin in a short amount of time without sitting under the sun for hours taking in skin damage and risking a sun burn. Unlike the sun and its damaging UV rays, self tanners simply stain the outermost layer of your skin giving you the desired color. After all, experts agree that the best tan, is a faux one. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sun exposure is a major cause of skin cancer, the most common one in the United States. Not to mention how repeated sun exposure can cause pre-mature skin aging such as hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines, unwanted skin texture, and more. 

Getting a faux tan is easier and more affordable than ever and most importantly, safer and suitable for all skin types. If you're looking to get a flawless summer glow year round thats streak free, learning how to self- tan starts here!

Self Tanning Routine

Do Everything Else First

Whether it's a wax, manicure, touching up hair color, and or shaving your legs, do it all before applying self tanner. Waxing and shaving can remove self tanner and you don't want to be stuck doing other beauty or self care routines while waiting for your tanner to dry. 

Wash, Exfoliate & Shave

To ensure a smooth, even, and good application, you'll want to have clean, exfoliated, shaved, and moisturized skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) outlines the correct method for applying self tanners by sharing the importance of exfoliating and drying the skin thoroughly prior to application. Doing so removes any dead skin buildup and ensures a fresh foundation so your self tanner can be as successful and long lasting as possible.  The Fleurs De France Lavender Body Scrub  is a wonderful exfoliating yet gentle scrub that also smells amazing. Combine it with Ahava's Mineral Body Lotion and your skin will feel smooth, non- greasy, and hydrated.

Dry Off AND Moisturize

Make sure you're 100% dry before application! Any water left on the skin will erase or dilute the tan resulting in the worse possible outcome: uneven, streaks, and patches...

Wait 5 minutes to be completely dry then apply your favorite lotion with extra on your ankles, knees, and wrists for a natural looks where those areas are slightly lighter than the rest of the body. 

Time for The Self Tanner

Use your favorite self tanner and follow the instructions. Ours is the Comodyne's Natural and Bronzing Self- Tanning Toweletes.  It's paraben-free with allergen-free fragrance, no added dyes, and 100% natural and biodegradable fibers. Best part, it's clinically, dermatologically and microbiologically tested for all skin types. 

If you're using a lotion, it's best if you apply the product onto a mitt to massage in sections, in a circular motion, and to avoid turning the palms of your hand orange! Just kidding. If you don't have a mitt or if you're using a self tanning wipe, just wash your hands throughout the process to remove the color.

It's usually easier to start with the legs and work your way up. Apply liberally onto the thighs and bottom then skim over areas such as knees, ankles, and feet with any excess self tanner from that initial application. Again this will provide a more natural look with lighter but still blended tan areas.

Rest- Give your skin time to absorb

Wait at least 10 minutes before getting dressed to let the product absorb, and at least 8 hours before showering (your self tanner instructions may say longer!). During this time, it's best to wear loose clothing and try to avoid any activity that may cause sweating. 

Now that you're skin is tan and glowy, it's time to go outside and show it off! As always, continue to lotion up and wear a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Dry skin is the enemy of a faux tan so it's best to moisturize all over, daily. Moving forward, apply your favorite self tanner as necessary to update your color (usually ever 3-5 days) by following the same steps!