Summer is over, but that doesn’t mean your tan should be. This fall, keep your bronzey glow with the help of a few select skincare tips.
The Secret to Maintaining a Radiant Tan All Year Long
Gone are the days of sitting under the sun for hours to deepen your complexion. Skip the sun damage and opt for a lightweight, oil-free self-tanner to keep your skin tone looking warm and radiant.
Beware that not all self-tanners are created equal and depend on the form of dihydroxyacetone in a product’s formula. For those that don’t know, dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the key ingredient in sunless tanners and is what interacts with your skin’s proteins to form pigment. Before you put anything on your skin, be sure that you’re choosing a tanner that uses a non-toxic form of DHA that’s typically sourced from either cane or beetroot.
How to Prep Your Skin Before Self Tanning
For those who aren’t used to self-tanning, it may seem daunting at first. But when done right, the results look like you’re sporting a natural sunkissed glow.
Keep reading to learn how to prep your skin to achieve an even tone.
The foundation of a good tan is skin that’s properly exfoliated (or at least cleansed) and deeply hydrated.
1. Gentle Exfoliation
Cleansing your skin with an exfoliant will slough away any rough or dry patches. For gentle exfoliation, we recommend the Berry Gel Gommage that works to smooth and refine the skin’s surface. (Bonus: This multifunctional gel also doubles as a skin-firming mask for your at-home self-care rituals).
Shop the Berry Gel Gommage here.
Also, note that you don’t need to exfoliate at the same time as using your self tanner. Exfoliating even the day before also creates fresh skin that lasts into the next day.
2. Oil-Free Hydration
Next, after exfoliating or using a gentle cleanser, opt for an oil-free moisturizer to lock in hydration. We recommend a cream without oil as it can actually prevent the self tanning solution from absorbing properly. For best results, it’s safer to avoid applying any oil-based skincare products the day before you’re planning to self tan. Magic White Ice is a celeb favorite oil-free hydrator with a luxurious gel texture that glides on the skin and expertly nourishes with the help of white cranberry complex, hyaluronic acid, and totara extract.
Once you’ve chosen your hydrator, be generous and thorough when applying. To make sure that your tan will be evenly dispersed, be sure that every nook of your face is properly hydrated, including your chin, the corners of your nose, and even behind your ears and the back of your neck.
3. Apply Self Tanner
Now that your skin is primed and prepped, you’re ready to apply your self-tanner. If you’re using the Bronze Tinted Self Tanner, apply this hydrating formula in the evening to allow the product to work its magic overnight. Its lightweight texture distributes easily around your skin as if you’re using your favorite cream. Arcona’s signature self tanner instantly bronzes your skin as you apply it, then gradually deepens to a natural warm glow while hydrating and nourishing skin with rich shea butter, vitamin E, and grape seed extract.
Don’t forget to wash your hands after applying!
Shop the Bronze Tinted Self Tanner here.
Written by: Chanel Jenae & Keemia Kaboli