Tips from Fake Bake on How to Reapply Self-Tanner

Using a self-tanner is the safest, most effective way to get tanned. Since you aren't exposing yourself to the sun's harmful rays, a sunburn should be the least of your worries. You'll have beautifully bronze skin without the painful or dangerous side effects.

If there's a downside to using a self-tanner, it's that the color is only temporary. If you are wondering how often to reapply tanner, there is a way to make it last longer. Taking the time to properly plan and prepare will ensure your skin has a sun-kissed glow that looks absolutely gorgeous.

How Often Should You Apply Self-Tanner

Before applying self-tanner, it's important to understand how your skin works. It is composed of two major layers. The innermost layer of your skin is called the dermis, and the outer layer is called the epidermis.

Your epidermis is composed of two layers as well: the stratum basale and the stratum corneum. When it comes to self-tanners, these impact the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of your epidermis.

Every day, you have skin cells that die and slough off. This may sound gross and unsettling, but it is a completely natural process that everyone goes through. Within 35 to 45 days, you have a completely new epidermis covering your body.

As the dead skin cells come off, so does your self-tanner. When it comes to how often you should reapply self-tanner, most products recommend adding more every three to five days if you want to keep your skin looking bronze and beautiful.

If you are using a gradual tanning lotion, you'll want to reapply on a daily basis until you reach your desired skin color. Afterwards, you can reapply again after three to five days, or you can switch to another self-tanner to maintain your bronze color - it's totally up to you!

How to Properly Apply Self-Tanner

In addition to knowing when to reapply self-tanner and to ensure that you are getting the healthy bronze glow you desire, you need to apply or reapply self-tanner properly. The steps that you should take for that include the following:

Step 1: Remove Excess Hair

If you plan on removing excess hair either by shaving or waxing, you need to do this at least 24 hours before you add tanner. Waxing or shaving will also remove your self-tanner. We do not recommend shaving right before applying your tanner, as this could cause the product to show in your pores.

Step 2: Exfoliate Your Skin

After you have shaved or waxed, you'll then want to exfoliate the dead skin cells from your skin. Make sure to pay attention to your knees, elbows and ankles, where your skin is thicker. After you have exfoliated your skin, dry it thoroughly. It's much easier to evenly spread self-tanner on dry skin.

Step 3: Focus on Sections

As you apply the self-tanner to your body, make sure to focus on sections. This means applying the self-tanner to one body part at a time. Apply the product evenly and thoroughly using circular motions.

Your elbows, knees and ankles have thicker skin, so these areas will absorb more self-tanner. Consider diluting these areas after application by using a damp cloth and blotting it on these spots.

Step 4: Wash Your Hands

Depending on the type of self-tanner you use, the product might come with application gloves or an application mitt. If that's that case, then you won't have to worry about the discoloration on your hands. If the product doesn't require gloves or mitts to apply, be sure to wash your hands with soap after applying the self-tanner, paying particular attention to in between your fingers.

Step 5: Allow the Self-Tanner to Dry

Allow ample drying time to ensure that your skin is evenly coated and colored. Depending on the type of product you use, it could take anywhere from a few minutes up to 20 minutes to dry. During this time, it's helpful if you avoid sweating, as this can cause the tanner to run. You'll also want to wear dark, loose fitting clothing so that the tanner doesn't get wiped off your body.

Depending on the product you use, you may not see the color immediately. In some cases, it could take up to three to five hours to develop (possibly more). Don't forget the importance of refraining from any excessive sweating and wearing dark loose-fitting clothing during this time.

Getting the Best Self-Tanning Products

Understanding how often to apply self-tanner helps you add color to your skin in the safest way to achieve a sun-kissed look. With the right products and a reapplication plan, your skin can look amazing throughout the entire summer - or even throughout the entire year!

At Fake Bake, we offer a wide range of self-tanning products to help you achieve the glow you're hoping for. Whether you are looking for a way to gradually add color or you're ready to dive right into being tan, we have what you need. Head on over to the website and find the self-tanning product that's right for you!