To avoid stains on the skin, it is important, before using self-tanner, to remove all accessories, in addition to taking a shower and applying the product using a glove and making circular movements along the body, leaving the areas with creases for last. , like knees or fingers, for example.
Self-tanners are products that act on the skin through the action of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which react with cell components present in the most superficial layer of the skin, leading to the formation of a pigment responsible for skin tanning, melanoidin, however this pigment , unlike melanin, does not provide protection against ultraviolet radiation from the sun, and it is also important to apply sunscreen.
Artificial tanning products have no contraindications and can be sold in the form of creams or sprays. There are good self-tanners from different brands for all skin types, which can be purchased in pharmacies, drugstores or supermarkets. See more about artificial tanning.
How to apply self-tanner
To apply self-tanner and avoid blemishes on your skin, it is recommended to follow the following steps:
- Remove all accessories and jewelry;
- Take a shower and remove makeup residue;
- Dry your skin well with a clean towel;
- Apply a small amount of tanning cream to the glove specifically for self-tanning and start applying;
- Apply the product to the legs, up to the ankle and top of the feet, using circular movements;
- Put more product on the glove and apply it to the arms, hands, stomach and chest, making circular movements;
- Place more product on the glove and apply it to the back, making sure it is done by someone else to ensure that the product is well spread and no stains appear;
- Put a little product on the glove and apply it to the face, using circular movements, being important not to forget to apply it behind the ears and neck. To apply it in this location, it is interesting that the person puts a ribbon in their hair so that it does not interfere with the application of the product and allows it to be well spread;
- Apply a little more product to the glove and apply it to areas with folds, making circular movements, such as knees, elbows or fingers and massaging the area well, so that the product is very well spread;
- Leave the product on for about 8 hours and then take a shower to remove excess self-tanner and look more natural.
Generally, the color appears 1 hour after application and darkens over time, with the final result appearing after 4 hours. To get tanned skin, you must apply the product for at least 2 days in a row, and the color can last between 3 and 7 days.
Care when applying self-tanner
When applying self-tanning, the person must take some precautions so that the end result is tanned and beautiful skin, the main ones being:
- Not wearing clothes for 20 minutes after application;
- Not exercising that make you sweat up to 4 hours after application, such as running or cleaning the house, for example;
- Take a shower only at 8am after applying the product;
- Avoid waxing or lighten your hair before applying self-tanner. Waxing should be done two days before so that the skin is not too sensitive;
- Do not apply the product to wet skin or damp.
In addition to these precautions, if small spots appear on the body after applying self-tanner, you should exfoliate your body and only then apply the self-tanner again.
