We all love a sunny, tanned complexion, which makes the skin shine more and the teeth look whiter. By sunbathing, the body produces vitamin D, which is good for bones, teeth and skin. It raises the level of serotonin, the so-called hormone of happiness, which reduces stress in the body. However, exposure to sunlight also leads to premature aging of the skin. If it is not adequately protected against harmful UV radiation, various skin diseases can occur. Creams for skin self-tanning are an excellent substitution for sunbathing or going to the solarium. They allow you to quickly achieve a tan, without exposure to UV rays.
When you learn to use them correctly, we are sure that they will become your “secret” trick for a bronze complexion. See below for the most important guidelines and tips for quickly achieving a uniform dark complexion.
What You Need to Remember
When it comes to cosmetics for self-tanning, the essence is in the correct selection of the product. You need to choose the one that suits your skin type and complexion. If you have very light skin, choose products that will allow you to gradually achieve a tanned effect. On the other hand, if you have an olive complexion, you can choose creams that are intended for a darker complexion, and in this way, your skin quickly gets the desired “black” shade.
In addition to choosing and applying a self-tanning cream, what we eat is also important for a radiant complexion. It is necessary to enter into the body as many antioxidants, beta-carotene and vitamins. They are present in tomatoes, carrots, watermelon and other fruits and vegetables of red and orange colour. Our skin will thus be more hydrated and radiant. Therefore, it will be able to absorb creams and other products better.
Tips for Applying Self-Tanning Cream
Regular and proper skin care should be a mandatory part of the daily routine. Two or three days before applying the self-tanning cream, it is necessary to do a facial and body scrub. This step should be a mandatory part of the preparation, as it removes accumulated dead skin cells from the surface. After exfoliation, the skin will be softer and more willing to absorb the self-tanning cream evenly. In this way, you will avoid the appearance of dark spots and uneven color.
In order for the skin to be as radiant as possible, and the dark colour to be more intensified, it is important to regularly hydrate before and after the treatment. An additional tip is to choose self-tanning creams that contain moisturizing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and shea butter.
The best time to apply a self-tanning cream is during evening classes. It takes several hours for the product to take effect and create the effect of “sun-drenched” skin. This period usually lasts between four and eight hours, which depends on the specific product. During this period, strenuous physical activity is not recommended, which encourages excessive sweating, that could lead to the appearance of uneven complexion. Apply the cream a few hours before bedtime, so that the colour is thoroughly absorbed, but also so as not to leave stains on the wardrobe.
How to Apply Self-Tanning Creams
During the application process, it is best to use a soft glove created specifically for this purpose. This will most evenly apply the cream to the surface of the skin and at the same time protect the palms from too much paint for self-tanning. Also, if you use a glove to apply self-tanning products, the cream will not be able to penetrate between the fingers and make stains on this part of the hand. Always apply the cream in a circular motion, making sure that each part of the body is evenly smeared. Apply a small amount of cream to your elbows, knees and feet. To make the color on these parts of the body as uniform as possible, when applying, bend your arms and legs in the elbows and knees. When you take off your gloves, don’t forget to apply the upper parts of your hands.
With daily smearing of self-tanning products, the colour will gradually intensify to a certain maximum. The achieved complexion and effect will be best maintained by continuing to use cosmetics for the self-tanning of the skin after reaching the darkest shade. After stopping the use of the self-tanning cream, the tan colour is gradually washed off within three to four days. With body scrub or using foam to remove colour for skin self-tanning, this procedure can be accelerated.
To prevent the colour from being washed off the skin quickly, take a shower with lukewarm (not hot) water. Then dry the skin by tapping a towel (not by rubbing roughly). Be sure to apply moisturizing lotion or body milk after showering.
Face
When it comes to applying a cream for self-tanning of the skin of the face, the rules are more or less the same. When choosing a product, pay attention to the declaration, that is, read whether the cream you intend to use is intended for application to the face.
When applying the cream, do not forget about the ears, but take good care of the part with the hair, eyebrows, and the area around the nose and eyes. Tap excess cream with cotton wool or pad and make sure not to colour your eyebrows. The plus advice is that after applying the cream to your face, brush your eyebrows with a clean and dry brush to remove excess cream from them.
How to Avoid the Most Common Mistakes
- At least 24 hours before applying the cream or self-tanning spray, do not wax or shave, as you may damage the surface layer of the skin. These products should not be applied to damaged and irritated skin.
- Do not forget to regularly, daily moisturize the skin (before the treatment). Dry skin absorbs much more cream, which makes these parts of the body look darker. Uneven application of the product as a result leads to the formation of stains and uneven color on the skin.
- Buy gloves or a sponge to apply the cream. In addition to not colouring your palms, you will apply the cream more evenly, which will result in a more beautiful and radiant, bronze complexion.
- Use the right amount of product, not too little, not too much. The longer you use the self-tanning cream, the better you’ll know how to estimate the perfect amount for you.
- If you have forgotten to apply the cream to some parts of the body or have used too much product, do not fix the errors immediately. Wait until the skin absorbs the product completely, so do a scrub of that part of the body or use a colour remover. Then, apply the self-tanning cream again.
Our Recommendation
Achieve the perfect complexion with the ST MORIZ Advanced Medium Self-Tanning Spray which is easy to apply and gives the skin a completely natural and tanned look. Thanks to the special formula and 360° spray, it is easy to apply to hard-to-reach parts of the body. After spraying, a slightly moist mark remains on the skin long enough, which allows you to rub the product evenly. It dries quickly and does not leave a sticky layer and stains on clothes. The colour (bronze complexion) develops for up to 1 to 8 hours after application, and the effect of the tan lasts for several days. This is the easiest and fastest way to achieve a sunny look without exposure to UV rays. The product is dermatologically tested and suitable for all skin types. It is especially recommended for achieving a medium-dark complexion.
Have you tried self-tanning skin creams? Write us your impressions in the comments.