Attaining a flawless self-tan on mature or dry pores and skin requires the precise prep, utility methods and aftercare. As a result of drier pores and skin varieties can take up self-tanner inconsistently, the important thing to a pure, long-lasting glow is hydration and cautious mixing. We spoke with prime self-tanning specialists to get their greatest suggestions for a streak-free, radiant tan.
Tip 1: Prioritize Hydration for a Clean Software
“On the subject of self-tanning mature pores and skin, hydration is your greatest buddy,” says Courtney Claghorn, founding father of SUGARED + BRONZED. As a result of mature pores and skin tends to be drier and extra textured, she recommends beginning with a hydrating routine a full week earlier than tanning. “Moisturizing recurrently helps restore the pores and skin’s barrier and creates a supple, even floor for the self-tanner to develop superbly.”
Isabel Alysa, celeb tan artist and founding father of Dolce Glow and Sunnee BAEskin, echoes this, emphasizing the significance of hydration each internally and externally. “Staying hydrated internally by consuming water and externally through the use of a light-weight, oil-free moisturizer every day will assist your tan fade superbly as a substitute of getting patchy.”
Tip 2: Exfoliate Gently, however Don’t Overdo It
Exfoliation is vital to an excellent tan, however over-exfoliating and exfoliating on the unsuitable time can strip the pores and skin and trigger irritation. Claghorn suggests utilizing an exfoliating scrub and mitt the evening earlier than tanning to take away lifeless pores and skin cells. “However right here’s the trick,” shares Alysa, “Don’t over-exfoliate or use something too harsh, as that may strip your pores and skin.”
Bethany Menzel, cofounder and inventive director of Saltyface, additionally recommends exfoliating a minimum of 24 hours earlier than utility. “You’ll need to be sure that your pores and skin is hydrated and as easy as doable to maintain the tan from settling into any dry areas.”
Tip 3: Apply a Barrier Lotion to Dry Spots
If you’re able to tan, all of our specialists advocate making use of a skinny layer of lotion to drier areas to keep away from uneven patches. “I at all times advocate making use of a light-weight layer of lotion to elbows, knees, arms and ft earlier than tanning,” says Alysa. “This creates a refined barrier so the self-tanner doesn’t cling an excessive amount of, stopping these areas from getting too darkish or uneven.”
Tip 4: Use the Proper System for Your Pores and skin Kind
Deciding on a self-tanner formulated with hydrating elements could make all of the distinction. “Beginning with the precise product to your pores and skin is crucial first step,” says Menzel. “Utilizing formulation designed particularly for the face and physique which can be made with hydrating elements will make it easier to obtain an excellent, natural-looking tan,” particularly for mature pores and skin varieties.
Choices nice for dry and mature pores and skin: non pore-clogging Saltyface Tanning Water ($44), vitamin E–infused S+B Sunless Tanning Mousse ($40) and Dolce Glow Luce Clear Self-Tanning Mist ($48), full of nourishing oils and hyaluronic acid.
Tip 5: Put money into the Correct Instruments
Save your arms and your tan through the use of self-tanning instruments, the important thing to a easy, streak-free glow. Claghorn suggests utilizing an applicator mitt for a seamless end, and Menzel says utilizing a mixing brush—we love Saltyface’s luxe linup—is a good way to ensure the product is utilized evenly. “A face brush can assist with mixing so the product doesn’t settle into advantageous traces,” she provides.
Tip 5: Keep Your Glow with Correct Aftercare
As soon as your tan has developed, protecting your pores and skin moisturized will assist forestall patchiness because it fades. On the similar time, Claghorn advises avoiding actions that strip moisture from the pores and skin. “It’s greatest to keep away from lengthy soaks in sizzling tubs or prolonged publicity to chlorinated water. With the precise prep and every day hydration, your glow won’t solely last more, it’ll fade evenly.”
Menzel agrees that post-care is commonly forgotten however is essential. “Holding your pores and skin hydrated and sustaining your exfoliation will be sure that your tan fades evenly and your pores and skin is prepped to your subsequent utility.”
The Backside Line
For mature pores and skin, protecting a self-tan from changing into patchy actually comes down to 2 issues, says Claghorn: considerate prep and ongoing hydration. “As a result of mature pores and skin tends to be drier and may present texture extra simply, the way in which a tan fades is commonly instantly tied to how nicely the pores and skin was prepped beforehand.”
Thanks to those professional suggestions, the right natural-looking, non-patchy tan is lastly inside attain.
