According to the Mayo Clinic dihydroxyacetone or DHA, the main ingredient in sunless tanning products, does not produce a true tan. DHA creates a tanned appearance by reacting with the uppermost layer of dead skin cells. Sunless tanning booths and airbrush tanning offer the most consistent results. The cheapest sunless tan involves purchasing a lotion, spray or wipes and applying it at home.
Exfoliate
The Easy Weddings website says in order to ensure even application every time, exfoliate the day before applying a sunless tanning product. Use a soft cotton washcloth or exfoliating gloves. Exfoliation will also prevent product buildup that causes uneven blotches of color. To make things a little easier, pick up a mild exfoliating product from the drugstore. You will typically find them located near sunless tanning products. Shaving or waxing your legs is a great way to exfoliate, but remember to do it one day before your sunless tanning treatment.
Test for Color
You followed the product directions to the letter, however several hours later, your skin has turned an unsightly orange rather than the rich bronze as advertised on the label. Elle Magazine explains that not all self-tanners contain the same levels of DHA. Some sunless tanners might have too much DHA for your skin type. Skin tone and skin pH levels dictate the final color results. Some skin types have the ability to tolerate higher amounts of DHA. To avoid any surprises, test sunless tanning products on an inconspicuous area before applying all over your body.
Wash Your Hands
Sunless.com advises washing your hands at five-minute intervals while applying a sunless tanning product. This will eliminate tanned palms, fingernails and cuticles. Use a nailbrush and soap to thoroughly clean your hands. To avoid splashing water on your newly applied tan, clean up with baby wipes or pre-moistened hand towelettes. Skip the clean up hassle by purchasing a box of snug fitting medical gloves---wear them during the application and simply toss them in the trash when you are done. Apply sunless tanner to the backs of your hand with a cosmetic sponge as the final step of the process.
Don't Rush to Dress
Wait the recommended number of minutes before getting dressed after applying your sunless tanning product. This will give the lotion or spray an opportunity to dry sufficiently. Products with added bronzers might stain your clothing if you rush to get dressed before they thoroughly absorb into your skin.
Apply Lightly
The Mayo Clinic recommends applying an even layer of sunless tanning product with a light touch. Apply sparingly on the thick skin of the elbows, ankles and knees to prevent darker patches of color.
Say No to Water
A final word from Sunless.com: stay away from water for the first six hours after application of a sunless tanning product. Swimming, sweating or bathing could jeopardize the outcome of your sunless tan by causing streaks or uneven areas of color.
