Sunless tanners are used to change the color or appearance of the skin. Their active ingredient---dihydroxyacetone, or DHA--is a type of sugar that interacts with dead skin cells found on the epidermis. This causes the skin to change color. These types of sunless tanners are found in aerosol, gel or lotion form. All are used as an alternative to harsh UV rays caused by direct sunlight.
Step 1
Exfoliate your skin thoroughly before starting. Use an exfoliating soap along with a loofah sponge in the shower or bath. Dry completely. Apply a light moisturizer to dry areas only. Put on your bikini or bathing suit if desired.
Step 2
Choose a comfortable location for application. A wooden chair may assist you with foot and leg application. Stay away from furniture, towels and clothing to prevent staining.
Step 3
Shake bottle gently. Start at the bottom of your body and work your way up. If using an aerosol, hold the can about six inches from the body to avoid drips. For creams and lotions, apply thoroughly. Use long up and down motions rather than circular motion techniques. Avoid areas in between toes and fingers.
Step 4
Apply the lotion or aerosol sparingly on dried locations such as knee caps, elbows, heels and the tops of toes and knuckles. These areas will absorb the DHA quicker than other areas, leaving them much darker than surrounding skin.
Step 5
Work your way from your feet to your chest to your arms and face. Avoid the palms of your hands and the bottom of your feet. Wash the palms of your hands thoroughly after applying. Expect to reapply in six to eight hours to fill in streaks and blotchy areas. End results can appear in as little as two hours up to 12 hours depending on the product strength.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid putting on additional clothing until the product is dry, this could take up to one hour. Some sunless tanners stain clothing so avoid light colored clothing, towels and furniture. Take consideration when applying to the neck area, as this area can become blotchy when you move or bend your neck. Avoid showering for up to 12 hours after application. This will assure the product has time to work. Maintain the color of your tan by reapplying a coat of sunless tanner every seven to 10 days.
- Sunless tanners can cause orange hues on the skin. Avoid this by choosing a sunless tanner appropriate for your skin type. If you have very light skin, choose a tanner that has a light brown tone. If you have a base tan, a darker color may be appropriate.
Things You'll Need
- Loofah or exfoliating brush
- Exfoliating soap
- Moisturizer-light and oil free
- Soap and washcloth
- Bikini or bathing suit
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