Seriously. No one should be wanting to look this tan:
Hi, I’m Tan Mom.
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I’m a Mom and I want to be tan, but I don’t want to be “Tan Mom.” Do you know what I’m saying? Being really tan is no longer “trendy.” I actually think it looks strange these days when you see someone who spent one too many sessions in the tanning bed. Not to mention, It’s terrible for you.
I choose not to be a sun worshiper and I refuse to go to the tanning bed. When I was in high school, I worked at a tanning bed for years. I saw the effects on the women that had religiously used tanning beds. I didn’t want that to be me one day. It was hard, but I decided to completely give up my tanning ways and I haven’t looked back. When it comes to tanning, It’s easier to prevent the damage than to reverse the damage. Now, I strictly use self-tanners or spray tans all year-round. Here are my top 10 super-easy tips to get a healthy and safe glow without overdoing it:
1. Exfoliate your body and your face before applying a self-tanner or getting a spray tan. This sloughs off the dead skin and allows the tanner to penetrate into your skin.
2. Shave. Obviously.
3. Apply your self-tanner as soon as you towel off from the shower. You know how they say you need to apply moisturizer within minutes of getting out of the shower. The same thing applies for self-tanner. Your pores are opened up from the steam and your body is still slightly damp which makes the self-tanner easier to slather on and equally distribute.
4. Apply lotion to the areas you don’t want to get too dark. The elbows, heels, backs of your feet and in between your fingers are all areas that are more prone to darkening. The skin is thinner in these areas and tends to be more dry. Also, don’t skip your skincare routine. If you use a serum and an eye cream, be sure to still apply it before you self-tan. You always want your under eyes to still be a shade lighter, just like they naturally are. If you apply your tanner under this area without a moisturizer it may get too dark.
5. Use a tinted self-tanner. You can see the areas where you’ve already applied the tanner.
6. Do not shower for at least 8 hours. A lot of products say you can shower after 6, but I notice my self-tanners don’t deepen as much If I shower before 8 hours.
7. Make sure you apply a body moisturizer daily after self-tanning. This helps to extend the life of your tan.
8. If you’re going for a subtle glow, mix your self tanner with moisturizer! This is a great tip for someone who is afraid of self-tanner, is very fair, or just wants a little color. This tones down the self-tanner and makes your skin about one shade darker, with a very nice glow. Instead of mixing the self-tanner with moisturizer, you can also apply a body moisturizer all over beforehand. This acts as a bit of a barrier and tones it down a bit.
9. Wait at least 10 minutes before dressing. I’ve been guilty of getting dressed too quickly, streaking my tan, and ruining clothes.
10. One of my very favorite tips: Apply lotion with an SPF to your face if you just want a little color. Something about SPF helps to keep your self-tanner from deepening all the way. I love to use this tip in the winter, when you never want to look too tan. It gives my skin a bit more color, but I don’t look overly dark. Love this one!
What if I mess up, get streaky, or my hands get too dark?
My favorite thing to use is a little lemon juice or baking soda on a washcloth and lightly scrub. It removes your streaks and can help tone down areas that might be too pigmented. It’s a miracle worker.
Stay tuned for my favorite self-tanners! Do you have any other tips for a sunless glow?
