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How to Choose and Apply the BEST Self-Tanner

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There’s nothing like that sun-kissed glow of tan skin, especially in the summer. However, spending too much time in the sun or using tanning beds can be bad for your skin, and getting spray tans can be inconvenient and expensive. 

Self-tanning is a great way to get a gorgeous tan without having to leave your home and without the health risks of tanning beds or sun tanning. With a variety of options available,how do you choose and apply the best self-tanner?

 How to choose the best self-tanner

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the self-tanner that’s right for you. Which will be the easiest to apply? Which is best for your skin tone? Consider the below factors when choosing a self-tanner.

Type

Self-tanners are available in a variety of forms.

• Lotion: Sunless tanning lotions, creams and moisturizers are often the best self-tanners for beginners since they’re relatively easy to apply. They offer the benefit of a tan plus help your skin stay hydrated.
• Mousse:Mousse isn’t as heavy as lotion and typically dries more quickly. It’s an especially great tanning option for people with oily skin, and it’s usually easy to apply, as well.
• Gel:Self-tanning gel is another option for getting a sun-kissed glow and dries fairly quickly.
• Towelettes:Self-tanning towelettes are a convenient, portable option for self-tanning.
• Do-it-yourself spray:Self-tanning spray is helpful for hard-to-reach places like your back. Self-tanner face mists are also available.
• Self-tanning drops:This is a concentrated form of self-tanner that you add to lotion or body oil before applying to your skin.
• Face self-tanner: The best self-tanner for your face is one that is designed specifically for that purpose. This can help you achieve a natural-looking tan without irritating sensitive skin.

Ingredients

Self-tanner formulas contain a variety of ingredients, sometimes including synthetic dyes. Be sure to pay attention to what’s in your self-tanner, since it will be absorbed into your skin. When choosing a self-tanner, look for natural ingredients. For example, CLEANTAN is made with a 100% plant-based, non-toxic formula with the added benefit of a dose of antioxidants. It’s also free of dyes, perfumes, parabens, and penetration enhancers.

Scent

Self-tanner is notorious for its harsh odor. When shopping for a self-tanner, pay attention to what the product is claimed to smell like, and what companies put into their products to affect the strength of the “self-tanner smell.” Keep in mind that synthetic fragrances may cause skin irritation. 

CLEANTAN uses an advanced formulation that neutralizes all offensive tanning odors. Our concentrate contains no synthetic fragrance and instead features a natural, herbal scent. Our TEATAN™ Complex smells like chai tea and dissipates quickly after application.

Color

How dark would you like your tan to be? What shade is your current complexion? The answers to these questions will help determine which self-tanner is right for you. Most self-tanners are labeled with the level of tan they’ll provide, such as light, medium, or dark. The best self-tanner for fair skin is usually a self-tanner that provides a light level of tan for more natural-looking results. A self-tanner that offers gradual tanning is a great option. If you have a darker complexion, it’s best to start with a self-tanner that provides a darker tan, otherwise, the results may not be very noticeable. 

CLEANTAN provides a customizable tan. For a lighter tan, simply start with a small concentrate-to-lotion ratio. For a darker tan, use a larger amount of concentrate. CLEANTAN’s formula also gives you a natural-looking tan rather than the dreaded orange hue that many fake tanners leave behind.

 How to apply self-tanner

Once you have picked out the best self-tanner for your needs, proper application is key to getting the quality tan you’re dreaming of. Here’s how to get the best results with self-tanner.

Exfoliate and dry off

First things first: Take a shower to clean your skin, and exfoliate your skin to slough off dry, dead skin cells. This will reveal a smooth surface for your self-tanner to be absorbed into. Body scrubs, loofahs, and exfoliating cloths are great options to give you soft, smooth skin. Be sure to dry off before applying the self-tanner of your choice.

Apply your self-tanner

Different types of self-tanners will require different application methods. For lotions, moisturizers, creams, mousse, and gel, you’ll rub the product in until it has been absorbed. Starting at your feet and working your way up, apply the self-tanner evenly, and use circular motions with your hands.

Towelettes are used by wiping the towelette over your body.

Self-tanner sprays and mists are used by spraying the product onto your skin. After you do this, there is no need to rub in the self-tanner – simply let it work its magic!

Self-tanner drops are used by adding a few drops of the product to your favorite lotion or serum. Then, evenly apply the mixture to your body, starting at your feet and working your way up using circular motions with your hands.

When applying self-tanner, be careful with how much you use on areas that are typically drier than other parts of your body, such as elbows, knees, and knuckles. These areas can absorb more of the product, leaving them darker than the rest of your skin. 

When you’re finished applying the self-tanner, be sure to wash your hands – especially your palms. One way to avoid getting an excessive amount of product on your hands is to apply the self-tanner using a mitt.

Develop

Once you have applied your self-tanner, give the color time to develop. Your tan will become darker and more noticeable after a few hours. Don’t take a shower or get sweaty for at least 6-8 hours following application.

Reapply

How often should you apply self-tanner? Different products will have different suggestions, but generally speaking, self-tanner can be reapplied every few days to help you maintain your tan or even darken the color.

We love the look of sun-kissed skin, and especially love how easy it is to get that look at home. If you’ve decided that self-tanner drops are the best self-tanner for you, try CLEANTAN for a vegan, natural-looking tan you’ll want to show off.