These Tips Will Make Your Self-Tanner Last 10x Longer

Although you may love that sun-kissed look from lying in the sun for a few hours, you likely know it’s not the best for the health of your skin. In fact, 80% of skin aging has been attributed to sun exposure. Of course, you can (and should) wear SPF, but that doesn’t always guarantee endless protection. For that reason, self-tanner is a great alternative if you’re looking to achieve that bronzy glow, sans sunbathing. 

As someone who uses self-tanner weekly, I know a decent amount about the user experience. I’ve tried countless brands, product types, and application methods. Through it all, I’ve accumulated a few tips and tricks, some of which can help extend the life of your self-tanner no matter which product you’re using, so let’s get into it. 

This one may be a given for experienced self-tanners, but it’s a must-know if you’re new to the game. In order for your tan to last, you’ll want to avoid shaving as much as you can once your tan has set. So it’s key to shave before you tan (if you want to!), and make it a good one.  

In order to achieve a close shave that will last, you’ll want to exfoliate the skin beforehand. I recommend going in with a body scrub (you can easily make one at home). Of course, be sure to use a high-quality razor and shaving cream or another hydrating product to protect the skin while you shave. 

Using any sort of exfoliating lotion after you’ve applied self-tanner will cause the product to fade, resulting in uneven patches. So make sure to double-check your body lotion and avoid any ingredients that will exfoliate the skin. A few common ones to look out for are salicylic acid, glycolic acid, urea, AHAs or BHAs in general, and retinol. 

You can certainly use these lotions a day or two before applying self-tanner; just stay away from them after-the-fact, until you’re ready to either re-do or say goodbye to your tan. 

This one is most important for those who plan on applying tanner during the day. While I personally recommend self-tanning before bed, I recognize that doesn’t work for everyone’s schedules. But if you are going to apply tanner in the morning, I highly suggest skipping your workout that day or at least sticking to an activity that won’t make you sweat. Any sort of water touching your tan—sweat included—will cause distinct streaks. 

Beyond that, you don’t want to wear skin-tight clothing or anything that will rub too much against the skin while your tan is setting, as this can also lead to an uneven finish. Instead, wear your workout gear before your pre-tan shower, and stick to loose-fitting clothes afterward. 

This one goes along the same lines as using an exfoliating body lotion—it’s great to dry brush before you tan, but it will ruin your bronzy glow right away if you do it after-the-fact. Dry brushing is a form of physical exfoliation, and it’s a great way to keep the skin soft and encourage healthy circulation in the body. However, it’s best to stash your dry brush while you have self-tanner on to keep it fresh, even, and long-lasting. 

If you reach a point where your self-tan has faded out and you’re ready for it to be gone, then go ahead with exfoliators, dry brush included. They will help fade the tan faster; just remember not to scrub too hard, as that can damage your skin barrier and do more harm than good.