When it comes to skincare, we’re ready to try everything under the sun . . . except tanning. If you’ve been with us here at The Skinny Confidential for a while, you’ll know our founder Lauryn Bosstick literally wrote the book on sun protection for beauty. (You can grab your copy HERE.)
That said, no one likes to be pasty and pale. Luckily, though, your options aren’t Edward Cullen or skin cancer. Instead, faux tans are the perfect way to get that bronzy glow without the sun damage.
Of course, you could go get a spray tan, but self-tanners have actually come a long way. They’re inexpensive, convenient, and effective.
The catch? A flawless, long-lasting tan doesn’t come from the product alone—it comes from the prep. A few intentional skincare steps before applying your trainer can make all the difference between “Did you just get back from Cabo?” and “Why are your elbows orange?”
So today, we’re sharing exactly how to prep your skin for self-tanner so you get that even, natural, streak-free finish every time. Here’s what to do:
How to Prep Skin for Self-Tanner for an Even, Flawless Glow
In this post, we’re breaking down what self-tanner is and how to make it last as long as possible. And, don’t worry—it’s not that it’s a complicated product. There is, however, a right and wrong way to use it, especially if you want that flawless, golden glow.
What Is a Self-Tanner?
Self-tanner is a topical product that temporarily darkens the skin to achieve a bronzed complexion. And, yes, it’s completely safe to use.
It uses an ingredient called DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which actually comes from sugar. When it reacts with the amino acids on the surface of your skin, it creates a natural browning effect.
It’s kind of like when you slice an apple and leave it out. The sugars react with oxygen, and the inside turns a warm, golden color. Self-tanner uses the same process but has a much prettier outcome.
How Long Does Self-Tanner Last?
As your old, dead skin cells naturally shed, your temporary tan fades too. Since self-tanner only colors the very top layer of skin, it’s normal for the glow to disappear within a week or so.
Most self-tanners last 5–7 days, but you can stretch it a little longer with good prep and proper aftercare.
How to Prep Before Self-Tanner
The Night Before:
-
Dry Brush: For the best results with self-tanner, you need to have the smoothest canvas possible. To do that, exfoliate the day before with your TSC Butter Brush. It’s one of the best tools out there for skin health beyond your face! If you need a quick how-to, here’s our guide on how to use a dry brush for the softest skin ever.
-
Avoid Oils and Heavy Creams: You’ve probably heard you need to lather up in lotion before tanning. That said, you don’t want to create a barrier between the self-tanner and your skin. That’s a one-way ticket to a patchy tan. Skip anything heavy or oil-based.
-
Take a Lukewarm Shower and Shave: A lukewarm shower will get your skin clean without over-drying it. (You don’t want dry skin when applying self-tanner.) During the shower, shave your body hair. It’ll help you create a smoother surface and prevent spotty application.
The Day Of:
-
Don’t Put On Deodorant, Perfume, or Makeup: Again, we don’t want ANY barriers between your self-tanner and skin. We recommend that you really avoid putting anything on your skin at all.
-
Take Another Quick Shower: Do another quick rinse in the shower to ensure your skin is super clean. If you’re wearing makeup or any other products, here’s where you can remove them.
-
Apply an Oil-Free Moisturizer to Dry Areas: We don’t recommend applying moisturizer all over before a tan. That said, dry patches on the elbows, ankles, or other areas could absorb more self-tanner and end up appearing darker than the rest of your skin. So, a few hours prior to your tan, spot hydrate dry spots with an oil-free moisturizer. This will help the tanner develop evenly.
Right Before You Tan:
-
Put Your Hair Up and Take Off Your Jewelry: Throw your hair up with a claw clip or hair tie. Also, take off all your jewelry (even your earrings) to prevent light patches.
-
Lay Down a Towel: The process of applying your self-tanner can be messy. So, lay down an old towel before you start. You should consider putting a tanning sheet on your bed afterwards, too.
-
Have Your Supplies Ready: Get everything together that you’ll need for the tanning session. Ensure you have a high-quality self-tanner, a tanning mitt, a tanning brush, and a back applicator. (Trust us, you don’t want to be sprinting around mid-application. Nothing ruins an even finish faster than pausing to hunt for supplies!)
-
Be Ready For Clean-Ups: Keep a damp washcloth, micellar water, or baby wipes nearby. These are perfect for fixing streaks, softening harsh lines, and cleaning your palms or wrists before the color starts to develop.
-
Learn How to Apply: Before you dive in, read these tanning tips from Lux Unfiltered’s founder Sivan Ayla. They’ll help you get the best results from your at-home glow.
-
Get the Right Aftercare Products: To maintain your tan, you’ll need a few additional allies. Get a self-tan conditioning cream, tan extender, and tinted SPF like our TSC Caffeinated Sunscreen.
Your self-tan actually starts with your prep routine.
Your self-tan doesn’t start with the mousse—it starts with the groundwork. When you focus on the details, the final result looks smoother, richer, and completely natural. Skin prep is the quiet step that makes every faux glow look more expensive.
Want more of the best beauty hacks and skincare products? Browse The Skinny Confidential Shop and discover all the tools that take your routine to the next level.
