I filmed a little video for IGTV today on my self-tanning tips. You can watch it here.
I am not much of a sun worshipper these days. I find it so dehydrating and aging, I have seen the damage that the sun can do first hand (my mum has had skin cancer) I also find I get unbearably hot in direct sunlight so I end up retreating to the shade.
BUT I do like to look tanned, so I am a regular self-tanner. I tend to do it in the morning, so that I can let it develop during the daytime and wash off any excess before bedtime. I find if I do it before bedtime it can develop unevenly depending on my sleep position and I also hate what it does to our white bedding.
There are a few products that I rate.
The day before tanning I make sure I exfoliate well. I find dry brushing the best way to exfoliate my skin. I use this brush (£4.49) on dry skin and always brush in upward strokes towards the heart. (This is also good for lymphatic drainage.) Then I make sure I lightly moisturise all the dry areas so that the self-tan doesn’t cling. That’s feet, ankles, knees and elbows. ALWAYS apply the mousse with a mitt – this gives you a nice even application and saves your hands. But don’t forget to wash them anyway once you have finished. Let it dry completely before dressing (usually around 5 minutes will do, but you will feel when it’s dry) and don’t expose the skin to water for 4-6 hours.
Happy Tanning!