5 Tips To Make Your Self-Tanner Last Longer, From An Editor Who Does It Weekly

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: 

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. 

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 redo or say goodbye to your tan. 

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 is absolutely key. If you want your tan to last, you have to keep your skin hydrated. While applying body lotion daily is a best practice (tanned or not) to keep your moisture barrier happy and healthy, it significantly affects the look and duration of your tan. Think about it: Self-tanner sits toward the top layers of the skin, so as soon as your skin begins to crack or flake, your tan will, too. 

For this reason, I suggest applying body lotion at least once a day, all over your body. Make sure to pay extra attention to areas with cracks or folds, like the hands, feet, elbows, and knees. If you tend to be on the drier side as is, feel free to kick up your full-body moisturizing routine to twice per day. It may sound excessive, but you'll be glad you did it when your tan lasts longer, crack-free. 

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. 

If you're venturing into the world of self-tanner as a sunbathing alternative, it's important to learn what works for you in terms of products and techniques. Regardless of what you use or how you use it, though, there are a few best practices that will help your tan look better for longer. Remember to shave before you tan, wait seven to eight hours before you sweat, avoid any exfoliants while your tan lasts, and moisturize your entire body at least once daily. Experimenting with self-tanner is all about trial and error, so don't beat yourself up too much if your glow has faded earlier than you would have liked. On that note, we do have some common mistakes to avoid to make that process just a bit easier.