How to Apply Self Tanner on your face – Self Tanning Tips

Your face can get the perfect sun-kissed glow if you master the techniques of applying self tanner. At Jergens skincare, we aim to help everyone achieve a beautiful tan without having to damage their skin from the sun's UV rays. Learning how to apply self tanner on your face and neck can help you put your best face forward. If you follow our advice for using self tanner on your face, you'll get that, gorgeous glow without any sun damage.

What Is Self Tanner?

Self tanner provides a bronzed glow without the sun exposure. From lotions to towelettes, the product comes in various forms. The tan will wear off after several days or can be removed with an exfoliator among other methods.
Many self tanners use an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. DHA is an FDA-approved ingredient for use in self-tanning lotions, creams, and sprays. Self tanners with DHA work by reacting with the amino acids on the top of your skin, creating a darkened shade. Applying a self-tanner with this ingredient on your face is safe to use, but it should not be applied to the area around the eyes, nose, or lips. Inhaling DHA is also not recommended.

Self tanners with DHA work by reacting with the amino acids on the top of your skin, creating a darkened shade.

Pros

• Safety – The biggest pro for using a self tanner on your face compared to laying out and getting a tan from the sun is safety. Sunless tanners allow you to get a golden glow without increasing your risk for sun damage or aging your skin. You also don't have to worry about getting a painful sunburn.
• Speed – Sunless tanners can also give you an instant tan in just a few minutes, saving you precious time in the day. Most sunless tanners allow you to apply and give your skin a bronze tint right away. This effect is perfect for an important event or a day out on the beach.
• Year-Round Glow – When applied regularly, your tan can also last all year long instead of just during the summer months with a self tanner. You don't have to schedule a trip to the Caribbean in the winter to get a gorgeous tan year-round.

Cons

• Testing and Learning – There are lots of different types of self tanners on the market. The results can vary depending on the quality of the product and the application method. Nailing down the techniques of a perfect self-tan can be a learning curve for some, but don't worry -- Jergens skincare offers the perfect tips and tricks for achieving an even and beautiful glow.

Now that you have a better idea of how self tanner works, you can learn more about applying it effortlessly to your face in order to get that natural glow.

How Guide to Apply Self Tanner on Your Face

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Here is a step-by-step guide for applying self tanner on your face to get a flawless look. Follow these steps to feel more confident and beautiful with your newly tanned skin.

1. Cleanse and Exfoliate – Before applying any self tanner to your face, you should cleanse your skin and exfoliate with oil-free products. Exfoliating your skin will help remove any dead skin cells and give you a smooth, fresh face, ready for even application.
2. Choose the Right Shade – After finding the right self-tanning product, test the product on an unnoticeable part of your body to find the right shade. This will help you determine how much product you need to apply to achieve your desired result.
3. Mix with Moisturizer – Then, you should apply an oil-free moisturizer so that the self tanner will set in your skin completely. Add moisturizer to your hairline and eyebrows to keep them from staining. Avoid any products containing oil for at least 24 hours before applying any self tanner. Adding a moisturizer is crucial prior to applying self tanner so that patchiness is mitigated.
4. Apply Self Tanner – Finally, it's time to apply the self tanner. Smooth the self tanner over your face and neck evenly for a perfect tone. Make sure to evenly massage the product onto your skin, reaching all areas from the back of your neck, to ears, to hairline to get the perfect coverage.
5. Let the Color Develop – Wait a few minutes after applying to get dressed so that you can give the tanner time to completely dry. Then, give it a few hours for your tan to develop.Face Tanning Aftercare.
6. Set Your Tan With a Powder – Though not necessary, to ensure your tan does not smudge when it’s still setting if you’ve applied it before bed, applying a powder may be helpful. Using a translucent powder helps to hold the product in place to reduce sliding.

Avoid any products containing oil for at least 24 hours before applying any self tanner. Adding a moisturizer is crucial prior to applying self tanner so patchiness is mitigated.

Face Tanning Aftercare

The last part of using self tanner on your face and neck is aftercare. If you take care of your skin and your tan, your glow could last longer. Here are our tips for ultimate tanning aftercare.

• Keep Your Skin Hydrated – Be sure to reapply your oil-free moisturizer every day in the morning and at night. Keep your skin hydrated so your face continues to show a bright, beautiful glow.
• Stay Away From Oil – Avoid using any cleanser or other skincare product that has oil in it. Skin products with oil could lead to fast fading of your self tanner and give your skin an uneven look.
• Skip the Exfoliating – You'll also need to skip any exfoliating if you want to maintain your tan for as long as possible. Exfoliating will scrub off that top layer of skin where the tan is, so avoid any harsh products that may strip your skin or the tint.
• Protect With Sunscreen – Finally, protect your face and the rest of your skin by applying sunscreen every day, even in the colder months and on cloudy days. Use a product that is an SPF of 30 or higher for best results. Reapply your sunscreen every few hours for maximum protection and coverage.

For a stunning, flawless radiance for your face, follow this guide and our other self-tanning tips from the team at Jergens skincare. Opt for our self-tanner products that include SPF protection for your face for best results.

Common Questions About Face Self-Tanning

Self-tanning your face can be scary, which is why we want to go over some common concerns when applying the product.

Why am I experiencing patchiness after self-tanning?

Self-tanner may look patchy or streaky due to poor exfoliation. Poor exfoliation results in left-over dead skin cells that may cause unevenness in skin texture.

Can I mix my moisturizer with my self-tanner?

You can mix in moisturizer and certain self-tanners like tanning serums together to reduce blotchiness. However, if you’ve already applied moisturizer separately beforehand, there’s no need to additionally mix the products together.

For a stunning, flawless radiance for your face, follow this guide and our other self-tanning tips from the team at Jergens skincare. Opt for our self-tanner products that include SPF protection for your face for best results.