“Preparation, preparation, preparation.” This is probably one of the only things that most salons, mobile therapists and beauty experts agree on… preparation is key to a great tan.
The purpose of this process is to rid your skin of all the excess dead skin cells, moisturiser or leftover tan on the surface of your skin that can compromise the quality of the new tan. Whether you’re using do-it-yourself sunless tan or professionally applied spray tan, the preparation process is the same!
- First of all you want to carry out any hair removal at least 24 hours before you apply any tan. This is important because after shaving / waxing the pours on your legs will remain open for some time, and if you were to slather these in tan too soon, the solution will collect in these tiny holes and you will be left with a slightly spotty effect on the skins surface.
- Now the most important step in your preparation routine – EXFOLIATION! Ideally this should be a non-moisturising exfoliant as products that contain moisturiser can leave a barrier on the skin which isn’t easily penetrated by the tan.
- Body / face scrubs usually contain sugar or salt granules that remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. However, these can sometimes prove too harsh and scratchy, especially on sensitive skin.
- Why not try Unreal’s Body Buff exfoliant?! This contains special “micro poly beads” which gently lift dead skin cells without damaging the epidermal surface, which makes it suitable for people with sensitive skin. It is also perfectly PH balanced. This provides the optimum conditions for maximum penetration of tanning solutions.
- For a cheap, home made exfoliant you can mix bicarbonate of soda with a non moisturising shower gel. Bicarbonate of soda is acid neutral, and acts a mild buffer which means that it has the ability to neutralize other substances it comes in contact with that are acidic, providing the perfect PH neutral base ready to tan.
- On the day of your tan you should AVOID wearing make up, perfume, deodorant as these can react with the DHA and turn your skin temporarily green (the Big Green Giant look isn’t too flattering). You should wear loose clothing immediately after applying and tan and AVOID getting wet / sweaty for 8 hours after application.
This all sounds extremely complicated, but in fact it can form part of your weekly skin care routine. Most of us regularly buff and exfoliate our skin anyway so that isn’t really too much hassle, perhaps just make sure you’re using the right type of product!
Featured product – Unreal Body Buff:
Next blog entry… “Applying sunless tan; the beautiful, bronzed and botched!”
