Top 7 Common Post-Tanning Mistakes to Avoid for Flawless Skin

Pre-Tanning Prep Mistakes

Here are some common tanning mistakes to avoid when preparing for a tan:

 

Mistake	Why It’s a Problem	How to Avoid It
Not Exfoliating	Skipping exfoliation leads to a patchy tan because dead skin cells create an uneven surface for the tanner to adhere to.	Exfoliate the entire body at least 24 hours before tanning. Use a gentle exfoliant and exfoliating mitt for a smooth base.
Not Removing Hair	Leaving body hair can cause streaks and uneven tan application. However, shaving or waxing immediately before tanning may irritate the skin.	Shave or wax at least 24 hours before tanning to allow the skin to settle. Exfoliate post-shaving or waxing to prevent ingrown hairs.
Not Moisturising	Dry skin absorbs tanning products unevenly, resulting in patchy or streaky results.	Focus on moisturizing dry areas like elbows, knees, and feet. Use a natural-ingredient moisturizer with Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, or Coconut Oil. Avoid oily products that could interfere with the tanning product.
Not Protecting the Skin	Exposing skin to UV rays before tanning increases the risk of skin damage, including premature aging and skin cancer.	Always use a broad-spectrum SPF to protect your skin when outdoors. Follow safe tanning practices for both natural and artificial tanning methods.
Not Choosing the Right Shade	Selecting the wrong shade can result in an unnatural, "fake" tan that doesn't match your skin tone.	Choose a shade that complements your natural skin tone and undertone. If you have fair skin, start with a light or medium shade for a natural glow. Do a patch test to check how the color develops before full application.

 

Not exfoliating - One of the common mistakes people make before tanning is skipping the exfoliating step to prepare the skin for tanning.

Exfoliating the entire body removes dead skin cells and creates a smooth surface for the new tan to adhere to. Exfoliate at least 24 hours before application for an even result. Exfoliate with a gentle exfoliating product and exfoliating mitts for the smoothest base.

Not removing hair - Removing hair before tanning can prevent ingrown hairs and an unevenly tanned result. If you remove body hair, avoid tanning directly after shaving or waxing to allow the skin to settle and reduce any potential irritation.

Not Moisturising - Dry skin that is not moisturised can result in an uneven and patchy tan. Focus on dry areas of the body, such as the elbows, feet, and knees, and use a moisturiser with natural ingredients. Select a moisturiser with natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, and Coconut Oil, which all provide the ultimate hydration.

Not protecting the skin - Not protecting the skin from the sun before self-tanning can increase the risk of skin cancer. Protect your skin from UV Rays with sun protection, such as SPF, to prevent skin damage, such as premature ageing. Follow our safe tanning practises to tan safely.

Not choosing the right shade - Fake tan is suitable for all skin tones; however, not choosing the right self-tanner for your skin tone can lead to unnatural-looking results. Consider your skin's tone and its undertone before you fake tan to achieve the best result that looks natural and is not "too fake." If you have a fair skin tone, opt for a fake tan with more natural results rather than a highly dark result.

Self-Tanning Application Mistakes

Here are some self-tanning mistakes to avoid when applying a fake tan:

Applying too much fake tan - Applying too much fake tan at once will result in too much tan and an uneven application. Apply a small amount of tan to begin with and gradually add a bit more after the first application to gradually build up the colour if needed.

Not using the correct applicator—To achieve the perfect tan, use a tanning mitt or applicator to ensure your fake tan is applied evenly. Not using a tanning mitt will lead to stained hands, which are difficult to fix and remove.

Not blending—Not blending your tan properly causes streaks and patches. Apply the tan in sweeping motions, taking your time. Don't forget to blend well at the edges for a flawless tan.

Lighting - Not applying fake tan in a well-lit area makes it difficult to see uneven application. Apply your tan in the natural light, ideally in the morning or in a well-lit room, to ensure you apply the tan evenly all over the body.

Not following instructions - Not following the instructions provided by the self-tanner can lead to poor results.

Choosing the Wrong Fake Tan Product

To achieve the best tan possible from fake tan, here are some common mistakes you should avoid when choosing a product:

Not considering skin tones—Choosing a fake tan that is too dark for your skin tone results in an unnatural-looking tan. If you are more on the fair side, choose a product with more natural results that gives the skin a glow instead of an intense colour, such as a light or medium shade.

Not considering skin types—Not considering your skin type when choosing a self-tanner is a common tanning mistake, as the incorrect product can lead to dry skin or irritation.

Not researching—Not reading reviews or doing research before choosing self-tanners can result in selecting poor-quality products. If you decide to tan by spray tanning, research the salon where it will be carried out and what products they use.

Not choosing self-tanners with a guide—Not choosing fake tans that come with a guide color makes it difficult to see how the tan will develop and if it will develop evenly.

Not considering ingredients—Consider the ingredients and potential allergens in self-tanners to avoid irritation or dryness of the skin.

Rushing the Self-Tanning Process

When choosing to self-tan, taking your time and not rushing the process is essential to avoid uneven application and streaky results. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Not allowing enough time for the self-tanner to dry results in streaks and patches. Depending on the product, fake tan develops in 4-8 hours, so be patient and allow it to develop.
• One of our top tips is to apply the fake tan before bed (make sure to apply it in a well-lit area). This will allow the tan to develop overnight and reduce any streakiness. Then, shower in the morning to rinse off the tan.
• Not taking the time to blend self-tanner properly causes uneven application.
• Not applying self-tanner in an organised and smooth motion leads to streaks and patches.
• Not using a timer to ensure even application, resulting in over- or under-tanned areas.

Aftercare Mistakes

Once that desired tan has been achieved, we want to prolong the colour for as long as possible. Avoid these aftercare errors to maintain that glow:

Not moisturising - Not moisturising skin after self-tanning results in dry and flaky skin.

Not avoiding harsh chemicals - Not avoiding harsh chemicals and exfoliating products after self-tanning, can cause irritation and premature fading.

Not protecting the skin—Not protecting the skin from the sun after self-tanning increases the risk of skin cancer. Ensure that you use SPF protection every day to keep the skin healthy and protected.

Not using a tan-extender—Not using a tan-extending product to maintain the tan results in premature fading and uneven color. Choose a lotion with moisturising ingredients to keep the skin hydrated.

Not exfoliating gently - Not exfoliating gently after self-tanning can cause irritation and uneven color.

Common Post-Tanning Mistakes

• Not avoiding getting the tan wet for at least 8 hours after application, resulting in fading and uneven color.
• Not using a tan-removing product to correct mistakes, resulting in uneven color and streaks.
• Not considering the type of clothing and activities that can affect the tan, resulting in fading and uneven color. Choose dark, loose, and comfortable clothing when tanning.
• Not taking care of the skin after self-tanning results in dry and flaky skin.
• Not being patient and allowing the tan to develop fully results in uneven color and streaks. Allow the tan to develop for a few hours, based on the recommended time to develop guide, before jumping in the shower.

Fixing and Preventing Mistakes

• Using a tan-removing product can correct mistakes and uneven color.
• Exfoliate gently to remove dead skin cells and even out the tan. Focus on the areas that are prone to be drier, such as the knees, elbows, and knuckles.
• A tan-extending product is applied to maintain the tan and prevent it from fading.
• Using a self-tanner with a guide color ensures even application.
• Following a consistent tanning routine to achieve a flawless and natural-looking tan.
• By following these tips, you will be able to achieve and maintain a perfect tan and natural glow to the skin each time. Happy tanning!