Tanning for Beginners: Achieve a Flawless Glow

Category Tips Pre-Tanning Preparation

• Exfoliate 24 hours before tanning to remove dead skin cells for a smooth base.
• Focus on dry areas such as ankles, knees, and elbows.
• Remove unwanted body hair 24 hours before tanning to prevent uneven spots.

Tanning Bed Essentials

• Start with short sessions (3-6 minutes) and gradually increase time.
• Wait 48 hours between sessions to avoid overexposure.
• Use protective eyewear and apply a tanning lotion such as Supre Tan Go To Black.

Self-Tan Application

• Use a velvet tanning mitt for even application.
• Blend in circular motions to avoid streaks.
• Wear loose, dark clothing and allow the tan to air dry.
• Rinse in cool water to avoid stripping the tan.

Maintaining Your Tan

• Moisturise daily to keep skin hydrated and prevent peeling.
• Use a tan-extending product like Australian Gold HN Cocoa Dreams Tan Extender.
• Exfoliate every few days to maintain an even tone and prevent buildup.
• Incorporate gradual tanners to top up your glow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid tanning with makeup or perfume on to prevent irritation and uneven results.
• Don’t overexpose your skin to UV rays; start slow and increase gradually.
• Avoid applying self-tanner to very dry areas to prevent streaking.

Post-Tanning Care

• Hydrate your skin with a moisturizer immediately after tanning.
• Drink plenty of water to maintain hydration and prolong your tan.
• Use gentle cleansers to avoid stripping the tan.

Removing Self-Tan

• Use a tan remover mousse with a tan-removing mitt for effective removal.
• Exfoliate after removal to prevent dryness and maintain smooth skin.
• Try natural remedies like sugar or lemon juice for gentle removal.

Sun Safety Tips

• Always wear protective eyewear when using sunbeds to prevent eye damage.
• Use SPF products to protect sensitive areas if tanning outdoors or on sunbeds.
• Avoid overexposure to UV rays to reduce the risk of skin damage.

Pre-Tanning Preparation

Exfoliate and Remove Hair

Exfoliate 24 hours before tanning to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth, perfect base. Use a specifically designed exfoliator to buff away dry skin and even skin tone. Pay extra attention to dry areas such as the ankles, knees, and elbows.

Remove unwanted body hair 24 hours before tanning to prevent and eliminate dark spots and an uneven finish.

Choosing the Right Tanning Method

Tanning Bed vs. Self-Tan

Consider your skin type, tone, and desired finish when choosing between a tanning bed and self-tan.

Tanning beds - Tanning beds, also known as sunbeds, are suitable for those who want a quick and intense tan.

Self Tan - Self-tanners are ideal for a more natural and customizable finish.

Tanning Bed Essentials

How to Use a Tanning Bed

Self Tan Application

Dos and Don'ts for a Streak-Free Application

• Use a tanning mitt, ideally velvet, to apply self-tanner evenly without streaks.
• Apply a small amount of tan all over until the body is covered.
• Exfoliate your skin 24 hours before applying fake tan to prevent streaks. Use an exfoliating mitt or gloves to remove dead skin cells for a smooth base.
• Blend, blend, blend! Make sure to blend your tan well in circular motions to attain a streak-free glow.
• Rinse your tan in the shower until the water runs clear, and pat dry with a towel.
• Allow the tan to air dry before putting clothes on, and wear loose, dark clothing to avoid streakiness and staining.
• Wash off your tan in cool water in the shower or bath.
• Avoid applying a self-tanner in areas with dry skin, as this can cause streaks.

Maximising Your Tanning Session

Tips for a Successful Tanning Session

Remove all makeup and cosmetics before using a tanning bed to ensure a smooth and even tan and prevent any skin irritation. Wearing makeup during tanning can clog the pores and create a barrier that prevents UV Rays from reaching the skin deeper.

Don't apply perfume directly to the skin before tanning to prevent irritation and the tan from changing colour.

Use a Tanning Lotion suitable for your skin type and tanning level. If you have sensitive skin, use a hypoallergenic lotion.

Consider using a Tan Accelerator or Bronzer, suitable for all skin types, to enhance your tan on a sunbed or outdoor tanning.

Maintaining Your Tan

How to Make Your Tan Last Longer

To prolong your tan and help it last longer, moisturise regularly, especially after sunbathing or using sunbeds, to keep the skin hydrated and nourished.

Exfoliate every few days to prevent dry skin and a buildup of dead cells and keep the skin soft and subtle.

Use a tan-extending product to keep your skin moisturised and prolong your tan. Here at MEGATAN, we recommend the Australian Gold HN Cocoa Dreams Tan Extender.

Incorporate and apply an everyday gradual tanner to keep your tan and glow topped up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tanning Myths and Misconceptions

Fake tan is only for pale skin - Don't believe the myth that fake tan is only for fair skin - it can be used on all skin tones to achieve a natural-looking tan.

Fake tan is difficult to apply - Don't think it is difficult to apply - with the proper techniques and products, it's easy to achieve a seamless finish.

Post-Tanning Care

Hydrating and Nourishing Your Skin

Apply a moisturiser after your tanning session to keep your skin hydrated and nourished.

Drinking plenty of water and moisturising will keep the skin well hydrated.

Keeping hydrated will prevent the tan from fading quickly and prolong the glow.

Use a gentle cleanser to clean your skin after tanning, avoiding harsh products that can strip the skin of its natural oils.

Removing Your Tan

How to Remove Self-Tan

• Use a tan remover mousse and a tan-removing mitt to remove all traces of self-tan effectively.
• Use natural D.I.Y remedies to remove the tan using natural ingredients such as sugar or lemon juice.
• Exfoliate your skin after removing self-tan to prevent dryness and maintain a smooth finish.

Sun Safety and Skin Type Considerations

Protecting Your Skin from the Sun

• Always use protective eyewear when using a sunbed to prevent eye damage from UV light.
• Consider your skin type and take necessary precautions to avoid burning or damage from the sun.
• Some tanners prefer to tan naked as they don't want any tan lines. If that is your preference, take extra care of any sensitive areas on the body and protect them with a product that contains an SPF formula.

Final Tips and Reminders

If you choose to tan outdoors or prefer tanning on sunbeds, remember your skin's health and safety. Following our tips, you can still attain sun-kissed skin quickly and safely.

• Start with short tanning sessions and gradually increase the time to avoid overexposure.
• Remember to remove all makeup and cosmetic products before using a tanning bed.
• Use a tanning mitt to apply self-tanner for a non streaky application and a flawless finish.
• Exfoliate regularly to maintain a smooth and even finish.