Underarm Tanning: Keep Things Looking Natural

Hello gorgeous! Jessie-Lee here, your resident tanning guru at MEGATAN, ready to tackle a tanning topic that often gets overlooked: underarm tanning. We've all been there, haven't we? You've got that stunning all-over glow, you lift your arm, and – gasp! – a pale patch stares back. It's like finding a rogue sock in a freshly laundered load. Annoying, right? But fear not, my tanning enthusiasts! Achieving a seamless, natural underarm tan is totally achievable with a few clever tricks and the right products. Let's dive in!

Why Do Underarms Stay Pale?

It's a common conundrum! Our underarms, or armpits, are a tricky area for a few reasons when it comes to tanning, whether you're a sunbed devotee or a self-tan aficionado.

• Limited Sun Exposure: When you're sunbathing, your arms are usually down, shielding your underarms from those lovely UV rays.
• Skin Folds and Creases: The natural folds in this area can make even application of self-tan a bit of a challenge, leading to missed spots.
• Hair Removal: Shaving, waxing, or epilating can sometimes exfoliate the skin a little too much, potentially making self-tan fade faster or appear uneven.
• Deodorant Use: Residue from deodorants can create a barrier, preventing your tanning product from absorbing properly. It's a key culprit for uneven underarm tan!

But don't despair! With a little extra care and attention, you can banish those pale patches for good.

Pre-Tan Prep: The Golden Rule for a Flawless Finish

Preparation is absolutely paramount, especially for delicate areas like your underarms. Think of it as laying the perfect canvas for your masterpiece.

• Exfoliate Thoroughly: About 24 hours before your tanning session (whether sunbed or self-tan), gently exfoliate your underarms. This removes dead skin cells, ensuring a smooth, even application and a longer-lasting tan. Be gentle though, the skin here can be sensitive!
• Hair Removal: If you're removing hair, do it at least 24 hours beforehand. This gives your skin time to recover and prevents the tanning product from settling into open pores, which can lead to a 'dotty' appearance.
• Ditch the Deodorant: This is a big one! Avoid using deodorant for at least 12-24 hours before applying self-tan or visiting the sunbed. Deodorant creates a barrier and can react with tanning ingredients, leading to green patches (yikes!) or uneven colour. Clean skin is happy skin!
• Moisturise Sparingly: Before self-tanning, apply a very light, oil-free moisturiser to your underarms. This helps to create a smooth surface and prevents the tan from clinging to dry patches, but remember, less is more in this specific area to avoid dilution of the tan.

Sunbed Tanning: Getting That Even Glow

For our sunbed lovers, achieving an even underarm tan requires a little strategic manoeuvring.

• Arm Positioning: During your sunbed session, make sure to adjust your arm position a few times. Lift your arms above your head for a few minutes, then rest them out to the sides, and even cross them over your chest. This exposes all angles of your underarms to the UV light.
• Accelerator Application: Always use a high-quality tanning accelerator. Apply it evenly to your underarms just before your session. This helps to stimulate melanin production and deepen your tan. Remember to wipe off any excess to prevent product build-up in creases.
• Consistency is Key: Regular, short sessions with varied arm positions will build up a natural, even tan over time.

Safety First! Always use a sunbed responsibly. Follow recommended exposure times, wear eye protection, and ensure your skin is suitable for UV tanning. If you're unsure, chat with one of our MEGATAN experts in-store!

Self-Tanning: The Art of the Armpit Self Tan

Self-tanning your underarms can be a bit fiddly, but with the right technique, you'll achieve a seamless finish. The goal is a subtle enhancement, not a dramatic change, to blend with the rest of your body.

• Choose Your Weapon Wisely: For underarms, a gradual tanning lotion, a tanning mousse, or even a tanning water can work beautifully. Avoid super dark, instant tans initially, as they can be harder to blend seamlessly.
• Less is More: Apply a very small amount of product to a tanning mitt. You really don't need much for this area. Over-applying can lead to streaks or a patchy look.
• Lift and Stretch: When applying, lift your arm high and stretch your skin taut. This helps to smooth out any creases and ensures even coverage. Gently buff the product in circular motions.
• Feather the Edges: Blend the product lightly into the surrounding skin on your arm and chest to avoid any harsh lines. The key is to make it look like a natural extension of your arm tan.
• Wipe Off Excess: After application, lightly wipe the insides of any deep creases with a damp cloth or cotton pad. This prevents product build-up which can look unnatural.
• Allow to Dry Fully: Let your underarms dry completely before lowering your arms or getting dressed. This prevents smudging and ensures the tan develops evenly.

Maintaining Your Underarm Tan

Once you've achieved that perfect underarm glow, you'll want to keep it looking fabulous!

• Moisturise Daily: Keeping the skin hydrated will help your tan last longer and fade more evenly. Use a light, non-greasy moisturiser.
• Reapply Gradually: For self-tan, you might need to lightly reapply a small amount every few days to maintain the colour, especially if you're showering frequently or using deodorant.
• Choose Your Deodorant Wisely: Alcohol-free and aluminium-free deodorants are generally kinder to your tan. Some traditional antiperspirants can strip the tan or cause discolouration. Patch test if you're unsure!
• Gentle Cleansing: When showering, use a mild, pH-balanced body wash and avoid harsh scrubbing in the underarm area.

Jessie-Lee's Top Tips for Underarm Tanning Success

• Patch Test: Always do a patch test 24-48 hours before applying any new tanning product, especially in a sensitive area like the underarms.
• Start Light: If you're new to underarm tanning, start with a lighter self-tan shade or a gradual tanner. You can always build up the colour.
• Check Your Angles: Before and after applying self-tan, check your underarms in a mirror from different angles to ensure you haven't missed any spots or left any streaks.
• Don't Overdo It: The goal is natural blending, not a dramatically darker underarm. A subtle tint is often all you need.
• Patience is a Virtue: Allow your tan to develop fully before judging the colour. Self-tans can take several hours to reach their full potential.

There you have it, MEGATAN family! No more hiding those armpits! With these tips and tricks, you can confidently wave goodbye to pale patches and embrace a truly flawless, head-to-toe glow. If you have any questions or need further product advice, pop into your nearest MEGATAN salon or drop us a message online. Happy tanning!