Welcome to my first post on tanning. Believe it or not there are many areas I could speak about but today I am keeping it simple and starting with the basics. Over the coming weeks I will be talking about perfecting your hands and feet, tan remover and much more To make tan look so good it looks real. So lets begin :)
Have you ever wondered what tan actually is and how it develops?
The formula contains a DHA which reacts with amino acids in dead skin cells. DHA stands for Dihydroxyacetone and is an active ingredient which produces the brown colour change.
Step 1 - Exfoliate:
The main reason we need to exfoliate is to remove dead skin cells which will cause blotchy uneven tan. When you are exfoliating concentrate on the knees, elbows, ankles and arms, especially if you wear tan a lot. To get the best result start exfoliating three days before “Tan Day”. If you exfoliate the same day there may not be enough dead skin cells on the skin for the colour to develop.
Step 2 - Moisturise:
After a deep exfoliation I use Aveeno Body Moisturiser. I only apply it at night as it is very thick and I could not attempt to put on skinny jeans afterwards! To get the best result start moisturising every night and use a lighter lotion during the day. I use E45 or Nivea as they dry faster and have a lighter texture.
Step 3 -Tan Time:
This is also know as Tan Thursday to those of you who follow me on Instagram. Wax or shave at least 24 hours prior to tanning. (Personally I wait 48 hours just to be sure) It is best to shower 12 hours before tan. If you are having a shower that evening blast the skin with cold water to close the pores and wait around two hours if you can. This will ensure the pores are closed and prevent them from becoming blocked. I change my tan brand a lot (similar to my foundation)- sometimes you just need a change but I have included my two current favorites.
Use a velvet glove and move it in circular motions. I always think a moose is easier to work with but some people prefer a lotion. Start with your legs and work upwards. Wear long sleeves in bed and cover your pillow with a towel to prevent staining. I have yet to buy sheets specifically for tanning!
Feel free to share any of your #tanningtips below and check out my daily tips on my Instagram account @edwinamcgathbeauty