How to Exfoliate Before Self Tanning for a Long Lasting Tan

After I wrote my post reviewing 13 different self-tanners, I got a lot of questions asking how to prep for a sunless tan! Since I use self-tanning products frequently, I figured it was best to share my knowledge on the best ways to keep your sunless tan lasting as long as possible! There are quite a few steps to the process, but afterward, you will stay bronzed for almost a week! Not only will lengthening the life of your tan make you feel like a bronzed goddess, but it will also help stretch the life of your expensive self-tanning products.

This post is sponsored L’BRI Pure n’ Natural. All opinions are my own.

Exfoliating Before Sunless Tan

First, you should be showering as a part of your preparation! When I shower before applying a sunless tan, I go through my full routine. Washing, shaving, exfoliating and cleansing, are part of this and it can take a while. Be sure to allow an adequate amount of time and don’t rush yourself! You need to be showering, shaving, and exfoliating to get the best results. The goal is to have your skin looking and feeling as fresh as possible before the self-tanner is applied. If you have a fresh layer of skin, your tan won’t have to penetrate dead skin cells on top! This will extend the life of your tan. Obviously, as you shave your legs, some exfoliation is happening. However, to achieve a lasting tan, you need to use products that exfoliate thoroughly.

Best Pre-Tan Exfoliators

Rejuvenating Facial Peel

Lately, I’ve been using L’BRI Rejuvenating Facial Peel. One of the main reasons I love L’Bri is because their skincare is made with natural ingredients! The Rejuvenating Facial Peel has fruit enzymes of green papaya and calming pineapple, as well as their signature ingredient of Aloe Vera. These three work together to dissolve dead skin cells on your face (without acids). Getting rid of dead skin cells will help with the tan on your face, but it will also help even out your skin tone and clear acne!

Exfoliating Face and Body Scrub

When I am getting ready to tan, I like to shave my arms as well as my legs. I am looking for a full-body revamp! Using a body scrub completes the process and gets me fully ready for the tanning product to develop on my skin. The L’Bri Exfoliating Face and Body Scrub is known for its ability to exfoliate tough spots like knees and elbows. Personally, I love to use this product at the bottom of my calves where I get the ashiest, scaly skin from being dry!

Facial Masque

By far the coolest skincare mask I have tried at home is the Facial Masque by L’Bri! Nicknamed the non-surgical facelift, the mask tightens skin and clears pores like a pro. I even made Spencer try it and he loved it. You may have seen me talk about this one before, this is the same one you saw on my Insta-stories!

This can be used up to three times a week, each time it is set on your skin for 15 minutes. It starts by drying, giving a slight tingling feeling, and eventually tightens so much it pulls at your face. Once washed off, your skin should feel as soft as a peach and look smooth. too!

Don’t Use Oils or Creams Before

Don’t put lotion on (or any other oils or serums) after you shower. It’ll block the product from reaching your skin.

Let it Develop

Did you know a spray tan is actually activating your skin cells? It isn’t just a “paint” that goes over your skin. Sunless tanners contain a chemical called DHA (dihydroxyacetone). This chemical reacts with the top layer of your dead skin cells, temporarily darkening them. You know how an apple flesh browns if you cut it open and let it sit for a few hours? The same science applies here! The longer you let the tanner sit on your skin, the better it can oxidize and the darker you will get. Let the spray tan develop for at least 8 hours. Try to go 24 hours if you can. That means that showers, getting it wet, or sweating should all be avoided. So plan ahead for your workouts, pool visits, and detoxing baths.

Keep Hydrated and Moisturized

Once you have the tanning product washed off (after it has developed), you should immediately put some body butter on your skin! Throughout the next week, make sure to lotion up anytime you feel dry. If your skin gets dry and peels, it will become spotty, which is exactly what makes a tan look uneven.

Thanks for reading Lauryncakes!

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