how to prepare your skin for self-tan

the most common self-tan mistake has nothing to do with application. it happens before you even open the bottle.

skipping prep is why streaks happen. it is why colour fades unevenly. it is why elbows and knees go darker than everywhere else.

five minutes of preparation changes the result more than any application technique.

exfoliate first, always

dead skin cells sit on the surface of your skin constantly. they are being shed and replaced all the time. when DHA reacts with your skin, it reacts with whatever is on the surface. if that surface is uneven, the colour will be uneven.

exfoliating removes that layer and gives DHA a clean, consistent surface to work with. use a body scrub or an exfoliating mitt. pay attention to rough areas: elbows, knees, ankles, heels.

do this the day before you plan to apply, or at least a few hours before. freshly exfoliated skin can be slightly sensitive, and applying immediately after can sometimes cause irritation.

moisturise the right areas

dry areas absorb more product. that is how darker patches happen at joints. the fix is simple: apply a light moisturiser to your elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists before you tan.

do not moisturise your whole body. that dilutes the tan. just the dry spots.

make sure skin is completely dry

DHA needs dry skin to react correctly. any moisture on the surface, from body wash, moisturiser, or water, creates a barrier between the product and your skin.

dry off thoroughly after showering. wait at least 15 minutes before applying if you have used any product on your skin.

apply in a warm room

cold skin affects absorption. the formula distributes better and absorbs more evenly when your skin is warm. a warm room, not hot, makes a meaningful difference to the result.

use the mitt

the ALTSOL Tanning Mitt is not optional. it distributes the mist evenly and prevents the hand staining that comes from direct skin contact with DHA. read the full guide on how to use a tanning mitt.

the preparation is straightforward. the payoff is a tan that looks like it was done by someone who knows what they are doing, because it was. shop the ALTSOL Hydrating Tanning Mist.