Self-tanning has become a favorite choice for most tan aficionados because it is a cheaper and efficient alternative way in having a tan. You don’t have to plan for an expensive summer vacation. Heck you can even have a tan all-year round, even during winter. Self-tanning is so easy, you don’t even need to go to a tanning salon and pay for a service that you can perform by yourself right at the comfort of your home. Make sure to follow these simple reminders when self-tanning.

Preparation
Always prepare. If ever you need to shave, have a wax, hair color/treatments, or even a manicure, do so 12-24 hours prior to self-tanning. Remember that all of those treatments can remove self-tanners.

Exfoliate
The most important thing to consider when tanning whether you go sunbathing or using self-tanners is to exfoliate. Dead skin cell layers will just absorb your self-tanners which will just easily rub-off later, leaving you an uneven tan. Avoid using oil-based exfoliating solutions because it leaves residues that will just deflect your self-tanners. Make sure to wait about 24 hours after exfoliating before applying self-tanners to give enough time for your skin to refresh and heal.

Application and treatment period
Apply self-tanners evenly on your skin. Do not rush! Remember that the best time to do this is during night time therefore, you have all the time in the world (it only takes about an hour to completely cover your body though). Wait for about 12-24 hours after tanning before washing up and applying any moisturizers. Also avoid wearing tight clothes as the tanners might stick to your clothes and leave you uneven tan.

Maintenance
Once you have achieved that perfect self-tan, use moisturizers and gentle cleansers. A tan usually last about a week so refrain from performing too much activities that would exfoliate too much such as hot baths and using cleansers that contains strong chemical ingredients.

Also don’t forget to rehydrate in and out every now and then to help keep your skin soft and glowing.