Fake Tan Doesn’t Stick to My Skin: Reasons with How to Fix
Introduction to the topic
Imagining this, you’ve just purchased some new tanning lotion, you’ve exfoliated and moisturised, and even washed your tanning mitt. One problem: Your legs are not as dark as the rest of your body, even though you followed our guide to applying a flawless tan. Nightmare.
Nothing happens when you apply another pump of self-tanner to your pasty calf area. It’s not going to stick, for some reason. Even though you’ve experimented with a variety of products, you still haven’t found a solution. It didn’t work out.
What’s going on? Your shins, in particular, have extremely thin skin when compared to the rest of your body. Because of the thinness of the skin, you’ll likely lose your tan faster because it’s constantly renewing itself.
Legs come into direct contact with clothing more frequently than any other part of the body, which will irritate the skin on the bottom of your legs and cause them to become darker.
Why can’t I get a tan on my legs?
Do your legs take longer to tan in the sun than your arms? According to Carrot Sun Tan Accelerators, it takes the longest to tan the parts of your body farthest away from your heart. While your face and shoulders may be more exposed, your legs are usually better protected.
That’s all well and good, but why doesn’t fake tan apply as well on the lower legs as it does elsewhere? Marissa Carter, the founder of Cocoa Brown, says it’s “really common” to find that your legs below the knees are left paler than the rest of your body after washing off your guide tan. That makes sense… but how do we fix it?
To learn how to achieve consistently tanned legs, as well as our picks for the best fake tans, continue reading.
Self-tanning can be a minefield, ranging from blemishes and streaks to uneven color. There’s a good chance we’ve all been there at some point. When you’ve got to dash out the door in a hurry for an important event, your tan is looking a little splotchy. A little tan on your body and bathroom walls may be keeping you from getting started on the clean-up process of both yourself and your surroundings. It’s starting to feel like tanning was a waste of time, and your stress levels, as well as your skin tone, are no longer in balance.
This does not have to be the case. Whether you’re looking for advice on how to get the perfect fake tan every time, or how to remove a fake tan that’s gone awry, we’ve enlisted the help of tanning experts James Read and Skinny Tan’s celebrity tanner Claire Lambert to help us out.
No matter if you’re going for a sun-kissed or bronzed look, it’s much safer and faster to fake tan than it is to spend all day outside in the heat of the sun tanning.
The key to achieving that elusive, streak-free, long-lasting golden glow is all in the preparation and application, no matter what shade of color you choose or what tanning formula you use. Using the best tanners in town, we’ve compiled a list of the best tanning tips and tricks, including a unique way to use your tanning mitt.
Check out our step-by-step instructions for the entire process, including the pre-tan prep work, the tanning itself, and aftercare. Prepare your skin for a healthy, radiant glow the safe way.
How to get a fake tan on your skin?
It’s a beauty care area that “really gets overlooked” when it comes to tanning, says Jules. Streaks and uneven color fading may result as a result of this process. Prior to your tan, put forth the effort and reap the benefits throughout your self-lifecycle” tan’s.
What you need to do is to exfoliate! Exfoliating the skin before applying a tan will remove dead skin cells, allowing for an even golden color to be achieved,” says Jules. This will only act as a thin film on the skin, which is great for locking in moisture but not ideal for tanning. Avoid exfoliators that contain oils.”
“When it comes to exfoliation, I prefer to use exfoliating gloves and work the scrub in circular and lengthwise motions. Elbows, knees, and décolletage should be given extra attention, Jules advises.
Scrubbing isn’t necessary when you use the Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Mitt (£19.95). A glove that can be used in the shower to quickly remove dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, more even-toned surface. Another excellent option is the Skinny Tan Dual Tanning Mitt. You can use the scrubby side for exfoliation and the tanning side for application.
What’s the best way to apply fake tan to my skin?
It’s Carly’s advice: “Work methodically from the legs upwards, and take your time,” she says. Jules said, “Yes. A mitt is the best.” A mitt helps to prevent the tan from absorbing into the hands while also distributing it evenly. “
Is there a single exception to this rule? This can be done by rubbing in the tanning drops or water with your hands, followed by a micellar-water wash of your hands. However, I always use a mitt as a rule.”
Use your heel as a scoop and fold your hand in half, closing your palm as you do so. This will ensure that all of the formula is evenly distributed throughout your mitt. As a result, each pump will be able to go further.
Another top tip is to simply use any residue left on the mitt when applying to the backs of your hands and feet to avoid the appearance of an unnatural buildup.
What are the mistakes that self-tanners make?
Self-tanners make the same mistakes over and over again.
1. Inadequate skin preparation
Exfoliation is an essential step in achieving a flawless fake tan (that also lasts). Tanning expert and co-creator of Tournesol Beauty, Samantha Magill, says that before applying fake tanner, your skin should be clean, dry, and exfoliated to remove any dead, dry skin.
You don’t need anything more complicated than a salt or sugar scrub to get the job done. Particular attention should be paid to sensitive areas like the elbows and knees. Before applying any self-tanner, make sure you exfoliate and moisturise all areas of the body to ensure that your skin is perfectly smooth and hydrated.
2. Applying after exfoliating or shaving
If you’re going to exfoliate your skin, make sure you do it at the right time of day. Ashlynne Serrano-Padilla, a professional makeup artist and body artist, says that shaving or exfoliating immediately before self-tanning is one of the most common mistakes she sees and warns her clients about.
In lieu of this, shave or exfoliate your skin a few days before applying makeup. Shower the day before the event and let yourself air dry completely before applying any self-tanning products.
3. To neglect your skin’s hydration
If you’ve worked hard to achieve a flawless fake tan, you’ll want to extend its life. The best way to keep your skin moisturized is to use a moisturizer every day. When using a gradual increase in glow or reapplying frequently, this is especially important.
You should be able to enjoy your fake tan for at least a week if you use good products and follow this advice. Padill suggests dry brushing first, then using an exfoliant in the shower to speed up the fading process when the time comes to remove it.
4. Bare-handed operation
One of the most common mistakes people make when applying self-tanner is doing so with their bare hands. It’s also a glaring sign of a fake tan. Padilla advises using tanning mitts or soft velour towels to avoid hand stains. Keep your hands clean and even out the application with this method.
If you do use your hands, or if you’d like to get a little tan on them, Read has some advice for you. Rather than rinsing right away, he suggests waiting about a half-hour before doing your laundry. An understated glow can be achieved with this product.
5. Not allowing tanner to dry enough
Make sure that your fake tanner is completely dry before doing anything else, such as putting on clothing or even sweating. Turn your air conditioner down by one or two clicks if you haven’t already). In addition, it is a good idea to avoid skin-to-skin contact. Any action that could potentially smear, smudge, or transfer your product should be avoided at all costs. Because some products dry faster than others, it’s important to read the label carefully. Always give it a little more time if you’re unsure.
How to Fix skin that won’t take tan
1. Using lemon
Before your next self-tanning day, make use of all of those extra lemons you have in your kitchen. “Rid your lower legs of a lemon before applying fake tan. According to Carter, DHA (the active ingredient in fake tan) develops the color faster and more effectively because of the fruit’s low pH level.
Good self-tan on the legs provides a solid foundation. Prior to your next self-tanning session, Sophie Evans, St Tropez Skin Finishing Expert and Celebrity Self-Tanner, recommends drybrushing your skin. Skin condition affects the appearance and longevity of your self-tan.
Before taking a shower, I recommend using a dry body brush to exfoliate your legs. Dry, flaky skin and ingrown hairs can be removed by using a body brush in a heart-to-heart motion. In addition, the increased circulation will help tone the skin by bringing the blood to the surface.
2. Using a leg scrub
If you have old self-tanner on your legs from previous sessions, you’ll want to use a scrub in addition to dry brushing. In order to get the best results, you should use an oil-free scrub.
St. Tropez Tan Enhancing Body Polish ($18) is an excellent non-oil based body scrub to use if you have any old self-tan remaining and are still flaky.” Evans recommends using a scrub that doesn’t leave behind residue that could interfere with your self-tan development.
3. Make sure your skin is well moisturized
If you want the best-looking tan, don’t moisturize or use any oils, as we’ve all been told. It’s possible that this isn’t entirely accurate. Some parts of the body, such as the elbows, ankles, and knees, may require additional hydration in order to achieve a more uniform radiance.
4. Wait for the right time
Evans recommends waiting at least eight hours after exfoliation before applying a tan, but this may not always be possible. In order to get the best results, I recommend exfoliating your skin for at least eight hours before applying a self-tanner.”
“The best self-tan results can be achieved with skin that has a neutral pH level,” she explains. Showering and cleansing can change your skin’s pH level, which is why the best time to tan is when it’s comfortable and neutral.
5. Plan your hair reduction
To get the best results, you’ll want to plan your waxing and self-tanning ahead of time. For the best results, plan your hair removal at least 24 hours in advance of your tanning session. According to Evans, both wax and hair removal cream can remove your self-tanner.
Watch Does fake tan age skin | Video
How do you get a fake tan to stay on your body?
What’s the secret to getting fake tan to stick to your legs?
“Rid your lower legs of a lemon before applying fake tan.
Why my skin doesn’t take tan?
In order for your scar to “blend in,” your skin will also darken. Tanning in a tanning bed, using spray tanner, or applying self-tanner are all examples of indoor tanning methods. If you don’t protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, you’re putting your health at risk.
When I fake tan, why does my skin appear uneven?
Do you know how to avoid rubbing off self-tanner?
Conclusion
The best way to apply self-tan if you are a beginner is to use a guide color and apply it while standing in front of a mirror. This will ensure that you don’t overlook anything and that everything is seamlessly integrated.
Turn back and forth to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and then lift your arms up above your head to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
