5 Tips To Make Your Self-Tanner Last Longer, From An Editor Who Does It Weekly

Although you may love that sun-kissed look from lying in the sun for a few hours, you likely know it's not the best for the health of your skin. In fact, 80% of skin aging has been attributed to sun exposure1.

Of course, you can (and should) wear SPF, but that doesn't always guarantee endless protection. For that reason, self-tanner is a great alternative if you're looking to achieve that bronzy glow sans sunbathing. 

As someone who uses self-tanner weekly, I know a decent amount about the user experience. I've tried countless brands, product types, and application methods.

This one may be a given for experienced self-tanners, but it's a must-know if you're new to the game. In order for your tan to last, you'll want to avoid shaving as much as you can once your tan has set. So it's key to shave before you tan (if you want to!), and make it a good one.

Using any sort of exfoliating lotion after you've applied self-tanner will cause the product to fade, resulting in uneven patches. So make sure to double-check your body lotion and avoid any ingredients that will exfoliate the skin. A few common ones to look out for are salicylic acid, glycolic acid, urea, AHAs or BHAs in general, and retinol. 

This one is most important for those who plan on applying tanner during the day. While I personally recommend self-tanning before bed, I recognize that doesn't work for everyone's schedules.

But if you are going to apply tanner in the morning, I highly suggest skipping your workout that day or at least sticking to an activity that won't make you sweat. Any sort of water touching your tan—sweat included—will cause distinct streaks. 

This one goes along the same lines as using an exfoliating body lotion—it's great to dry brush before you tan, but it will ruin your bronzy glow right away if you do it after the fact. Dry brushing is a form of physical exfoliation, and it's a great way to keep the skin soft and encourage healthy circulation in the body. However, it's best to stash your dry brush while you have self-tanner on to keep it fresh, even, and long-lasting.

If you're venturing into the world of self-tanner as a sunbathing alternative, it's important to learn what works for you in terms of products and techniques. Regardless of what you use or how you use it, though, there are a few best practices that will help your tan look better for longer.

Remember to shave before you tan, wait seven to eight hours before you sweat, avoid any exfoliants while your tan lasts, and moisturize your entire body at least once daily. Experimenting with self-tanner is all about trial and error, so don't beat yourself up too much if your glow has faded earlier than you would have liked.