How To Self-Tan: A 7-Step Routine + How To Pick A Product

As the warm, sunny days of summer start to dwindle, there's no better time to soak up the sun—or at least look like you have. Self-tanning is one of those beauty habits that many people try out reluctantly but end up loving—myself included. There's nothing quite like the feeling of looking bronzed and glowy, all without the risk of sun damage.

Yet, for many, self-tanning can feel like an intimidating endeavor at first, with concerns about streaks, uneven color, or looking orange. But with the right approach, it can be an easy and rewarding way to maintain that sun-kissed glow, even as we transition into cooler months.

The first step: Get a smooth canvas. "Prepping your skin a day prior to tanning is key to a seamless tan," celebrity tanner and founder of Dolce Glow Isabel Alysa tells mbg. If you don't exfoliate, the dead skin may even block some of the tanner from penetrating. 

"I recommend exfoliating and shaving 24 hours prior to tanning so your skin is ready for a golden glow," she adds. You can exfoliate using a body scrub, chemical exfoliant serum, or a gentle exfoliating glove. 

The next day, take a shower to rinse off your body. If you're new to self-tanner or you're using a more pigmented formula, then you'll want to apply a light layer of moisturizer to the knees, elbows, and ankles. 

Now it's time to grab your self-tanner and your mitt if you have one. These tools ensure that your self-tanner stays on your body, not your hands. But if you don't have a mitt, just be sure to give your hands a good wash before and after applying the tanner. 

Squirt your mousse, spray, or lotion onto the body and rub it in just as you would any other body product—but be especially mindful to get every inch. Doing this one area at a time (upper arm, then lower arm, then the front of the stomach, etc.) will make that a bit easier. 

Once you've applied tan to your whole body, let it dry for a few minutes, or until you feel the product has fully soaked into your skin. Then, put on loose clothing (a baggy T-shirt, boxer shorts, etc.), and let it set for a few hours, or overnight. 

Letting it set overnight makes this process a whole lot easier because you won't be exercising or sweating while the tan is on. Plus, you don't have to worry about tanner getting on your good daytime clothes. 

This step is essential—hydrate your full body after you rinse off. After that, kick up your full-body moisturizing sessions to twice per day if you can swing it. "Moisturizing twice a day and keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day truly helps with keeping that tan lasting," Alysa explains. 

Look for ingredients that soften the skin and add a bit of shine—think shea butter, coconut butter, and botanical oils like jojoba, squalene, etc.

The active ingredient in these topical tanners is referred to as DHA, an abbreviation for the compound dihydroxyacetone. This ingredient temporarily stains the skin but will wash away within a week or so. 

If you choose a high-quality faux tanner (like those mentioned in this article) self-tanning is generally considered to be a safe beauty step. However, it’s important to note that safe tanners do not offer any form of UV protection—so when you’re outside and exposed to the sun, you must still apply sunscreen in order to protect your skin. 

Once you know how to self-tan and you've found a great product, a bronze, glowy look is always at your fingertips, without having to sunbathe and risk damaging your skin.