Can you put self tanner on your face?
Many people ask about the proper application of self-tanners.
Are they safe? How do self-tanners work?
Can you apply self-tanner to your face? These and more questions shall be answered in this article.
Can you put self-tanner on your face?
You can put self-tanner on your face, just as you would on the rest of your body.
It can be scary because tanning mistakes on the face are more challenging to hide compared to those on the legs or arms.
To help you do it the right way on your face, here are some tips for applying a self-tanner on your face:
- Before applying a self-tanner, ensure that you remove makeup, dirt, and other impurities from your face. If you need to scrub your skin, do it gently. Scrubbing is a great way to remove excess dead skin cells that may cause a streaky tan.
- After scrubbing and cleansing, apply moisturizer to your skin. Moisturizer creates a smooth base for the self-tanner. Also, moisturize your neck, as you will also be applying self-tanner to this area.
- Choose the desired self-tanner. You can choose between a make-up-based bronzer or the more traditional self-tanner. One good self-tanner, specially formulated for the face, is the Christian Dior Bronze Self-tanner for Face Cream. It is suitable for all skin types and creates a natural-looking tan.
- Match the tan of your body to your face. Once you are finished tanning your face, tackle your body next. To achieve a believable tan, select a shade that matches the exact depth of your natural skin tone. Apply the self-tanner to your body in the same way you would to your face.
Are self-tanners safe?
Many dermatologists recommend using self-tanners rather than sunbathing.
Sunbathing increases the risk of skin problems and is a significant risk factor for skin cancer. Meanwhile, you can apply self-tanners right inside your home.

Self-tanners contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), an active ingredient that reacts to dead skin cells. The result of the reaction is the darkening of the skin.
DHA is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a color additive for the skin. Cosmetics laboratories have used DHA for many years.
How long does a self-tanner last?
Self-tanning happens on the outermost layer of the epidermis, or skin, while sunbathing affects the innermost layer of the epidermis.
This makes a tan caused by sunbathing last longer than the tan caused by self-tanners.
As the dead skin cells begin to slough off, the tan also wears off. It typically lasts for 4–6 days, depending on the product. To maintain your tan, reapplication is recommended.
What are safe and effective self-tanners?
Not all self-tanners are safe; some contain harsh chemicals that can damage your skin, while others have a strong scent that is too overpowering or leave a stain on your skin and clothing.
Some cheap self-tanners give the skin an orange undertone, which will look completely ridiculous.
Get a natural-looking tan with the safest and most reliable self-tanning products. Here are some of them:
Christian Dior Bronze Self-tanner for Face Cream
The Christian Dior Bronze Self-tanner for Face Cream is formulated as a gel cream that is lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin.
It is tinted, allowing you to see the evenness of the tan as you apply the gel cream. It is 100% streak-free and leaves the skin with a natural-looking tan.
Tropez Self Tan Advanced Bronzing Mousse
The St. Tropez Self Tan Advanced Bronzing Mousse is a bit expensive, but it’s a very cost-effective self-tanner. It gives you the choice of the level of tan you want without any reapplication.
As a soft mousse, it is easy to apply and feels lightweight on the skin. It can give the skin a bronze or natural tone, depending on your preference or skin complexion.
Anjou Self-tanner and Tanning Application Kit
The Anjou Self-tanner and Tanning Application Kit comes in a complete self-tanning kit with a soft mitt for even application.
It is enriched with jojoba oil, argan oil, vitamin C, and other nourishing ingredients to make skin smoother and moisturized.
It makes the skin a naturally golden olive tan. It does not leave streaks on the skin or clothes, making it easy and safe to apply.

