When you’ve got a perfectly even tan, who’s to know that you did it all by yourself in the comforts of your own home? No sun, no problem, right? What you do want to avoid is wearing a completely backless outfit and discovering that people find your back unevenly tanned! The horror! When it comes to self tanning, the back can be the hardest area to fully cover and tan evenly. Well, you can avoid that by reading the tips below on how to apply self tanner to back.
What is a Self Tanner? Tips for a Perfectly Tanned Back
Before you dive into those tips, you might want to read up on what a self tanner actually is and how it works. A self tanner contains the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone or DHA. This ingredient reacts with the dead skin cells on your skin’s surface, changing the color to a darker one to simulate a sun-kissed tan. The tan will last five to seven days or so because dead skin cells slough off all the time. If you want to maintain your tan, you need to reapply every 3 days.
There are different kinds of self tanners to give you a sun-kissed glow without exposing yourself to the harmful UV rays of the sun. They are available as lotions, creams, and sprays. There’s also an option to go for a professional spray-on tanning service. If you want a more temporary tan option, you can go for bronzers that may be classified as make-up. The tan from bronzers can be washed off with soap and water. Lastly, there are also sunless tanning pills that contain canthaxanthin but they are not considered safe, especially when taken in large amounts.
10 Simple Tips on How to Apply Self Tanner to Back
When applying a self tanner, you want to look flawless all over because what’s a tan for if you’re not going to show it off, right? There are some steps to consider when it comes to effectively tanning your back.
Exfoliate
This doesn’t just apply to the back, but to your whole body. Self tanners tend to sink deeply into dry skin. You don’t want a splotchy-looking tan. You want an even one.
Dry off
You want to be completely dry before putting on your self tanner of choice. Simply dry off your body with a gentle cloth.
Moisturize
Since self tanners tend to cling to dry skin, you want to moisturize your body lightly to make sure that there are no dry patches where tanners can concentrate.
Flex it
If you are the flexible type with arms that can reach the length of your back, you are in luck. All you need is the tanning mitt and your arm to evenly apply the tanner to your whole back area.
You want to make sure that you apply a little at a time. Make sure that the tanning solution is absorbed into your mitt before applying it onto your back. You want to avoid streaks that can result from spills.
Ask a friend
Do you have a roommate, friend, or partner living with you? Ask for their help to apply the tanner evenly on your back. This is the best way to make sure that your tan is even.
Use Kitchen Tools
If there’s nobody around to help you, you can always rely on some good old kitchen tools. Get a long-handled wooden spoon, wrap your mitt around the spoon’s end, and secure it with a rubber band or hair tie. Apply the tanner to the mitt a little at a time and sweep over your back in light, circle motions.
Finish off mistakes
The most common area on the back where uneven application of tanner occurs is the spine just above your shoulder blades. This can be easily remedied by using a fine mist. Simply bend a bit forward and raise your arms, spraying the mist from side to side 6 inches away from your back. This will even out harsh lines, if any, during application.
Apply powder
Apply a talc-free powder on your body to avoid the tanner from transferring onto your clothes.
Dry completely
Let the tanning solution sit on your body for 6 to 8 hours. Make sure that you are in a well-ventilated or cool place to avoid sweating.
Show off your tan
Wear a sleeveless or backless outfit and get ready to show off your tan.
It’s pretty easy to apply the ten simple tips on “how to apply self tanner to back” when you get used to doing it. Don’t be discouraged after the first try. Try and try again until you get that smooth and even tan you’re looking for.
