Layering Fake Tan – The Essential Guide
I’ve even been curious if layering fake tan is okay? In this article, I’ll discuss the dos and don’ts of applying self-tanner, as well as the best way to do it without ending up with streaks or blotches.
So, there are a few things we want to consider when layering fake tan.
Typically, people consider this option because they want to achieve a darker tan without needing to purchase a separate product.
However, you should know that there are probably better ways to achieve this, so I’d encourage you to check out…t my article on achieving a darker fake tan.
Okay, now let’s briefly discuss some of the basics of self-tanners so we can better understand how layering them works.
Layering Self-Tanner – The Basics
Most quality sunless tanners (like my absolute favorite) work through a chemical called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA.
DHA is actually a type of sugar that can be derived naturally from sources like sugar beets and sugar cane, or it can be synthetically produced.
When DHA comes in contact with the amino acids in the dead skin cells on the outer layer of your skin, it has a chemical reaction.
This reaction creates a pigment called melanoidin, which ultimately darkens, forming the tan we’re familiar with from self-tanners.
This is why we have to reapply fake tanner fairly often: as new skin cells form, the old ones fall off, taking the tan with them.
So, what happens when we layer fake tan is that we continue to apply DHA to the newly formed skin cells, stacking the tan and reapplying it as it begins to fade.
Although it’s not often recommended to layer self-tanner, it’s perfectly possible to do so.
The best way to apply fake tan is to do it each day until you’ve achieved the desired color.
This will give the DHA in the self-tanner enough time to fully develop on your skin before you apply more.
So, go ahead and follow your normal pre-tan routine (shower, cleanse, exfoliate, shave, moisturize, etc.). Apply the fake tanner as recommended, and then go to sleep.
In the morning or the next evening, reapply the self-tanner. You probably don’t want to exfoliate before this layer, as you’ll likely end up removing much of the previous layer.
You’ll want to apply the second layer of self-tanner with care and inspect your skin closely, as some people have reported that layering self-tanner can leave it looking patchy.
Another approach to layering self-tanner was laid out by tanning expert James Read for the Huffington Post:
“Here’s an inside secret: The best way to get a natural-looking glow with self-tanning products is to layer. “I’ll plan ahead and layer my tanning over a few hours,” Read says.
“I’ll put one layer on, then wait 30 to 40 minutes, then put on a second layer and wait another 30 minutes, then I’ll apply the third layer.
After four to five hours, I’ll wash it all off—it gives me a really nice base and really natural color.”
He also says that using this method prevents buildup, so your tan is smooth, even, and doesn’t fade or build up in random spots.”
Layering Gradual Fake Tan
Some people recommend layering a gradual self-tanner on top of an existing fake tan.
Cosmopolitan magazine actually said that layering self-tanning products can ultimately highlight the breaking up of the previous layer.
They suggest using a gradual self-tan moisturizer if you’re looking to slowly build a darker color.
Can you layer a gradual fake tan twice a day?
Technically, you can, but for the best results, it’s best to apply a gradual fake tan once a day until you achieve the desired tan. After that, you can apply it every few days for maintenance.
Layering Instant Tan
Layering instant tan is something you’ll often find in the modeling world.
Jules Heptonstall, tanning Guru from St. Tropez (the maker of my favorite tanning mousse) said the following about layering instant tan:
“Using instant tan you can build layers to create a better depth of color – when I was working on London Fashion Week we were applying up to five layers of instant tan to the models.
Just start from the legs and work your way up, by the time you’ve finished the first layer you’re ready to start on another! Otherwise, you can use a dark instant tan, if you don’t have time for all the layers.”
For more tips on layering self-tanner, check out this video by Julie and Hunter on YouTube.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, there are quite a few different ways to layer self-tanner. You can try layering it by applying once a day, or as James Read suggests, layering each time it dries, or even stacking layers right away like the video above.
However, it’s important to remember that in general layering self-tanner isn’t recommended if you have better alternatives to achieve a darker color.
It’s important to remember, that layering self-tanner will not work well at all if you aren’t using a quality product! After trying hundreds of self-tanning products, I fell in love with this one, but any high-quality product should work.
I hope you enjoyed my article, if you did, please consider sharing!
Your friend,
Kate
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