Can You Mix Self-Tanner With Lotion?
Self-tanning products come in various forms, but one of the most common types is lotion.
Self-tanning lotion is easy to apply and spread evenly over the skin, giving you a natural-looking, smooth tan.
However, applying self-tanning lotion can be intimidating. You might be worried that the tan will come out too dark or even dry out your skin during the tanning process.
There is a trick to avoid both of these worries, and that is by mixing in some lotion or moisturizer with your self-tanning product.
Adding lotion to your self-tanner can be particularly beneficial when applying the product to your face.
It helps the developing tan be more subtle and not stand out too much on your face. Additionally, it helps keep your skin hydrated and prevents any drying caused by the chemicals in the self-tanning product.
Lotion can also be added to the self-tanner you use on your body, helping to achieve a more natural-looking tan that doesn’t look too orange or have any visible streaks or patches.
Lotion added to your self-tanner can be the answer to patchy and fake-looking tans!
How To Add Lotion To Your Self-Tanner
Adding lotion to your self-tanner is actually pretty simple.
- Choose your favorite moisturizer and squeeze a small amount onto the palm of your hand.
- Add a small amount of self-tanner and mix it all together.
- Smooth it over your skin, starting on your face and working down to your neck.
- Make sure you apply it evenly and that you haven’t missed any areas.
Once you are happy that you have evenly covered your face and neck, start by blending the mixed lotion and self-tanner from your feet up to the rest of your body.
The lotion provides the self-tanner with a much more fluid texture, which helps to evenly smooth it over the skin, resulting in a natural-looking tan that is both hydrating and glowing.
Mixing self-tanner with lotion allows you to apply it daily, which helps you build the desired tan.
Once you have reached your desired tan, you can apply the lotion and self-tanner mixture every couple of days to maintain your summer glow.
Between the days of applying the mixture, you can use your normal moisturizer to keep your skin nourished, which will help the tan stay for longer and fade more evenly.
Preparing Your Body Before Applying Self-Tanner and Lotion
While it is essential to get the application right to achieve a natural-looking tan, it is equally important to ensure that you prep your skin properly beforehand.
You can achieve this by applying lotion to your face or body before mixing it with the self-tanner, creating the perfect canvas for blending.
1. Head-To-Toe Exfoliation
The day before applying your self-tanner and lotion mix, you will need to exfoliate your entire body to remove any excess skin cells that may cause a patchy tan.
Ensure you use an oil-free exfoliator, as one containing oil may act as a barrier, preventing the self-tanner from reacting with the skin.
It is also a good idea to shave with a new razor the day before, as this helps remove dead skin cells and also reduces hair that could interfere with the self-tanner blending in evenly with the skin.
Use an exfoliator mitt, if you have one, to help properly remove dead skin cells. Focus on the drier areas, such as the knees, ankles, and elbows.
2. Moisturize
Even though you will be using a moisturizer with your self-tanner, it is a good idea to moisturize a few hours before your self-tanning application as well.
Using a fragrance-free and oil-free moisturizer will once again prevent any oil barriers from forming between your skin and the self-tanning lotion.
Focus on the drier areas, such as your knees, heels, and elbows.
Hydrated skin holds a tan much better than drier skin, and dry areas may appear darker and patchier, which can cause the tan to look unnatural and blotchy.
If you have large pores in certain areas, you can apply lotion or moisturizer to those areas 20 minutes before your self-tanning lotion application to prevent the lotion from absorbing too deeply into the pores.
3. Application
When applying the self-tanner and lotion mix, try to perform the application in a cool room.
Becoming hot or sweaty during the application can cause your tan to be patchy or streaky, as your sweat may act as a barrier between your skin and self-tanner, potentially washing the product away before the proper darkening reaction can occur.
Wait until your skin is dry before putting on your clothes, and then wait between six and eight hours before showering. Showering could wash the product off before your tan has set.
Self-Tanning Products To Mix With Lotion
There are several self-tanning products to choose from if you want to mix them with lotion.
You cannot mix moisturizer with a spray tan, but there are alternative options available.
Self-Tanning Lotion
Self-tanning lotion is the most obvious option to use when you want to mix moisturizer.
The consistency of the self-tanner and the moisturizer should be similar, allowing them to mix fairly easily with each other.
You can choose how much moisturizer to mix in to get the right blend of self-tanner and moisturizing agent.
My absolute favorite self-tanner to mix with lotion is Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Milk.
The instructions on the bottle suggest applying the tanning milk without moisturizer, but I have achieved the best results by moisturizing my skin first, allowing it to absorb, then applying the tanning milk afterward.
I have extra-dry skin, though, so if you have naturally oily skin, then you might be able to use this tanning milk without the added moisture.
Self-Tanning Mousse
Mousse is a little trickier to mix with lotion, but it can be done.
Start by adding a small amount of lotion to the self-tanning mousse, and increase the quantity while mixing to achieve the right consistency.
Do not completely dilute the self-tanning mousse; instead, add just enough moisturizing lotion to help hydrate the skin and make the self-tan more subtle and easy to spread evenly across the skin.
Self-Tanning Drops
Self-tanning drops were created to be mixed with lotion, making them a great option for building a tan through daily application while using your favorite moisturizer. These self-tanning drops are my favorite.
There will be guidelines that come with the self-tanning drops you buy, advising you on how many drops to add to a certain amount of moisturizer.
This is the perfect option if you want to start with a subtle tan, build it daily, and then maintain your desired tan from there.
This is one of the best ways to maintain a glowing summer tan all year round with minimal effort.
Self-Tanning Towelettes
Towelettes are great for use on the go when tanning, but they can also dry out the skin and be quite difficult to apply to dry skin.
Moisturize your skin just before using the self-tanning towelettes to provide extra hydration, allowing the self-tanning ingredients to spread evenly and last longer on your nourished skin.
Related Questions
Is self-tanner safe for your skin?
Everyone can agree that tanning under the sun is damaging to your skin, making a self-tanning product a safer alternative.
While some self-tanning products may contain harmful and drying ingredients, there are also wonderful products available that contain natural and organic ingredients, which are gentle on the skin while providing a natural-looking tan all year round.
How long does self-tanner last?
The lifespan of self-tanner depends on the product used, but most self-tanners last between seven and fourteen days.
The lifespan of self-tan can be extended by using lotion or a gradual tanner, which can be applied daily to achieve your desired tan and then used once every few days for maintenance.
Can I bathe after a fake tan?
Bathing or showering after self-tanning is perfectly fine, as long as you wait at least six to eight hours before doing so.
This gives the self-tanning agents enough time to properly develop with your skin. Once you have showered or bathed, apply a moisturizer to lock in extra hydration.
The Importance of Lotion For Self-Tanning
Lotions and moisturizers are so incredibly important when self-tanning.
From prepping your skin with extra moisture leading up to the application, using lotion to dilute self-tanning lotion for a more subtle tan, and hydrating and caring for your skin after application to keep the tan lasting longer and fading evenly.
Without lotion, your skin will not be ready to hold a natural-looking self-tan, and your tan will fade in patches and streaks, looking dreadful.
A fragrance-free, oil-free moisturizer will be your best friend when trying to achieve the perfect sunless tan and will be key to looking absolutely gorgeous all year round while protecting and nourishing your skin daily.
Not only will a moisturizing lotion help your tan look great, but it will also keep your skin healthy overall and help combat early signs of aging.
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