Self-tanning tips for dry skin

If you have dry skin, you’d be forgiven for thinking that self tan’s not for you. Traditional tanning products have a bad rep for being drying and clingy on flaky skin. But with the right, skin-loving formula and expert preparation, you can join in the golden, glowing fun – whatever your skin type!

“Dry skin can massively hinder self-tanning, resulting in a patchy and unnatural looking tan,” explains celebrity tanner, Francesca Hub, at mobile beauty concierge service Beautii. “We shed between 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells per day, and your skin regenerates itself every 27 days. This is why it is important to maintain proper skincare routine beforehand. Preparing your face and body, particularly if you suffer from dry skin, is paramount to achieving the very best tan result.”

Tip #1
Choose carefully 

“There are many self-tan products on the market and choosing the right ones very much depends on your skin type,” Francesca says. “Using a self-tanning product won't make dry skin worse, however, when choosing a product, look for ingredients that will help with hydration. For dry skin, I recommend self-tanning products that contain natural oils such as argan, coconut, and Brazilian nut oils. These all work well to hydrate the skin as the tan develops.”

Buy: Sun Drench Overnight Tanning Mousse

Why? Rich in coconut and kiwi water, it will keep skin hydrated.

Tip #2
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

“A few days before tanning dry skin, use a hydrating body wash daily, along with hydrating water-based natural body creams, paying extra attention to hands, elbows, knees and feet, where skin can be prone to dryness.”

Buy: Body Wash

Why? Overflowing with avocado, bamboo water, and guava leaf juice, it tops up moisture levels with every shower.

Tip #3
Hydrate from within too

“Drink plenty of water. Remember to hydrate your body from within too. If your skin loses moisture, it becomes even drier. Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is the recommended amount, but any more is a bonus. You can make it more interesting by infusing it with lemon, ginger or cucumber for added vitamins and antioxidants.”

Tip #4
Exfoliate 

“I recommend you do this at least 24 hours prior to self-tanning. Imagine a rough piece of wood – before you paint it you must first sand it so you get a smooth finish. Well, your skin works exactly in the same way and that's why it's important to exfoliate before you self-tan. In the shower use a mitt with a gentle grainy exfoliator to remove the surface cells. If your skin is extra dry, try dry body brushing pre-shower for an effective way to sweep away flakes and dry patches, and to get the blood flowing. Using a natural fibre brush, start by brushing upwards towards the heart to boost circulation and remove dead skin.”

Buy: Body Smooth Refreshing Polish

Why? Full of mineral-rich sea salts to gently scrub away dead skin and citrusy oils, it'll leave skin silky smooth.

Tip #5
Keep it clean 

“On the day of self-tanning, avoid exfoliating, waxing or using any oil-based creams. This is because oil acts as a barrier, preventing the product from absorbing evenly. Make sure your skin is cleansed and fully dry before applying the product. Use a Tanning Mitt to protect your palms and fingertips from staining, and apply on one section of the body at a time. Use light, long, vertical strokes until smooth. Go sparingly on the feet, ankles, knees, elbows, neck, and face. In the days and weeks after application, moisturise every day, twice a day if you can, to keep your tan looking as fresh as possible.”

Buy: Tanning Mitt

Why? Velvety soft, it skims over limbs.