How to Prepare Your Skin for the Perfect Self Tan

Preparation is the quiet part of tanning that nobody photographs, and it is the part that decides how your colour looks for the rest of the week. Self tan develops in the very top layer of the skin, so the smoother and cleaner that layer is, the more even the finish.

Start 24 hours before you tan

Give your skin a full day between preparation and application. That gap lets freshly exfoliated skin settle, closes any open pores from shaving or waxing and stops product clinging to damp areas.

The night before

• Shave or wax so the skin has time to calm down.
• Exfoliate gently in circular motions, paying attention to knees, elbows and ankles.
• Rinse with warm water and avoid oil-based body washes.

On tanning day

• Shower and pat the skin fully dry.
• Skip body oils, heavy creams, perfume and deodorant.
• Moisturise only the driest areas: hands, wrists, knees, elbows, ankles and feet.

Patch test first

Always patch test any new cosmetic tanning product 24 hours before full use, even if you have tanned before. Apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area and check for any reaction before continuing.

Common preparation mistakes

• Exfoliating immediately before applying, which leaves skin sensitised and damp.
• Moisturising everywhere, which blocks colour from developing evenly.
• Tanning straight after a hot shower while pores are still open.

Get these small steps right and the application itself becomes almost effortless — the colour glides on, blends easily and fades evenly rather than patchily.