Due to the Cov-19 pandemic, many of us were robbed of the chance to go on a vacation and get a nice tan.

Instead of getting that sun-kissed glow and having a blast at some resort at the seaside, we spent our summer worrying and contemplating the idea of even going out.

On the other hand, some people didn’t like the idea of exposing their skin to harmful UV rays, so they willingly stayed indoors. Some are stuck with a pale tan, convinced that, due to their dry skin, they cannot get an even tone, so they don’t even try.

But, whatever group you may belong to, “tanned” looking skin is something to be desired. It looks fresh and it gives you that special glow.

Self-Tanners – Pros and Cons

Self-tanners provide you with an easy and safe alternative to achieving that wonderful bronze-looking skin, without exposing yourself to the detrimental effects of the sun rays. There are products that give you the desired color instantly after application, and there are those that gradually form the color within, for example, three days. The ones that take longer to show effect are usually the ones whose effects will last longer.

There are many reasons why you should use a self-tanner instead of lying in the sun:

• Apart from the aforementioned harmful effects of the skin rays, it will not speed up the ageing process of your skin, as the sun will. Those wrinkles and fine lines will be the thing of the distant future, if you decide to opt for self-tanners instead of sunbathing.
• By using self-tanners, you will acquire a tan almost instantly, which is not the case with direct exposure to the sun. If you decide to go sunbathing after a longer period of staying in, without proper protection, you risk getting sun burns, which also increases your chances of getting skin cancer.
• Better quality self-tanners provide you with a natural looking skin tone that you’ll simply adore, without the sun freckles that usually appear after sun exposure.
• Sometimes, you just don’t have enough time to go to the beach, or the pool to sunbathe. Self-tanners give you a quick way out, an easy solution to your problems.
• Self-tanners usually have a SPF factor that gives you additional protection from the dangerous UV rays.
• While lying in the sun might give you an uneven tone, that will not be the case with a self-tanner, if applied properly.
• You can use a self-tanner anywhere you want, at home, at your friend’s place, literally anywhere. You are not constricted to either time or place.

However, there are two sides to every coin, and this is the darker side of the self-tanner story:

• Some self-tanners contain harmful ingredients such as DHA, which may cause you troubles with your skin, such as contact dermatitis.
• If not applied properly, it can leave patches of lighter skin, some odd streaks and blotches. That is why it is essential to follow the steps while applying it. Don’t make that mistake.
• It can leave stains on your hands and fingernails, so it is important to use gloves.
• The room where you decide to apply the self-tanner needs to be properly ventilated, since the fumes that come out of the product may be harmful.

How to Apply a Self-Tanner Properly if You Have Dry Skin

Even though the application process itself is essential, the things you do before the application matter significantly as well. This is especially important for people with dry skin.

Let’s see what the steps you need to take into consideration are, before putting a self-tanner on your skin.

Be Prepared

Make sure you did everything you usually do beforehand – get a wax, a manicure, hair coloring, or even shaving. All of these procedures can remove the self-tanner.

Exfoliate

This is extremely important, especially for those of you with dry skin. Self-tanner usually goes right into dry skin, leaving uneven parts that just look unnatural. And you wouldn’t like to look like you came out of a zombie movie would you?

Exfoliants remove dead, dull skin that appears on the surface. It is advisable to pay special attention to knees, elbows, ankles and heels, because they represent the driest surfaces on the skin. If you are opting for chemical exfoliants, use the ones that are oil-free. Oils will behave as a barrier between the self-tanner and your skin. This can lead to an uneven tone, which will scream fake, and you definitely wouldn’t want that.

Dry and Moisturize

Even though these two seem barely connectable, you simply have to do them in pair. Before any treatment on your skin, you have to make sure your skin is completely dry. Leaving water on your skin can only lead to dilution of the self-tanner.

After the drying off procedure, it is time for getting a bit of moisture back. Apply a light lotion to the parts of your skin that are especially dry, so you don’t risk getting a darker, or orange tone on them.

Start with the Face

Applying the self-tanner on the face first is recommendable because it is the easiest to apply the product on that area, and you can see what it will look like on the rest of your body,

However, do not forget a single spot. You have to apply the self-tanner evenly everywhere. This, of course, means you have to include the area under your eyes, over the eyelids, tips of the ears, neck, and back of the ears. Just imagine this procedure as similar to the one where you apply a foundation.

You have to distribute it evenly on every part of your face, or else it will look dirty and cheap. The same goes with a self-tanner.

Don’t Worry About Mistakes

Mistakes can happen to anybody so put your mind at ease. There is no need to start from the beginning if a mishap happens during the process of application. Use a cleansing or a baby wipe to remove any tan where you don’t want it. The same wiping tissues could be used to remove stains from your nails and cuticles.

After the procedure and the time the tan needs to develop you will see your mistakes after the first shower. However, don’t fret, nothing is set in stone. These mistakes can be solved, depending on the seriousness.

For darker parts, it is best to use an exfoliating mitt. Remove the color by circular motion of the mitt. Of course, your skin needs to be wet so that the color would take less time to remove. For lighter stains, exfoliate the whole area, not just the stain, and reapply the self-tanner.

Best Self-Tanners for Dry Skin

Now, if you think we have succeeded in getting across the basics, let’s move on to see what are the best self-tanners that we are sure will help you achieve that beautiful, summery glow, and take care of your dry skin.

Fake Bake Flawless

If you want an easy way to give yourself that perfect bronze color, you have to check this one out.

It comes with all the additional equipment you need, like the mitt for easy application and a pair of gloves to make sure your hands won’t get dirty. It also comes with a spray applicator you can put on the top instead the screw-on cap.

The best thing about it is that it sprays on and dries extremely fast, so you don’t need to wait for it to dry out as with many self-tanning lotions. The color appears very fast, so you can basically see the results instantly.

Isn’t that simply wonderful?

However, be very careful when applying, there isn’t much time for fixing the mistakes, because of the quickness of the drying.

After the procedure, the effects last up to three days and you will spend those three days looking like a proper queen of the summer, nothing short of phenomenal!

Self-tanning Hydrating Body Skin Care – Sisley Paris

If you are looking for a tan and you have problems with very dry skin, than this product presents a solution to all your problems. Not only does it create a perfect summer color, it makes your skin feel so smooth and fresh, that you will continue using it forever.

It gives you that sun-kissed look you have dreamed about. After an easy process of application, you will get a perfect look, as if you’ve just spent an afternoon lying on a beach somewhere in the Bahamas, perhaps. It can help your skin both tan and heal.

You will definitely not make a mistake if you choose this one!

Jegerns Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer

A product that gives you a nice tan and firms your skin?

Yes, it is absolutely possible!

Look no further, this is the one. What we love about this self-tanner is that is feel good on the skin, and develops the color gradually, which is always good, because, in that way, it lasts longer. You will get a desired tan after three days, and you will feel your skin getting a lot firmer after only seven. That’s a big yes from us!

It gives you a lighter color, so you can reapply it if you want more of it. It is perfect for beginners who want to try a self-tanner, but don’t dare go to the extremes. It doesn’t give you spots nor those orange undertones, so you are in the clear. It deeply nourishes the skin and gives it a pleasant smell. Those of you who use a self-tanner more often, know how important this is.

Golden Star Beauty Self Tan Serum

As everyone knows, when it comes to your face, you need to pay special attention to it, and use a completely different range of products. The skin on your face is more sensitive, therefore, you should approach every product you want to apply with precaution.

This facial self-tanner is the first on the Amazon best-selling list, and for a good reason, too. Not only does it give you a nice tanned glove, it solves many of the problems you might have with your face. The DHA in it is extracted form sugar cane, so you can rest assured it is natural. Its ingredients also include hyaluronic acid and a wonderful combination of natural oils, rosehip, evening primrose and macadamia, which will help you hydrate and soften your skin, as well as repair any damage.

It will improve pigmentation and soothe your wrinkles. It is nothing short of fantastic, so have no doubts, you will definitely be coming back for more.

Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self Tan Drops

If you have really sensitive, dry skin, then this self-tanner should be your constant companion. Its reviews are amazing. It doesn’t just provide you with a tan, it gives a proper nourishing effect!

It corrects all unevenness that might exist on both your face and skin and gives you an impeccable golden tan. So you needn’t worry about ending up looking orange.

If you think the color is too bright, you can always build it up by adding some more. However, don’t overdo it. The key to success is moderation. 

Vita Liberata Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion

As you grow older, the small imperfections on your skin usually develop into bigger ones. Some problems go away, some new ones appear. However, dryness of the skin is something that follows you no matter the age, and creates different problems with hydration. The dryer the skin the more prone it is to getting wrinkles and fine lines.

That is why this product is perfect for all of you who want to get a perfect summer tan and also slow down the process of aging just for a little bit.

This self-tanner has a moisturizing effect that will help your skin look softer than ever. It will improve your skin’s water levels so you can feel younger again, with your skin looking plumper and more youthful than ever.

All the ingredients in the product are organic, and there are no parabens nor alcohol, so you can be sure your sensitive, dry skin will finally heal and achieve that wonderful summer glove, you’ve never thought possible. Enjoy!