If you don't have the time to sit out in the sun for hours every day or time to make an appointment to a local tanning salon like HD Tan, you do have a third option for getting that beach tan that you desire. Fortunately, there is a plethora of self-tanning lotions available at the drug store, tanning salon, and big box retailers that you can choose from. In most cases, you can pick them up very inexpensively.
A self-tanning lotion will usually last you about 4 to 7 days on average depending on how you have it applied. At-home self tanners typically do not last as long as professional applications. In an effort to ensure that your money is spent wisely, here are some tips for extending your self tanner.
Getting Wet
As soon as you have had the self tanner applied to your body, you want to be very careful about washing it off. In many cases, if you have it professionally applied, the professional will recommend not showering or entering any pools for a specified amount of time. Doing so can cause your self tanner to come off. Additionally, if you do need to shower, you want to be sure that the water is not too hot. Showering in hot water can cause your skin to dry out and reduce your tan as well. If you decide to go swimming or soak in a hot tub, you want to wait a few days so the chemicals do not reduce your tan.
Preparation
Preparation is key when it comes to ensuring that you maximize your tan for as long as possible. Before applying the self tanner, you want to shower or bathe beforehand. While showering, you should go ahead and wax or shave to remove any unwanted hair on your body. Shaving after applying the tan can cause it to come off. You also want to exfoliate as much as possible to remove any dead skin cells off your body. This will help the self tanner adhere to your skin better once it is applied.
Hydration
Another way to help extend your tan is to keep your skin hydrated as much as possible. This can be done by drinking lots of water. Experts suggest drinking about eight 8 ounce glasses of water a day. You can also hydrate your skin by applying moisturizing lotion before and after the self tanner. Baby oil can also be used to help moisturize the skin.
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