From winter bleach to summer glow: Self-tanning tips

But what is self-tanner?

Self-tanner is a product you can use to give your skin a sun-kissed glow without exposure to the sun. Self-tanners contain active ingredients like dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a colorless sugar that reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of your skin. With the right application techniques, this will result in a temporary, natural-looking tan.

Self-tanners come in various forms, such as lotion, spray, gel, mousse, and wipes. A self-tanner is easy to apply at home. They offer a temporary tanning effect and are therefore a safer alternative to sunbathing. This way, you can protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.

How to use self-tanner?

Step 1: Exfoliate: Scrub your skin to remove dead skin cells. Focus on dry areas like your elbows, knees, and ankles.

Step 2: Hair Removal: To achieve a smooth, even tan, it's good to be hair-free beforehand, and this mainly refers to leg hair. Don't do this 2 minutes beforehand, but make sure you have made your legs tan proof the day before!

Step 3: Moisturize: Dry skin is more likely to result in a patchy and streaky tan. Regularly apply a light cream, focusing on the drier areas.

Step 4: Applying the self-tanner: After preparing your skin (exfoliating, hair removal, moisturizing...), it's time to apply the self-tanner! Use a self-tanner glove or tanning mitt to apply the product more evenly and prevent stains on your hands. Apply the self-tanner evenly to your skin in long, sweeping motions. Start at your ankles and work your way up to your neck and shoulders.

Step 5: Let the self-tanner dry: Let the product dry for a while before rinsing it off or before getting dressed again. This depends on the product, so always read the instructions on the packaging carefully. Remember that the self-tanner's result will gradually appear as the color develops, so be patient and wait a few hours before judging the final result.