Reaching a flawless self-tan on mature or dry pores and skin requires the fitting prep, software methods and aftercare. As a result of drier pores and skin varieties can take up self-tanner erratically, the important thing to a pure, long-lasting glow is hydration and cautious mixing. We spoke with prime self-tanning consultants to get their greatest suggestions for a streak-free, radiant tan.

Tip 1: Prioritize Hydration for a Clean Software

“On the subject of self-tanning mature pores and skin, hydration is your greatest pal,” says Courtney Claghorn, founding father of SUGARED + BRONZED. As a result of mature pores and skin tends to be drier and extra textured, she recommends beginning with a hydrating routine a full week earlier than tanning. “Moisturizing usually helps restore the pores and skin’s barrier and creates a supple, even floor for the self-tanner to develop superbly.”

Isabel Alysa, celeb tan artist and founding father of Dolce Glow and Sunnee BAEskin, echoes this, emphasizing the significance of hydration each internally and externally. “Staying hydrated internally by ingesting water and externally through the use of a light-weight, oil-free moisturizer day by day will assist your tan fade superbly as a substitute of getting patchy.”

Tip 2: Exfoliate Gently, however Don’t Overdo It

Exfoliation is essential to an excellent tan, however over-exfoliating and exfoliating on the fallacious time can strip the pores and skin and trigger irritation. Claghorn suggests utilizing an exfoliating scrub and mitt the night time earlier than tanning to take away lifeless pores and skin cells. “However right here’s the trick,” shares Alysa, “Don’t over-exfoliate or use something too harsh, as that may strip your pores and skin.”

Bethany Menzel, cofounder and artistic director of Saltyface, additionally recommends exfoliating a minimum of 24 hours earlier than software. “You’ll need to make it possible for your pores and skin is hydrated and as easy as potential to maintain the tan from settling into any dry areas.”

Tip 3: Apply a Barrier Lotion to Dry Spots

If you’re able to tan, all of our consultants advocate making use of a skinny layer of lotion to drier areas to keep away from uneven patches. “I all the time advocate making use of a light-weight layer of lotion to elbows, knees, fingers and toes earlier than tanning,” says Alysa. “This creates a delicate barrier so the self-tanner doesn’t cling an excessive amount of, stopping these areas from getting too darkish or uneven.”

Tip 4: Use the Proper Components for Your Pores and skin Sort

Choosing a self-tanner formulated with hydrating components could make all of the distinction. “Beginning with the fitting product to your pores and skin is crucial first step,” says Menzel. “Utilizing formulation designed particularly for the face and physique which might be made with hydrating components will assist you obtain an excellent, natural-looking tan,” particularly for mature pores and skin varieties.

Choices nice for dry and mature pores and skin: non pore-clogging Saltyface Tanning Water ($44), vitamin E–infused S+B Sunless Tanning Mousse ($40) and Dolce Glow Luce Clear Self-Tanning Mist ($48), filled with nourishing oils and hyaluronic acid.

Tip 5: Spend money on the Correct Instruments

Save your fingers and your tan through the use of self-tanning instruments, the important thing to a easy, streak-free glow. Claghorn suggests utilizing an applicator mitt for a seamless end, and Menzel says utilizing a mixing brush—we love Saltyface’s luxe linup—is an effective way to ensure the product is utilized evenly. “A face brush may help with mixing so the product doesn’t settle into fantastic strains,” she provides.

Tip 5: Preserve Your Glow with Correct Aftercare

As soon as your tan has developed, protecting your pores and skin moisturized will assist forestall patchiness because it fades. On the similar time, Claghorn advises avoiding actions that strip moisture from the pores and skin. “It’s greatest to keep away from lengthy soaks in sizzling tubs or prolonged publicity to chlorinated water. With the fitting prep and day by day hydration, your glow is not going to solely last more, it’ll fade evenly.”

Menzel agrees that post-care is usually forgotten however is essential. “Maintaining your pores and skin hydrated and sustaining your exfoliation will be certain that your tan fades evenly and your pores and skin is prepped to your subsequent software.”

The Backside Line

For mature pores and skin, protecting a self-tan from changing into patchy actually comes down to 2 issues, says Claghorn: considerate prep and ongoing hydration. “As a result of mature pores and skin tends to be drier and might present texture extra simply, the way in which a tan fades is usually straight tied to how nicely the pores and skin was prepped beforehand.”

Thanks to those professional suggestions, the right natural-looking, non-patchy tan is lastly inside attain.