Worried Your Self-Tanning Drops Will Come Out Orange? Follow These Tips For A Flawless Glow
When you think of tanning, you probably picture the sun's rays shining down on you as you lay by the beach. You probably don't think of it as a frequent thing you can do in the comfort of your home with a couple of hours to spare. But these days, that reality is very much possible. You can achieve that sun-kissed glow with minimal effort, thanks to handy products like self-tanning sprays, drops, and mousses. And they might be better for you than spending hours out in the sun.
Prolonged exposure to the sun has been linked to many serious problems, including skin cancer and premature aging. As we all know too well, it can also lead to the nastiest skin burn. Of course, tanning beds have been around for a while, but even they're no good for you. For these reasons, people have begun to switch out their tanning routines for easy-to-use self-tanning drops. While self-tanning drops aren't a 100% safe option either, they're far better for you than being exposed to the sun's UVA and UVB rays.
Most self-tanning drops use dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as their active ingredient. Speaking to Allure, cosmetic chemist Ginger King explained how self-tanning drops function; "DHA works by interacting with the top layer of the skin, forcing the skin to develop color." Many people have qualms about using self-tanning drops because they're afraid it'll come out uneven or orange, but if you apply self-tanning drops the right way, your dream glow is only hours away.
Here's the right way to apply self-tanning drops
Similar to most beauty treatments, self-tanning requires some prep. Around 24 hours before applying the self-tanning drops, you should exfoliate to get rid of the dead skin cells and your existing tan. Also, moisturize and eliminate body hair before applying the self-tanning drops, because the blade might scrape your tan away.
Since tanning drops require regular reapplication, you can incorporate them into your beauty routine by mixing them with your moisturizer. Speaking to Byrdie, celebrity tanning expert Jules Von Hep explained the right way to blend the products. "In the palm of your hand, place your chosen formulation, and create a small well in the middle. Add your drops for face and décolletage." Remember that the results aren't instantaneous, so give your tan a few hours to show up and avoid water during this time. Wash according to the brand's instructions to prevent overdoing it.
To avoid turning orange, you need to pick the right formulation. Many products on the market have excessive levels of DHA, the active ingredient in self-tanners. DHA can sometimes have a chemical reaction with the skin that can cause those orange undertones. To mitigate this risk, do a patch test well before the application. Also, pick a tanning shade that matches your skin tone. Don't go for something drastically different to get striking results. Opt for a formulation that has other tints to balance the orange.
Some other things to remember when self-tanning
Any time you're dealing with self-tanning drops, don't use your bare hands because you'll end up tanning your palms. Instead, wear tanning mitts for a mess-free and even application. When applying self-tanning drops, it's important to be thorough without overdoing it. When professional makeup artist Ashlynne Serrano-Padilla spoke to Real Simple, she explained her go-to method for a smooth application. "Start at the back of the body, behind the knees, and under your arms — all of those hard-to-reach areas — and slowly make your way to the easier, larger parts of the body."
The number of drops you pour into the solution can be the deciding factor for how your tan turns out. The more drops you pour in, the deeper the tan gets. TikTok-favorite self-tanning drops brand Isle of Paradise explained the look you'd get with each proportion. If you're looking for a softer glow, you should keep the number between two to four. For a deeper glow, go for six to eight drops. And for ultra-bronzed skin, 10 to 12 drops should do the trick.
If you're tanning for the first time, remember that less is more. Aim for a soft glow for your first time and see how much deeper you'd like it to be the next time. To avoid tan lines and give yourself an even tan, buff or contour the excess away. Before changing into your outfit for the day, ensure that the tan has completely dried to prevent smudging.