If you’ve read any of our other blog posts, you probably know we’re BIG fans of sun protection. After all, it’s key to helping you maintain the smooth, even-toned, fresh-faced glow you get from sonic dermaplaning. That said, we know you might want to bronze things up a bit in the summer…and that’s where self-tanner comes in.
Applying self-tanner to your face will give you a sun-kissed glow quickly and safely. Luckily, sonic dermaplaning is the perfect way to prep your skin for a smooth and streak-free self-tan. Let’s find out why, learn some tips and get glowing!
How do I avoid streaks or patches when self-tanning?
The biggest problem people run into when applying facial self-tanner is ending up with a streaky, patchy or (eek) overly orange-looking application. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to help prevent all of those issues: prepping your skin with gentle exfoliation before you apply sunless tanner.
Why should I exfoliate before self-tanning?
Gentle exfoliation is the most important step you can take before self-tanning to ensure a smooth and even application, and here’s why:
It removes dead skin cell build-up
Self-tanners work by reacting with the top layer of your skin and producing pigments that mimic the look of the natural tan you’d get in the sun. When you remove excess dead skin cells from your skin’s surface, you’re creating a smooth and even canvas for your self-tanner.
It prevents a streaky, patchy application
Ever wonder why your self-tanner ends up streaky or patchy in the first place? We have the answer: When you have excess dead skin cells in a certain area, your self-tanner will cling to areas of dead skin cell build-up and won’t absorb evenly. This leads to (you guessed it) streaks and patches. Exfoliation removes the oldest layer of dead skin cells from your skin’s surface and sweeps away patches of flaky, clumped-up, dead skin cells. It’s a must-do for a streak-free self-tan.
Gives you a more natural (not orange!) self-tan
Exfoliation will also help your self-tanner go on more evenly overall, so you avoid the dreaded “orange skin” look. It’s the same principle we just talked about above: When you remove that build-up of dead skin cells, your self-tanner is less likely to cling to certain areas and oxidize unevenly. And that’s very good news if the look you’re going for is Bronzed Goddess (not Oompa Loompa)!
Helps your tan last longer
Your skin naturally sheds its layer of dead skin cells roughly every 28 days. Exfoliating before you apply fake tanner ensures you’re starting with a fresh canvas and helps your faux tan last as long as possible.
What's the best way to exfoliate before self-tanning?
For body self-tanner, you’ll often see recommendations to use scrubs or exfoliating mitts. And while that can work for your body, it’s best to use a gentler method of exfoliation when you’re self-tanning your face. Harsh scrubs can lead to irritation and/or damage your skin’s barrier, which is the last thing you want if your goal is a natural summer gl
LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning is a dermatologist and esthetician recommended method of exfoliation that has the added benefit of peach fuzz removal. It gently “shaves” off dead skin cells and peach fuzz, leaving you with a super-smooth canvas for sunless tanner application. Want some proof? Nikki Glaser’s makeup artist Jenna Kristina prepped her gorgeous client’s skin with DERMAFLASH before the Golden Globes, so her Dolce Glow sunless tan looked flawless on the red carpet.
When should I exfoliate for the best self-tan results?
Aim to apply your self-tanner 24 hours after you exfoliate with LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning and apply a lightweight face moisturizer about 2-3 hours before. Yes, it takes a little bit of planning, but you’ll be rewarded with a smoother, more ever, longer-lasting self-tan!
