Sunless Tanning: How to Glow like a Pro


April 25, 2025
Today’s tanning lotions are designed to be forgiving and fool proof
Sunless tanning lotions are the ideal way to get the golden tan you’ve always wanted, without the risks of sun exposure. When you smooth on a rich and hydrating sunless tanner, it interacts safely and effectively with the outer layer of your skin to leave you looking bronzed, beautiful, and blemish-free. If you’ve never tried a tanning lotion, or could simply use a refresher on getting the most from what it has to offer, you’re about to discover a whole new world of beauty, and a brand new definition of radiant.

The effects of sunless tanners aren’t instantaneous, and it can take 2-6 hours for their browning effects to fully kick in. Because of this, you should consider using a lighter touch the first time around, until you discover exactly how a sunless tanning lotion works for you. And remember that while some self-tanners may contain sunscreen, its effects will be no longer-lasting than those of any other form of sunblock, so you’re well advised to always use proper sun protection, and a daily minimum sunscreen of SPF 15 with or without the use of any sunless tanner.

Today’s tanning lotions are designed to be forgiving and fool proof, regardless of your experience with them. So when you’re ready to get started, the best way to begin is with skin that’s clean and prepared.

Before You Begin

To achieve the best results possible with a sunless tanning product, it’s important that it be applied to skin that’s as smooth and even as possible. For easy preparation, just hop in the bath or shower and apply an effective exfoliator with a washcloth, using gentle circular motions. Be sure to pay close attention to areas like the elbows, knees, heels or any others that are prone to thicker skin build-up.

Excess layers of skin have a tendency to absorb more tanning lotion, so be sure to exfoliate as evenly as possible and remove all traces of cleansers afterward. Drying yourself well after you exfoliate is another key step, since the tanning lotion can penetrate more evenly and effectively if there’s no remaining moisture on the surface of your skin. That means no steamy bathrooms either, since moisture in the air affects the tanner’s ability to dry evenly.

Take Your Time

The most important thing to remember when applying a sunless tanner is to be patient, and to work slowly and methodically. This is the best way to guarantee that your color will be even, gorgeous, and worth the extra few minutes. Working in sections is the easiest way to apply your tanning lotion, but determining the best place to start and finish is a matter of varied opinion, and you might want to see what works best for you over time. Some people like to start with their face and neck (don’t forget the ears and what’s behind them), then move to the feet and work their way up. Others prefer to begin with the legs and feet, then follow with the arms and the torso last.

Regardless of personal preference, just remember to use small, circular motions to massage in a light covering of the lotion. You should wash your hands thoroughly between sections, and again when you’ve finished applying the tanner, to keep it from building up on them. Some people even choose to wear form fitting surgical gloves during the application process. And it’s a good idea to pin your hair out of the way before you begin, so you can more easily work around the hairline.

Extra Care Zones

Some areas of your body need just a little extra care when applying a sunless tanner because of their tendency to absorb more lotion. Apply the tanner lightly and sparingly around your ankles, elbows, knees, hands and feet, using a feathering motion to blend the lotion in from your wrists over your hands, and from your ankles over the tops of your feet. It’s a good idea to use a tissue or damp towel to gently wipe the excess from these areas when you’re done. A body wand can come in handy for applying the tanner to your hard-to-reach back area, and you should avoid the soles of your feet and palms of your hands altogether.

Dry Your Way to Dazzling

Allowing your sunless tanner to dry as thoroughly as possible without disturbing it is another vital step in getting the best possible results. Anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour is best, and you can speed up the drying process by spending a few seconds with a hair dryer on each of the areas you’ve treated. After that, you should wear loose fitting clothing for the first few hours, and avoid showering, perspiring, or getting caught in an unexpected downpour for at least 3-6 hours. An ideal time to apply a tanning lotion is before bed, so it can have a long, uninterrupted stretch of time to thoroughly work its magic, and you can wake up to a radiant, sunless tan.

Those Final Touch-ups

When you’re first getting the hang of applying a sunless tanner, you may find you need to touch up spots you’ve missed, or tone down those that responded a little too enthusiastically. Just apply a small amount of tanning lotion where it’s needed and be sure to massage it in well. You can use a damp washcloth to scrub away dark spots, and a few drops of lemon juice to help with the really stubborn ones.

How Long Will it Last?

Your skin goes through a lot of wear and tear, so it naturally replaces itself on a regular basis. The outer layers gradually slough off, and newer ones below take their place. Because sunless tanners only color the upper layer of your skin, you’ll want to reapply a tanning lotion every 4-7 days. Remember that the more you practice, the more proficient you’ll become, and it won’t be long before maintaining a naturally vibrant, youthful and glowing tan will become a regular part of your beauty regime, and a whole new way of life.