Self tanner is a great way to get a sun-kissed glow. However, you need to be careful with how to apply it. If you overdo it, you can damage your skin. Also, self tanners aren’t good for sensitive skin. Be sure to choose a product that’s non-comedogenic, which means that it won’t clog your pores. You can also look for products that have ingredients that don’t irritate your skin, such as glycolic acid.

Before applying self tanner, you should cleanse your face. Doing so helps to remove dirt and impurities that may prevent your tan from developing properly. For this, you can use a micellar water-soaked cotton pad. Or you can opt for a no-rinse facial cleanser. Then, you can gently exfoliate your face with a gentle exfoliator, such as a scrub. This is especially helpful for dry, rough skin.

Next, you’ll want to pick a shade that’s a little lighter than you’d like to tan. You don’t need to match your body color, though. Instead, choose a shade that’s just a shade or two darker than your current color.

After you’ve applied your tanner, you’ll need to wait at least 10 minutes for it to fully set. In addition, you should never brush your teeth right after applying it. Not only will this make your tan go on unevenly, but it will also mess up your tan around your mouth.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the skin on your face is much thinner than the skin on your body, so you need to be extra careful when you’re applying it. Keep your hands clean and dry during the application process. Avoid sweating and using oils and lotions with oil-based ingredients. They can interfere with the development of DHA, the chemical that produces your tan.

Apply your tanner in small sections, but don’t overdo it. Use a makeup brush or a tan-blending strap to blend it into your skin. Make sure that you don’t apply the tanner to the sides of your feet or your toes. These areas absorb a lot of the color, and the self tanner will end up on those areas, rather than on the rest of your skin.

For the best results, you should use an oil-free moisturizer. This helps your tanner to set and protects your eyebrows. You can also apply a moisturizer to the dry parts of your body, such as your knees and elbows. Moisturizing these areas will help create a barrier between your skin and the tanner, and will keep the fake tan looking more natural.

Finally, be sure to wear clothing that’s loose. It’s also a good idea to avoid sweating or using any oil-based cosmetics for at least 24 hours. Otherwise, you’ll just end up with a build-up of excess self tanner.

To avoid streaks and smudges, you can apply a translucent tanner, which doesn’t contain a lot of color. However, you can also apply a more pigmented tanner. Choose a shade that’s a couple shades lighter than you’d like to tan. When choosing a color, remember to check the ingredients list. Those with sensitive skin may want to select a product that’s made with antioxidants and lactic acid, which can help minimize the chances of clogged pores.