Get the Perfect (Faux) Glow this Summer

Jun 20

Sun-kissed skin without the burn—and damage.

I spent most of my teen years trying to be tan. My background is Irish, English, and other -ish nationalities that are not known for their deep tans. Still, I tried—even resorting to tanning beds (cringe). “I just need to burn first,” was one of the lies I told myself. Although I did eventually get a bronzy hue out of my fair skin (probably from a whole bunch of freckles that blended), I was unaware (or didn’t care) that I was inflicting damage.

Once I started working in beauty editorial and interviewing dermatologists about sun protection, I learned that tanned skin is a sign of damage, and using tanning beds significantly increases your risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, those who used a tanning bed for the first time before age 35 increase their risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent (gulp). At the age of 45, I use a retinol body lotion, undergo laser treatments and peels to address sun damage, and have had multiple suspicious spots removed. I sure do regret those tanning days.

Now I’m okay with being pale. Yet, I get the addiction for so many—the idea that we look good tan. My face looks more radiant, I can wear less or no makeup, and my muscles look more defined. Fortunately, there are ways to get the look safely. Yes, I’m talking about self-tanner. No matter how many stories I write about applying self-tanner at home, I’ll never get it quite right. It’s always streaky somewhere. I’d much rather be nearly naked in a room with a stranger and get sprayed from head to toe to get an even glow.

I get spray tans for vacations, special events, and whenever I want a little extra glow. I’ve got the process down to a science. Here are some no-fail tips for achieving—and maintaining—a faux glow.

Exfoliate ahead of time

Removing all the dead skin will help your tan develop evenly. The self-tanner solution can cling to dry skin, resulting in a patchy appearance. So, for the week before my spray appointment, I swap out my regular moisturizer for one that includes dull-skin-dissolving urea: La Roche Posay Lipikar Urea 10% Smoothing Body Lotion, $23 (on this month’s KBD Edit).

The day of my spray, I give my skin one more good scrub. My daughters leave Tree Hut Coconut Lime Shea Sugar Scrub in my shower. It does the trick, and the scent gets me in a vacation mindset.

Book all your other appointments before your spray

Facials, waxing appointments, mani/pedis, should all happen before your spray tan. Once you get your faux glow, you want to avoid anything that exfoliates skin or requires long soaks in water; your tan won’t take properly or will fade faster. Shaving also exfoliates the skin (and shave lotions can linger on the skin), so do it the day of or the night before your spray.

The day of, leave your skin bare

Moisturizer, makeup, even deodorant can interfere with the self-tanner, so skip them. Your spray tan technician will apply barrier cream to notoriously dry spots, such as the knees and elbows, and areas you wouldn’t usually get a tan, like the palms of your hands.

What to expect during your tan

You can wear undergarments or a bathing suit (you don’t mind potentially ruining), but it’s best to go topless if you want to avoid tan lines. I only wear the disposable thong underwear provided. If you’re modest, remember: Your spray tan tech does this for a living. She’s seen it all!

No, you won’t look orange or streaky (if you follow the prep tips), and a good spray tan place will be able to customize the color for you. I wanted a medium-toned tan. A super-dark tan wouldn’t look believable on my fair skin.

*This sign hangs in Water2Moon in East Setauket. I love it!*

Once sprayed, you can put on your clothing, but skip the bra. Anything constricting will leave marks. Ideally, wear black, baggy clothing. You’ll have an instant bronze, but it’s like makeup. Unless you’ve had an express formula applied, your actual tan takes 12-24 hours to develop. During that time, avoid water, including sweat. Skip the workout, and if you sweat while you sleep, turn on a fan. You can also dust translucent setting powder to absorb sweat on high-friction, sweat-prone spots (like under boobs). Ideally, wait eight to 12 hours to shower. You’ll see all the bronzer go down the drain. Don’t panic! Your natural glow will still be there. Skip soaps that contain oils (such as Dove), as they can cause your tan to fade faster.

Make your tan last longer.

Now that you have your golden glow, make it last! Continue to avoid those mineral oil-based soaps in the shower and switch to an oil-free moisturizer. Skip the scrubs, loofahs, or wash clothes. You can shave, but use a new (not dull) razor for less tugging on the skin. And use a hair conditioner instead of a shave gel, which contains alcohol and can make your tan fade faster and unevenly. It's also an excellent time to break from topical retinoids or any products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid). These increase cell turnover, which can cause your facial glow to fade faster.

You can—and should—wear sunscreen. But stick to creams and lotions, not sprays, which tend to include alcohol and other additives that can affect your glow.

Help it fade evenly

Spray tans can become splotchy as they fade. To avoid looking reptilian, try this trick from master esthetician and Pretty Local Pro advisory board member Alexandra Accardo: Start dry brushing skin on day three of your spray tan. It will help cells slough off evenly, so you’re spray tan doesn’t get patchy.