I get green armpits when I self-tan but I promise, it’s a good thing – my Japanese buy also prevents dark pore dots
A SELF-tanning lover has shared her Golden Rule for getting a golden glow – including a surprising shade in the process.
Some methods might seem unconventional, but she swears that you will get the sun-kissed glow-up of your summer dreams.
FAKE (TAN) IT TILL YOU MAKE IT
Redditor Pixelperfect728 isn’t green when it comes to getting a top-notch tan, but one tip might just turn you green – literally.
“If you have sweaty armpits, wear deodorant while tanning! It might turn your armpits green but this is temporary and will wash off,” she said.
“Green armpits for a few hours are better than pasty armpits because you sweat it all off,” she continued.
She suggested “setting” the sweatiest parts of your body, including the backs of your knees, insides of your elbows, and armpits, with a big brush and powder.
Her favorite product also helped to give her a bronzing boost.
“Shave and exfoliate 24 hours beforehand. I love the Japanese exfoliating washcloths because it’s really easy to get your whole body and back,” she said.
“If you apply self-tan immediately after shaving or waxing, you’ll get little dark dots on your open hair follicles,” she continued.
If you want to try the buy for yourself, Amazon sells Goshi Exfoliating Washcloths for $17.49.
To really nail your routine, make sure to finish your manicure or pedicure prior to tanning.
“Nail polish remover, soaking, and rubbing with towels will all strip a tan,” she said.
You also don’t want to make the mistake of moisturizing your whole body before beginning the tanning process.
Instead, apply just a tiny amount of lotion to your knees and elbows and let it soak in for ten minutes.
She also recommends adding Vaseline to your cuticles on both your fingers and toes – simply wipe your greasy palms off with baby wipes afterward.
HAIR ALL ABOUT IT
Another trick will help to avoid any hairy situations.
For those who have blonde or bleached hair, you’ll want to put some sort of barrier on your hairline – think a thick conditioner.
Why does self-tanner smell?
Many self-tanners have been described as having an odor similar to the burning of flesh or cat pee, according to NBC News.
This unpleasant odor is due to the chemical reaction that occurs between your skin and dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the main ingredient commonly found in sunless tanners.
This ingredient is also what causes your skin color to turn tawny, or a yellowish-brown color.
It’s also a perfect time to treat your mane to a hair mask.
“You definitely want to blend the tanner into your hairline but it can stain lightened hair,” she said.
“My hairstylist told me to try washing with dish soap and deep conditioning afterward if this happens,” she continued.
To avoid “little white crease lines” on your joints, such as your knuckles, elbows, and knees, make sure to bend while applying your tanner.
Her self-tanning strategy involves going over these areas with any product that’s leftover on the mitt.
“Make a claw shape with your hands and don’t forget the webbing in between your fingers as well,” she said.
To prevent a “pale circle” around your mouth, don’t miss any spots near your lips – you’ll also want to get behind your ears, around the back of your neck, and the hairline around your head.
It might be “gross,” but washing your hands while your darkening shade is developing will spell big tanning trouble.
“Pale hands are bad. Wipe your palms and fingers with baby wipes instead,” she said.
For best results, loose and dark clothes are the way to go for the perfect glow-up – better yet, stand around naked.
“You can tan overnight, but if you sweat or run hot at night, don’t even think about it,” she said.
“When you shower the tan off, just rinse in warm water with your hands – not hot! no soap! no loofahs!” she continued.
WHAT ELSE TO AVOID
To avoid a streak-free situation, don’t mess around with hot tubs as well as hot water, chlorine, or any kind of soaking – and stay away from any products containing lotions with oils, especially mineral oil.
Chemical exfoliants, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide, are all known to fade a tan as well.
Finally, instead of rubbing yourself dry after the shower, pat dry gently.
“Shave with lots of lubricants, a fresh razor, and gentle strokes,” she said.
To keep her fake tan looking fresh for as long as possible, she uses Tanceuticals Everyday Tan Extender.
She shared how the moisturizing lotion includes a little DHA to keep an even color throughout the week.