How to get a flawless self tan without streaks and spots
By: Carla Snuggs

Sunless tanning is the safe and easy way to achieve a golden glow without exposing skin to harmful UV rays. Even I, a woman of color, use self tanner during bikini season for even-toned, bronzy, healthy looking skin. But, every now and again, we all make self tanner mistakes and end up streaky or blotchy.

Don’t fret: We have tips from Tabasum Mir, MD, a skin care physician in cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic laser surgery and one of the leading authorities on non-invasive and non-surgical cosmetic and dermatological treatments and procedures.  Dr. Mir provides the following advice for a flawless self tan:

Tip 1)  Smooth skin surface is best for self-tanning. That’s why people exfoliate. But also stay away from glycolic or retinol creams. They can make skin flakey and make self tanning uneven.

Tip 2)  Products that break down the self-tanner will fade your skin and can result in patchy color. These include any glycolic, lactic or AHA creams; retinol creams and most acne medications including salicylic acid. Clarisonic or manually cleansing devices also fade tan faster. 

Tip 3)  Aerosol sunblock and gel sunblocks can fade self-tanner so use sunblock lotion, dry oil based or a mineral powder such as Brush on Block.

Tip 4)  Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Oil based moisturizers can help tan last longer such as Neutrogena Body Oil.  For the face, try St. Tropez Gradual Tan Daily Face Moisturizer. It’s infused with soothing aloe vera and E and helps build a golden color on skin gradually, day by day.

Tip 5)  Self tanners can also make your skin itchy. If this is the case get make your own natural anti-itch spray. Take a water spray bottle fill with 4 oz. filtered water. Add 1 tbsp. baking soda and some tea tree oil (15 -20 drops). Spray once one twice a day. Don’t use this under makeup.

Need help getting the perfect tan? Here are some products that can help you get a flawless self tan this summer, this fall and year ‘round:

1) Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil with Argan Color Stick: Infused with Josie’s signature ingredient, argan oil, which is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. It’s a lightweight, moisturizing bronzing oil that can be applied to the body, face, and even the hair ($39.00, QVC.com).

2) Vita Liberata pHenomenal Self Tanner: pHenomenal gives a longer-lasting tan with a perfect, natural fade.  pHenomenal incorporates new technology (pHeno2) that works with unique Time Release DHA which slowly releases DHA over time to extend tan and  lasts 4 times longer than any other tan ($54, Sephora.com).

3) tarte Maracuja Self-Tanner and Application Mitt: Infused with pure maracuja oil to replenish skin, brightening vitamin C, and essential fatty acids, this self-tanner gives the perfect bronze color every time it is applied. We love it because it comes with an application mitt so it’s mess-free ($36.00, QVC.com).

4) Kate Somerville Somerville 360 Tanning Towelettes: Kate Sommerville Tanning Towelettes are each concentrated with a paraben-free self-tan formula to give  a quick and even application, without streaking, in two to four hours ($48.00, QVC.com).

Image Courtesy of Chickrx.com

What’s your favorite self tanner product? Leave your comments below J