Ohh My Glo - Made By a Tanner for Tanners
Founder, Zoe Klein has been spray tanning clients for 10+ years. Here are some of her tips to achieve a flawless glow.
How does Fake Tan Work?
So you want to get a tan, but you don't want to put yourself at risk for skin cancer? We've got some tips for how to fake it!
The active ingredient in most sunless tanners is the coloring agent DHA (dihydroxyacetone) combines with amino acids in the skin. The resulting reaction causes browning, but unlike the reaction caused by UV rays, it involves only the outermost, dead cell layer of the skin. This type of tanning won't cause lasting damage to your cells—and if your skin is prepped properly, can last between 4 to 14 days.
Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate!
Tanning is a great way to get a healthy, summer glow. But if you're not paying close attention—or if you're taking shortcuts—you can end up with an uneven, splotchy tan that looks more like a self-tanner accident.
Here's how to avoid that mistake: The key factor is making sure to exfoliate the skin well first, otherwise areas of callous or thickened, dry skin such as elbows, knees, ankles and wrists will bind more product.
If that happens, the area will appear darker or more orange-brown than the surrounding skin.
Exfoliation also helps prevent streaks by breaking down dead skin cells and allowing the tanning product to penetrate evenly into your skin.
Make Sure You Moisturise Regularly!
If you're going to fake it, go all out. Never underestimate the power of a good moisturiser or body oil!
We know you're probably thinking: "But I just want to look like I'm not dead inside." And we get it—But if you want that glowy, healthy, sun-kissed look that will make people think you spent the weekend in Cancun instead of on your couch watching Netflix and eating pizza rolls, then you'll need to make sure your skin is well-hydrated before application.
In the week leading up to application, use a moisturiser daily/ or body oil on all areas of your body—especially very dry areas, such as elbows and knees. Then when it comes time for application, moisturise any new dry spots that may have appeared since showering last night (or this morning). This will help keep your tan looking fresh for longer!
Can Fake Tan Protect me from UV Rays?
As tempting as it may be to believe that your faux tan provides UV protection, it’s definitely not the case. Sunscreen and protective clothing should always be used in conjunction with sunless tanners.
A proper sun protection regimen — whether you’re rocking your natural skin tone or a self-tanner—includes seeking shade, daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and covering up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. If you’re going to be out for an extended period in the sun, use an SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen.
CAN I SHAVE/ WAX BEFORE THE TAN
Get the best tan possible by shaving before you tan.
The reason for this is that your hair follicles are open when you shave, so if you shave right before applying tan, then the tanning solution can get into the follicle and cause it to clog up with color. The result is a speckled look—not exactly what you're going for.
The best thing to do is wait at least 24 hours between shaving and applying tan. This ensures that your skin has closed back up, so there's no way for any of the solution to get in there and clog anything up!
CAN I WEAR DEODORANT OR PERFUME ON THE DAY OF MY TAN?
As a fake-tanning professional, I've seen my fair share of tanning fails.
Here's the secret: applying fake tan is easy! Just follow these simple tips:
- Make sure you're clean. It's important to wash your skin properly before applying any sort of product. This will ensure that you get an even application and avoid streaks or spots that aren't appropriate for your outfit choices.
- Be prepared! Deodorant and perfume are both no-nos when it comes to getting a good tan. Deodorant will turn green when it touches the tan, and perfume can mess up the development time of your tan by interfering with its chemical structure.
HOW DO I APPLY A FAKE TAN?
What is the best way to apply fake tan?
First, you'll want to make sure that your skin is clean and dry. Then, it's time for the fun part: applying the tan!
(I'm hoping you've taken all the steps in the lead up to the tan to ensure your tan will be flawless!)
You can use a glove or mitt to apply your tan, but I recommend using vinyl, non powdered gloves for the most seamless tan. Start with your legs and work upward, then move on to your arms. We also recommend applying sparingly around elbows, ankles, knees, knuckles, thighs and underarms.
Apply the tan sparingly on elbows, ankles, knees, knuckles, thighs, and around underarms.
GLOVE VS MITT?
I personally beleive a glove is best to apply the tan rather than a mitt as the tan can seep through the mitt and it absorbs a lot of the product. I have found that using a glove allows for more control over where I apply my tan and also prevents any wastage.
BEST WAY TO APPLY A TAN
The easiest way to apply self-tanner is to wear latex free gloves (for lotions), a brush or a tanning mitt for sprays and mousses). This will also prevent orange palms!
Always apply the product in circular motions to create a natural-looking glow and a streak-free tan.
Will the colour of the spray be the same as the final tan?
No, the color of the spray may not necessarily be the same as the final tan. Each person's skin absorbs the tan differently, so the final colour may vary.
What precautions should I take after getting a tan?
Avoid any sort of water, rain, sweat, or washing hands until you shower off the tan. Dropping water on yourself during this time can remove the tan from those areas.
How should I take my first shower after getting a tan?
Avoid using hot water and soap, as they can dry out your skin and prevent the tan from developing. Make sure to rinse off the tan thoroughly to avoid streaks. If streaks appear, increase the water pressure or rub the streaky areas with hands or a touch of soap.
Avoid using soap or moisturiser on your body for 24 hours after the tan, as it will still be developing.
Can I moisturise after the first shower?
No, do not moisturise your body after the first shower, as the tan is still developing. However, you can wear deodorant. You can moisturise and put makeup on your face, but keep in mind that this may cause the tan to fade quicker on your face compared to the rest of your body.
