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I haven’t used self-tanners in over a decade, but when JERGENS® invited me to try out their line of products, I jumped at the chance to get the best sunless tan. It’s already shorts weather here in Phoenix and I’m tired of having ultra pale legs. Using sunless tanner seemed like a good way to get a little color without causing any skin damage.

I used to spend way too much time laying out in the sun and I’m starting to see signs of sun damage and aging due to sun exposure. I smartened up about a decade ago, and now I take really good care of my skin. Adding a sunless tanner to my beauty regime is  a smart and sensible way to feel and look my best while still taking care of my skin.

Ladies, if you’re still spending time laying in the sun, you gotta stop. There is no such thing as a healthy tan and there is no benefit to getting a base tan before a beach vacation. Whenever your skin darkens, it means you’re damaging your skin. Yes, we all need a little sun to produce vitamin D, but according to this article, you only need about 10 minutes a day if you’re fair-skinned.

But you don’t have to live your life feeling pale either. Self-tanners have come a long way. They produce a lovely summer-like radiance in days, if you choose a gradual tanner or even minutes! If you use JERGENS® Natural Glow® Instant Sun® Sunless Tanning Mousse,  you can add gorgeous color in less than five minutes like you’ve spent hours on the beach.

If you’re ready to try out sunless tanner, check out my 4 tips to get the best sunless tan.

1. Buy the Right Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have 1) an exfoliator (see next step); 2) sunless tanning/glow mitts (which you can find at any drug or big box store); 3) the correct shade of sunless tanning lotion. If you are fair, choose the lightest shade. If you have medium to olive skin, then you can choose the darker shade. I bought my sunless tanning mouse at Walmart.

2. Exfoliate

Use an in-shower body scrub or exfoliator, like JERGENS® Natural Glow® Color Primer In-Shower Scrub, to prepare your skin for sunless tanner. By exfoliating, you remove dead skin cells to ensure the color looks even and you don’t end up with dark patches. Exfoliating first will give you the most natural-looking color.

3. Apply Moisturizer

Before applying the sunless tanning lotion, first apply a regular moisturizer to the extra dry areas, including your knuckles, knees, ankles and in between your fingers and toes. Adding the moisturizer to these dry areas before the sunless tanning lotion will minimize extra color absorption in those dry areas.

4. Apply Sunless Tanner

To ensure an even coat, apply the sunless tanner just like you would any moisturizer — thoroughly and evenly. Use sparingly on your dry areas, including your knees, knuckles, ankles and in between your fingers and toes. Use about half as much on these dry areas as you would use on the rest of your areas.

For gradual color – If you are using gradual glow moisturizers, you can use daily until you achieve the color you like best. Once you achieve the color you desire, then reapply one to two times a week to maintain that color.

For instant color – If you are using an instant sunless tanner, only apply once. Make sure you apply evenly over the entire area. Use enough of the sunless tanner to cover your entire body (or whichever part you want to tan, like your complete arms or legs), using smooth, long downward strokes for even coverage. If you want more intense and darker color right way, wait five minutes before applying a second coat. Allow the color to set and do not shower for at least 4-8 hours. If possible, avoid getting your skin wet for a full 8 hours for the best results. The instant tanner color will start to fade after 7-10 days, so you can apply another coat at that time.

Stained Hands?

Apply an exfoliator, like the JERGENS® Natural Glow® Color Primer In-Shower scrub to your hands, rub together for a few seconds, and wash off!

I am really happy with my results. My legs and arms were, at least, a shade or two darker than my natural color, which gave me a sunshine glow without any fear of skin damage. I feel way more confident in shorts when my legs have a little color on them, so this was a super easy and effective solution!

If you’ve shied away from using sunless tanners for fear of not getting the right color or streaks, you need to give it a shot! Sunless tanner is a great way to create your own sunshine and give your skin a healthy glow.

Have you struggled with sunless tanners in the past? What was your challenge? Let’s discuss so I can help you find your glow too! Need more information on sunless tanners, click here.