Autumn has officially come, and after spending time in the sun—either domestically or abroad—many of us would like to keep our tans looking good as the days grow shorter and colder. Since many of us are now more aware of the dangers of prolonged sun exposure, we are far less likely to forego sunscreen and shade in favour of a little tan. The self-tan comes in handy here. However, many individuals are put off by the possibility of streaks, orange hands, and uneven application.

The first factor to consider while applying a self-tan is skin type. Since each kind of skin has distinct demands, different application techniques must be considered. Normal to dry skin types are often the most discussed regarding self-tan, since traditional DHAs (one of the key ingredients in any self-tan) have a drying effect on the skin. However, oily skin has its own challenges to take into consideration.

The Ameliorate Guide for Self-Tanning: Oily Skin Edition

Let’s start with normal to dry skin. For an even application, self-tan preparation is crucial. The skin should be as smooth a canvas as possible. The self-tan can work smoothly following these steps.

The first piece of advice for self-tanners is to always shave at least 24 hours beforehand. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your hair follicles have had time to shut, and the product won’t overload your pores. This can lead to the kind of speckled-leg appearance that you probably want to avoid.

The next step is to concentrate on the skin’s surface; the finished product should be smooth and moisturised. Make sure you complete Steps 1 and 2 at least 12 hours before applying your self-tan. If you want to tan in the evening, for instance, do it first thing in the morning.

Step 1: Exfoliate and Cleanse

Start your routine with our Refining Deep Detox Mask and apply to the areas most prone to breakouts and excess oiliness. The mask includes mineral-rich clays which leave the skin feeling deeply detoxed while gentle AHAs and polishing micro particles loosen surface skin cells and debris to decongest pores and clarify the skin.

Then, go in with our Clarifying Clay Body Wash on our Exfoliating Body Mitt in slow circular motions to cleanse the skin and remove any excess oil. The revolutionary fabric weave used to make Ameliorate’s Exfoliating Body Mitt is softer than a synthetic or natural loofah, so will help to sweep away debris without irritation.

Our Clarifying Clay Body Wash will cleanse the skin without leaving the skin feeling dry or tight, while purifying the skin to remove sweat and excess oil.

Step 2: Spray

Our exfoliating Transforming Clarity Body Spray removes dead cells which collect on the skin’s surface, this can trigger congestion, dirt, and bacteria to collect causing the skin to become prone to imperfections, blemishes, and dullness, providing an extra layer of protection against breakouts before you apply any tan.

Open pores can be one of the biggest obstacles to an even application of a self-tanner, so the pore-refining element of this product can be such a bonus to anyone with oily skin. Our Transforming Clarity Body Spray also has a hydrating impact on the skin, leaving skin feeling moisturised without impacting the application of your tan.

Step 4: Application.

When it comes to applying a self-tan, steer clear of oil-based tans and instead look for a fake tan containing natural soothers such as aloe vera and vitamin E which have cleansing properties and are not as heavy on the skin, therefore less likely to congest your skin. Sticking with a spray tan or self-tan mousse over a lotion is also preferable as these have a much lighter consistency, which will again be less likely to clog the pores.