Let’s be honest: “Feel the burn” is more than just a political statement this year. If you’re like me and try to spend as much time in the sun during summer you may find yourself with a few tomato-face instances. I’ve been a tan lover for majority of my life. There’s nothing better than spending a day outdoors and ending it with a golden glow. However, as I’ve gotten older I’ve realized how important it is to take care of your skin. That means trading in the tanning booth for a good sunless tanner. Thankfully sunless options have improved in formula SO much over the past few years. You can now get a glow right in your own bathroom without the fear of hearing the Oompa Loompa song.
Feelin’ pasty?
Invest in a good faux glow. My favorites include the ever-popular St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse (you have to get the mitt!) and the NKD SKN Pre-Shower Tan. Both are super easy to use and require just a little bit of prepping:
1. Make sure to exfoliate from head-to-toe before applying any tanner
2. Focus product on the larger areas of your body (thighs, calves, forearms, etc) and then rub excess into sensitive areas (wrists, elbows, knees). These areas tend to be dry and will absorb more pigment so you want to attack them last with less product
3. Scrub the palms of your hands with an exfoliator after you’ve finished application (I love the St. Tropez scrub – although I’m unsure if they make it anymore). Follow this by rubbing your palms with a makeup wipe to remove the exfoliator. I used to awkwardly try to wash my palms and ended up with weird streaks all over my hands. Trust me on this one!
4. Use a hair dryer to set your tan faster. Instead of standing in your bathroom waiting to dry, aim the nozzle on a low heat setting on your tanned areas to speed up the process
5. Use a baby body wash and oil-free lotion to maintain your tan
Feelin’ burnt?
Unfortunately sunburn happens – even when you don’t expect it to. Earlier this year I spent a day at the beach to find out that my sunscreen was expired. Cue 48 hours wearing a soft bathrobe and wincing at any sudden movement. Thankfully there are a few things you can do to minimize the pain post-sun:
1. Take a cold shower. Not only will this feel refreshing, it also will cool your skin and may help reduce the severity of your burn. Make sure to avoid using soap and let yourself air dry afterwards.
2. Load up on aloe. I tend to keep mine in the fridge for an extra burst of coolness. Secret trick: I use products with rose water to minimize pain. I use a few spritzes of my Glossier Soothing Face Mist on any body areas that are super sensitive and will apply a Lush Rosy Cheeks fresh mask on my face. The combo of these two products minimized my burn overnight.
3. Drinks lots of water. Your skin at this point is uber dehydrated so you want to go beyond the daily recommendation until your skin is healed.
4. Consider taking an anti-inflammatory pill, such as Advil. This will help to reduce swelling and redness. Once started, continue taking for 48 hours.
Do you use any of these tricks to beat a burn? Do you have any other sunless tanners you love? Let me know in the comments below! Now, lets enjoy that Summer glow…
