Avoid Overtanning With These Top Seven Tips

The time has arrived for you to shed you layers of winter clothes and reveal your beautiful bare skin. I know what you're thinking yes I may look a little pale, but I'm just going to slap on some fake tan and I'll look as good as new again. But we're here to tell you to STOP!! STOP!! STOP!! Don't apply any tanning lotion or spray tan until you read this first....!!

Applying sunless tan to poorly prepared skin is like applying lipstick to dry, cracked lips... And we know that is just not a pretty sight to see. So make note of these tips as these can make the difference between looking like a bronzed babe or a pealing lizard.

1. Wax or shave before applying your sunless tan: Waxing or shaving your legs is a very good way of removing your dry skin cells. Also, by doing this before you apply your sunless tan you won't have to worry about this for the next few weeks and you can rest assured that your sunless tan will look even and vibrant. Sadly, if you decide to wax or shave your legs after you've applied your tanning lotion or spray tan - we guarantee your tan will be removed at the same time, leaving your skin looking very dry and patchy - Not a good look. Don't risk it, step 1: Wax & Shave.

2. Exfoliate, exfoliate, and exfoliate: Using a gentle exfoliates, concentrate on exfoliating all of your skin from head to toe. Mix the exfoliate with a little water and apply onto your skin in a circular motion. This removes dirt and dry skin, leaving your skin looking clean and clear. As your tanning lotion and spray tan will be applied on your face, arms, hands, chest, legs and feet make sure you exfoliate each area carefully. Depending on how dry your skin is, you may need to repeat this exfoliation process over 2-3 days or until your skin has returned to its normal condition. Step 2: Remove dry skin cells and cleanse your skin - Exfoliate.

3. Balance pH: During the exfoliation phase, don't use any harsh scrubs/ soaps that will strip your skin of its natural pH balance. The best way to have that perfect tan, is for your skin to look and feel great before you even apply your sunless tan. Step 3: Make sure you select an exfoliate which will balance your pH, not strip it dry.

4. Moisturize: Now this process may vary from person to person; If your skin is already perfectly hydrated and conditioned, then you could eliminate this step and go straight on to applying your tanning lotion or spray tan... however if you've just come out of the winter, you may need a few days of exfoliation and deep hydrating moisturizing for your skin to gain its natural radiance once again. Step 4: Give your skin back its hydration - Moisturize

OK.... So up to this point, we've simply been preparing your skin, this process could have taken you one day or one week... It doesn't really matter how long it took, it only matters that now your skin is in tip top condition and ready for your tanning lotion or spray tan. Remember the better condition your skin is before you apply your sunless tan, the better your skin will look once it is bronze.