As the weather changes, so too do the colors in our wardrobe. We begin to sport rich dark hues like emerald, navy and chocolate brown. Something that isn’t getting darker is our winter skin tone.  To maintain that sun-kissed skin, we may look to self-tanners or lotions.

The spooky ghostly glow is bad, but the two-toned tiger streak is worse. Stripes should be reserved for clothing patterns and American flags only. Higher quality lotions and tanners can reduce the likelihood of inconsistent coloring. You may also consider the following application and maintenance tips for self- tanning:

1. Exfoliate. Before you tan, remove dead skin cells by exfoliating to prevent blotching and uneven coloration.

2. Apply. Lotion up and pay special attention to dry areas such as knees, elbows, and heels. Moisturizing these areas will prevent the tanner from saturating these areas and helps to ensure a more consistent tan.

3. Wait. Do not shower, bathe, swim, or sweat at least 6-8 hours after you apply the product. Water will stop the tan from developing.

4. Exfoliate. After you tan, exfoliating away dead skin cells will help the tan fade evenly.

Additional Useful Tips – Grab your hair dryer to speed up the drying time. Application mitts will save your palms from unnatural stains.

Just remember, the streak is weak. If you have any questions about what self-tanner to use or changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.