Self-tanning products are a great alternative to natural tanning. With self-tanning, you avoid harmful UV rays that damage your skin and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. You can tan any time of year. The process is often less expensive than salon tanning, and you can do it in the comfort of your own home. Self-tans can look 100% natural if you do them correctly, but one of the most common questions asked about self-tanning is, why does my self-tanner always look darkest on my hands and feet? Understanding the answer to this question Will help you prevent this common tanning mishap. Nothing is worse than thinking you’ve perfectly applied your self-tanner only to wake up the next morning with hands and feet that look five times darker than the rest of your body. Talk about a major tan fail! But why does this happen in the first place?

Darker than desired color on the hands and feet after self-tanning can be due to several factors, including skin thickness, skin type, the application process, the type of tanning product you use, and your skin maintenance routine.

Skin thickness

Skin thickness plays a significant role in determining how dark a self-tanner will appear. For example, the skin on the hands and feet is much thicker than on other parts of the body. As a result, the color may appear darker or more intense in these areas.

Skin type

Skin type can also impact the appearance of self-tanner. For example, if you have dry skin, it may absorb the product more readily, resulting in a darker appearance. Conversely, the product may absorb less well and appear lighter if you have oily skin. This is why using a good quality moisturizer daily is an essential part of your self-tanning routine.

Application process

The application process is another crucial factor in determining the results of a self-tanning product. If the product is not applied evenly, it can result in patchy or darker areas, particularly on the hands and feet.

There are a couple of ways to prevent this. First, ensure to use only a little self-tanning product at a time. Self-tanner can only absorb into the top layer of your skin in small amounts. Using too much at one time can result in an uneven streaky appearance. Second, use a tanning mitt to apply the product in a thin, even layer. This helps with the application process and protects your hands from over-absorbing the tanner. Additionally, and especially if you don't use a tanning mitt, washing your hands thoroughly after each application is essential to avoid staining or over-applying in certain areas.

Type of tanning product you use

The type of self-tanning product you use can also affect how dark it appears on your hands and feet. Tanners with too much DHA, the active ingredient in self-tanner responsible for turning your skin a darker shade, are more likely to result in an orange appearance. These poorly formulated self-tanners easily cling to thick, dry areas of skin, such as your hands and feet. That is why investing in a quality self-tanner with trusted ingredients is so important.

At Glow by Skalla, we make our Flawless Finish Bronzing Mousse, and our Flawless Finish Bronzing Drops with wholesome ingredients that nourish your skin. Our self-tanners are formulated with violet undertones to combat orange hues. We spent years developing a formula with the perfect balance of DHA to complement any skin tone. With Glow by Skalla self-tanners, you don’t have to worry about unnatural-looking dark hands and feet. Just follow our guide on the best way to apply self-tanner, and your skin will have a gorgeous bronze glow in no time!

Your skin maintenance routine

Proper skin maintenance is a vital part of any successful self-tanning routine. Without daily exfoliation and the use of moisturizer, your self-tan can begin looking scaly and uneven, especially on areas with thick skin, such as your hands and feet.

To avoid this appearance, it's important to exfoliate your hands and feet before each application. This will help to remove dead skin cells, making it easier for the self-tanning agent to penetrate and produce a more even color. It also means your skin will shed at a more consistent rate, preventing patchiness.

Daily moisturizing is also extremely important, especially on your hands and feet. Be sure to moisturize your hands and feet after each application of self-tanner. This will help to keep the skin hydrated, reducing the risk of fading and patchiness. It's also recommended to avoid using harsh soaps on the hands and feet, as this can further dry out the skin and impact the final results of the self-tanner.

Now that you know several things that make your self-tanner appear darker on your hands and feet, you’re ready to begin self-tanning like a pro! But remember, after applying your first layer of self-tanner, it's essential to be patient and allow the self-tanner to develop fully before evaluating the results. Many self-tanners take several hours or even a whole day to develop fully, so it's best to avoid showering or bathing until the product has had time to set. We recommend waiting at least eight hours before showering after applying Glow by Skalla products. Then once the self-tanner has fully developed, you can assess whether you need to repeat the application the next day or enjoy your tan as is.

In conclusion, the darker appearance of self-tanner on the hands and feet can be affected by several factors, including skin thickness, skin type, the application process, the type of tanning product you use, and your skin maintenance routine. To achieve the best results, it's essential to exfoliate and moisturize regularly, avoid over-applying, and be patient as the self-tanner develops. By following these tips and tricks, you can achieve an alluring tan that will leave you looking as if you’ve just spent a week relaxing on the beach!