What It Takes to Stay Young {summer}

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I have decided to share my tips for using fake tanner! I came up with these the other day while actually applying tanning lotion myself so I hope these will help.

{My friends and I on the Fourth of July- can you guess which one I am?}

 

All my life, I've been a very light-skinned girl. Nicknames and various Halloween costumes have always been tethered to "Snow White" because of a fair complexion and super dark brown hair. I have never minded it-although, I prefer fair rather than pale.

 But, in recent years, tanning is very prevalent in teenage girls' life. They go tanning for school dances, they tan for vacation, and they tan to go tan! I say "they" because my tanning experience is very limited. What I do know is the fake tanner.

Bringing it back to the title, I believe this is the best answer to our white, ghostly problems because it's the healthiest. I've not done extensive research on the subject, but I know enough from various accounts and dermatologist warnings. Wear your sunscreen (even when the clouds are out), don't do tanning beds, and spray tans make you look orange. Still, I'd rather be orange and "fake" than sunburn red and wrinkly early on.

On to what you're really looking for…

Preparation:

·         Start the process ahead of time- there's nothing worse than having an awkward smudge or tan line preserved forever in your prom pictures.

·         Take an exfoliating shower- removal of any dead skin will help keep your tan intact

·         Give yourself plenty of time- it's not worth it to rush through

·         Have your tanning lotion, an old towel, and soap and water on hand- and ready to go for when you're done showering

Tips:

·         Rub it in all the way- until you're practically pulling on your skin. It can be a little tiring, but continue rubbing in the lotion of a body section the entire time you're working on it.

·         Divide your body into sections- break it down: legs, torso (stomach, then chest), arms, and face. I find it best to work from the floor up.

·         Don't forget about the little things- think about dividing each major section into a minor one. Crucial areas for smudging and dark spots are: knees, ankles, elbows, armpits, jaw line, toes, wrists*, bikini line, belly button, and even the front of your ears!

·         Always start with less lotion- because you can always get more. Too much at once can take longer to rub in.

Don't forget:

·         Wash your hands- thoroughly and completely. You may even want to do this in between sections and especially before your face to get rid of the lotion build up on your hands.

·         *Blend your wrists- there is a fine line at the wrist of what to wash off and what to let soak in. Try to make the change gradual.

·         Gently pat your face- I do this so that the face tan color is not too intense.

·         Read the instructions- on your tanning lotion for any specific directions that will help improve your tan.

My preferences:

·         Jergens Glow Lightweight Foaming Moisturizer (Fair/Medium)

·         Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Lotion(Fair/Medium)

·         Jergens Natural Glow Face Moisturizer (Fair/Medium)

 

Keep in mind this can take practice! It will be worth it when your tan shows up AND 30 years down the road.