Self-tanning lotion works through a reaction in the outermost layer of your skin — it doesn't stimulate melanin the way sun exposure does. The key ingredient is Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a colourless sugar.

Once applied, DHA begins reacting with the surface skin cells. Colour starts developing within about 2–6 hours and usually reaches its full depth in 12–24 hours. As dead skin cells naturally shed, the tan fades gradually over 3–10 days.

DHA-based self-tanners are for external use only and don't expose skin to UV radiation.

Yes. Exfoliating first removes flaky, dead skin so the tan develops more evenly and fades more smoothly.

1. Exfoliate 12–24 hours beforehand, especially elbows, knees, ankles and wrists.
2. Shower and rinse thoroughly afterwards.
3. Skip heavy oils or lotions immediately before tanning — they create a barrier.
4. Make sure skin is completely dry before you apply.
5. Use a small amount of moisturiser on very dry areas like elbows, knees, hands and feet so they don't grab too much colour.
6. Apply evenly, ideally with a tanning mitt.

Avoid aggressively scrubbing or shaving right before you apply — it can irritate the skin, sting, and make the application uneven.

No. Self-tanning lotion does not protect your skin from the sun.

The colour produced by DHA is a cosmetic change in the outermost skin cells only. It doesn't provide meaningful protection against UV radiation.

If you're heading outdoors, wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen — even over a self-tan.

The trick is smooth, dry, evenly moisturised skin before you start.

Before you apply: Exfoliate the day before rather than immediately beforehand, focusing on knees, elbows, ankles, wrists and any flaky areas. Shave at least several hours ahead, ideally the day before. On tanning day, shower and make sure skin is completely dry. Skip oils and heavy lotions.

As you apply: Use a tanning mitt rather than bare hands. Work in sections — legs, stomach, arms — using long sweeping motions, then lightly buff in circles to blend. Go lighter on naturally dry areas: knees, elbows, ankles, hands and feet. Around wrists, ankles and the hairline, use whatever is left on the mitt rather than adding more product. On knuckles, ankles and toes, buff with a body brush so colour doesn't settle in the creases. Don't forget the sides of your body and the backs of your arms.

While it develops: Follow the recommended development time. Avoid water, sweating, tight clothing and light-coloured fabrics. When you do shower, use lukewarm water and don't scrub.

For your face, use a dedicated facial tanning product or glow drops rather than a strong body tanner. And keep skin moisturised between applications — dry skin absorbs more DHA, which is usually what causes patchiness on the way in and on the way out.

A gradual tanning lotion. It gives you far more control over the final colour than an instant or deep self-tanner, and it's much more forgiving.

Because you build the colour slowly, streaks and patches are less obvious and you decide how deep to go — one application gives a subtle glow, repeat applications build depth. Most gradual tanners are formulated more like a body lotion, so skin feels soft as the colour develops. The result tends to look more natural, because you're never jumping to an abrupt or overly dark finish.

Apply it much like a normal moisturiser, but still use a mitt — colour builds on your palms over time. Wash your hands afterwards either way. Once you've reached a shade you like, reapply every few days to maintain it.

The trade-off is patience. If you want to look noticeably tanned tonight, a gradual lotion isn't the right choice. If your worry is streaks and patchiness, it's one of the easiest ways to start.