Hi everyone!:wave:
I haven't used a sunless tanner in quite a few years and have a question. The ones that I used to use would always look so terrible as they were wearing off if I didn't want to keep up with it. It would end up this terrbible blotchy mess of color and would look like I had some type of skin problem. Do self tanners still look like this when you allow them to fade away? I know there are also the moisturizers that allow you to gradually build up the color, but I really would like to use a regular self tanner as long as this problem isn't going to occur.

Suggestions on the best brands and why you like them would be great too!

Thanks!:cool:

I have actually never had my self tanner fade away all blotchy.. but it happens to some people. I don't like the tinted kinds.. some of the lotions are okay but the foams and sprays tend to come out uneven on me.. plus they stain my clothes! My favorite is Neutrogena Micromist; it's an airbrush kind.

I think the best bet is to get something more medium colored to avoid the blotchiness. Nothing TOO dark.. plus you can always put several coats of the lighter stuff and make it darker. There are lot of good self tanners out there.. but they all work differently for different people. The one I use doesn't come out very dark on me, but on others they said it was a LOT of color, so who knows.

I'd also recommend showering and shaving and moisturizing FIRST.. then applying the self tanner at night before bedtime.. then if there is any smell or anything you can do a quick rinse off shower. I've found this to work best for me! I also smell them in the store to try to find the ones that won't stink me up! Let us know if you find any other good ones :).

Thanks for all the tips!!! I'll give the one you mentioned a try

I've tried a bunch of different self-tanners- Banana Boat, Neutrogena Micromist, Jergens, just to name a few- and all of them faded away horribly. I used Neutrogena last (a few days ago), it's coming off now in splotches. I do think it looks like a skin disease mainly because it's orange and it all over my chest and back.
The only good thing is that if you try really hard and use a good scrub/sponge (or whatever you shower with), you can pretty much scrub all of it off.
Good luck!

MoonlightO - this is exactly what I was talking about! It looks disgusting! Atleast we know we're not alone
Thanks

I have been using Jergen's Natural Glow (medium and dark) since June. I haven't had any fading yet. I do effoliate with every shower and re-apply it. I have a very nice dark tan. Not orange at all. Neutrogena made me orange and I threw that one away. Reminded me of QT from years ago. If you want a permanant tan, you can only get that the old sunbathing way. There isn't a product out there yet that stays on longer. You just have to keep using the product to keep the tan.

Thanks for the input MommaBee! I like the moisturizers with the little bit of self tanner, but they seems to sting my legs a little (especially if I apply it right after I get out of the shower and have shaved.) No going in the sun for me - swore off it years ago! Just wish I could find a self tanner that when I did decide I didn't want to use it any more for whatever reasons it would fade away more gradually and evenly and not make me look like a lepper.

That is what I really love about Jergen's. It goes on like lotion and gradually changes. I used it last year when it first came out and couldn't wait to use it again. Faded very naturally. I only cost's around $6. So if you don't like it, you aren't spending a fortune!
Happy tanning!

Many fading issues are caused by products other than the tanner itself. Lotions, body washes, anything you apply to your skin over the tan can affect how fast it fades and how nicely it fades. For example, mineral oil will cause awful fading on many people (hint - if your tan has gone bad try applying baby oil all over, let soak in for about an hour, and then soak in the tub for a while. Use a washcloth and many times most of the tan will come off). So if your lotions contain mineral oil that could be part of the problem. Lotions that have a "special purpose" such as anti-cellulite, anti-wrinkle, anti-acne, hair minimizing, etc., can also affect fading. Making sure your skin is well moisturized is also important for even fading, and mild exfoliation each day helps with fading as well.

Many fading issues are caused by products other than the tanner itself. Lotions, body washes, anything you apply to your skin over the tan can affect how fast it fades and how nicely it fades. For example, mineral oil will cause awful fading on many people (hint - if your tan has gone bad try applying baby oil all over, let soak in for about an hour, and then soak in the tub for a while. Use a washcloth and many times most of the tan will come off). So if your lotions contain mineral oil that could be part of the problem. Lotions that have a "special purpose" such as anti-cellulite, anti-wrinkle, anti-acne, hair minimizing, etc., can also affect fading. Making sure your skin is well moisturized is also important for even fading, and mild exfoliation each day helps with fading as well.

I definitely agree!! I have never had any problems with uneven fading with ANY self tanners but it seems like it happens to a lot of people. I have only had self tanners that come out uneven at FIRST. I use pretty gentle body washes, shave before applying the self tanner (or then my legs WILL get lighter, but not splotchy), and I never scrub at my skin. I put on lotion after I shower and try to keep my skin well moisturized.. and my tan always fades evenly.. so I'd imagine it all depends on your skin and your skincare!!

Yep, preparation before applying the product is applied and maintenance afterwards are the key to a good sunless tan.

Thanks for the help ladies! But I do all the things that you mentioned. I use gentle body washes, don't use a scrub (but make sure to before I apply the self tanner) and moisturize daily with a non harsh lotion.

Guess self tanning is just not for me. But I really do appreciate all the helpful info

Same goes for me. I never scrub my skin after applying self-tanners. My body washes are very gentle anyway... I use them lightly when I have a self-tanner on, and I don't even use lotions since my skin stays nice and soft because of the self-tanner... yet I always fade horribly.

It just not for everyone I suppose... but Banana Boat definitely makes my skin look and feel sooooo much better. I'm gonna keep using it anyway.