Tips for self-tanning

Men's Fitness, April, 2003 by Mike Carlson, Allan Donnelly, Ben Kallen, Bobby Lee, Dennis Nishi, Jim Shiebler, Mark Thorpe, Tom Weede

* Exfoliate your entire body, including your face, before applying tanning lotion. Use body and face exfoliators to remove dead skin.

* Moisturize your body thoroughly, Dry skin tends to create streaks.

* Use gloves when applying lotion. If you get any solution on your fingernails or toenails, use alcohol to keep your cuticles from turning orange.

* For faster results, consider using a bronzer. Bronzers are cosmetic and provide an instant color change to the surface of your skin, albeit a temporary one.

* Test a small amount on an inconspicuous area like your hip. Self-tanners react differently on each person. You may have to try a variety of products before finding the right match for your skin.

* Apply using thin layers and even strokes with your hands.

* Pay attention to how people tan naturally. You don't want to be uniformly brown. Underarms are always lighter than forearms, for example.

* Apply liberally to knees and elbows. These areas absorb more of the solution than other parts of the body.

* Get a friend to help with your back.

* Reapply every few days to maintain your tan.

* Wait until the solution dries completely before getting dressed. Some lotions take as long as 30 minutes.