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Oct 20, 2023

How to Use Self

From how they work to how often you should apply, here's everything to know about using self-tanning drops at home Whether at the height of summer or the dreariest days of February, an

From how they work to how often you should apply, here's everything to know about using self-tanning drops at home

Whether at the height of summer or the dreariest days of February, an application-based self-tanner will always be your safest option. Think: lotions, gels, sprays and the like that don't bake you with the dangerous UV rays of tanning beds and — well — the sun itself. But for anyone who has ever tried to apply any of those aforementioned methods, you know that to do so without uneven color or streaking is quite a feat.

In recent years, however, the at-home self-tanning market has received a serious upgrade, with new formulas and application methods that make it much easier to achieve a golden glow yourself. Our favorite innovation of the bunch? Self-tanning drops.

Similar to a face serum, self-tanning drops come in a bottle with a dropper, and can be mixed with a moisturizer or lotion for a gradual, natural-looking tan — no mitts or major drying time required. Below, we turned to the experts to learn exactly how the drops work and how to apply them for the best results possible. Keep reading for more on your new favorite tanning option.

Dr. Rachel Westbay, Board-Certified Dermatologist at Marmur Medical, explains, "Unlike sprays or lotions, self-tanning drops can be added to any lotion or moisturizer and rubbed on the skin effortlessly." But, unlike other tanning lotions that might be ready-made, "They're typically colorless at application and begin working when they react with the amino acids in the skin to form a variety of brown compounds." In short, it's almost as though you're lying out on a beach when, in fact, you're sitting at your kitchen table eating a bowl of cereal.

The beauty of self-tanning drops, adds celebrity spray tanner and Tan-Luxe Global Tanning Expert Alexandra DiMarchi, is that the drops are fully customizable — "the more drops you use, the deeper your glow will be" — and work "seamlessly with your existing skincare and body care routine."

"Self-tanning drops are one of the simplest self-tanning options and that's what gives them their charm," shares Westbay. For the best results, follow these steps:

While some last longer than others, there is no risk of reapplication from a skin safety perspective. DiMarchi shares that "on average, a tan lasts from five to seven days, but the longevity of your tan is determined by your lifestyle and pre/post tanning care." A pro tip for those who love to work out? DiMarchi suggests "tapping the sweat into your skin instead of letting it sit on top to help decrease the breakdown of the DHA in your tanner. It will help increase the longevity of your tan."

Even though the tan itself will deepen as it seeps in, you might want to build the color over a week or so. Westbay shares, "You can apply self-tanning drops as often as preferred. Depending on the level of tan you wish to accomplish, you can reapply these drops as often as daily."

If you want to deepen your glow in a single fell swoop, however, DiMarchi has a cheat sheet of color: