How to Prevent Sunless Tanner From Pooling in the Pores

Mar 15, 2011 / By Eleanor Jewell

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Photo: Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images

Sunless tanner can make even the palest skin shimmer. So, if you are looking for a bronze glow this year, why not heed the warnings and choose a fake bake over a real one? Oh come on, sunless tanners have come a long way, so bye bye pasty -- hello Bahama Mama! The days of sunless tanner pooling in your pores and looking spotty are over once you know how to prepare your skin beforehand

Shave and exfoliate the day before you apply the sunless tanner -- not the day of. What's the big deal you ask? Well, exfoliation and shaving opens up your pores. Open pores create the perfect environment for sunless tanner to pool, which is exactly what you are trying to dodge, right?

Take a cool shower the next day. Now that you have waited a day and given your pores a chance to close, seal the deal! Cool water will really tighten those suckers up, making pooling of the sunless tanner less likely.

Smooth-on a thin layer of water-based moisturizer immediately after showering. Pat your skin dry and slather on the moisturizer. The moisturizer will create a smooth canvas for the sunless tanner. Rub it in really well!

Apply the sunless tanner exactly how the manufacturer suggests. Whether you spray it, wipe it or smooth it on by hand, a thin, even layer of sunless tanner is always best. Talk about pooling! Thick layers of sunless tanner will not only pool in your pores, it will pool everywhere, leaving behind unflattering orange blotches. So, keep it thin.

1.Water-based moisturizer

Always shave with a sharp razor before you apply sunless tanner. A sharp razor gives a clean shave and doesn't tear-up your skin. Also, you don't need a fancy exfoliating cream to remove dead skin cells. Rubbing a wet washcloth over your skin when you shower does a fine job of polishing the skin.

Don't freak if you notice orange blotches on your skin. Simply dampen a washcloth with warm water and add a dollop of toothpaste. Rub the washcloth over your skin. Viola! Orange blotch gone!

Don't forget to wash your hands if you smooth the sunless tanner on by hand. Wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you are done or you will end up with orange palms and fingers. Eek!