Ever dreamed of a flawless, sun-kissed glow without the sun’s harsh rays? You’ve probably tried fake tan, only to end up with patchy streaks or an uneven color. It’s frustrating, right? Choosing the right exfoliator before you apply fake tan can feel like a maze. Too harsh and you irritate your skin; too gentle and you leave behind rough patches that grab the tan unevenly.
But don’t worry, we’ve all been there! Getting that perfect, streak-free tan starts with a crucial step: exfoliation. It’s the secret weapon for a smooth canvas. This post is here to guide you through the confusing world of exfoliators. You’ll learn exactly what to look for and why it matters so much for your fake tan results.
By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident picking the best exfoliator for your skin. Say goodbye to tan fails and hello to a beautiful, even glow that lasts. Let’s dive in and uncover the secrets to a perfect pre-tan prep!
Our Top 5 Exfoliator Before Fake Tan Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Exfoliator Before Fake Tan Detailed Reviews
1. Bronze Tan Self Tanner Remover & Skin Exfoliating Glove For Sunless Tanning Best Self Tan Remover Glove for Easy and Painless Sunless Tan Removal Try it with Our Self Tan Removal Mousse!
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready for your best sunless tan ever with the Bronze Tan Self Tanner Remover & Skin Exfoliating Glove! This amazing glove is your secret weapon for achieving a flawless, streak-free glow. It’s also a fantastic tool for refreshing your skin in general.
What We Like:
- This glove is a favorite among tanning professionals for its high quality. It removes dead skin and old self-tan like a pro.
- It’s perfect for getting your skin ready before you apply self-tanner. This ensures your tan looks even and has no streaks.
- It doesn’t just work for self-tanner removal. You can use it to fight blackheads, clear out pores, and help with acne.
- Use it in the shower before you tan to remove dead skin. This makes sure your self-tanning mousse, lotion, or cream goes on smoothly.
- This glove is built to last. It’s reusable, easy to wash, and keeps its exfoliating power. It’s a great addition to your regular tanning routine.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s designed for removing self-tanner, so its main focus is on that specific task.
This glove is an essential tool for anyone who loves sunless tanning or wants to improve their skin’s texture. It helps you achieve a beautiful, even tan every time.
2. Pro Tan
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready for your best sunless tan ever with Pro Tan’s Get Buffed, Pre-Tan Body Scrub! This 8 oz. scrub is like a secret weapon for your skin. It’s made with natural things like plants and vitamins. Its main job is to get your skin super ready for self-tanner. It also helps balance your skin’s pH, which is important for a good tan.
What We Like:
- Made with natural exfoliators, plant extracts, and vitamins.
- Helps your sunless tan look deeper, darker, and last longer.
- Gently softens your skin’s texture, making it feel fresh and clean.
- Smells amazing with a fresh blend of Tropical Mangos and Papaya.
- Leaves your skin feeling soft and smelling great.
What Could Be Improved:
- The packaging could have more information about the natural ingredients.
- It might be too gentle for people who prefer a very rough scrub.
This scrub is a fantastic way to prepare your skin for a flawless sunless tan. It makes your tan look better and last longer, all while leaving your skin feeling soft and smelling wonderful.
3. St Moriz Pre-Tan Skin Primer for Self Tanner- Exfoliating Fake Tan Primer – Preps & Primes Skin for Long-Lasting – Deep Cleansing Foaming Exfoliator for Self Tan (6.76 fl oz)
Rating: 9.1/10
Want a perfect, streak-free tan that lasts? The St. Moriz Pre-Tan Skin Primer is your new best friend for self-tanning. This foaming exfoliator cleans your skin deeply. It gets rid of old tan and dead skin cells. This makes your skin smooth and ready for a new, beautiful glow. It’s like getting your skin ready for a masterpiece painting. You’ll love how your self-tan looks and feels.
What We Like:
- Helps your self-tan last longer for an even, flawless look.
- Creates the perfect base for a natural, glowing, streak-free tan.
- It’s dermatologically tested and approved.
- The primer is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
- It’s free from parabens and sulfates, making it clean beauty.
- Easy to apply in the shower 24-48 hours before tanning.
- Helps your tan fade evenly when used again after 3-4 days.
- Great for removing old tan from dry areas like elbows and knees.
- St. Moriz is a top-selling self-tan brand in the UK.
What Could Be Improved:
- The scent might not be for everyone.
- It’s a bit messy to rinse off completely in the shower.
This St. Moriz primer is a game-changer for anyone who loves self-tanning. It truly helps you achieve that professional, gorgeous glow.
4. GLMR Works Tan Eraser Spray and Self Tan Remover Exfoliating Mitt
Rating: 8.6/10
Say goodbye to stubborn fake tan streaks and hello to smooth, flawless skin with the GLMR Works Tan Eraser Spray and Self Tan Remover Exfoliating Mitt. This isn’t just any mitt; it’s the original tan remover that salon professionals have trusted since 2014. It makes removing self-tan a breeze and is also your secret weapon for preparing your skin before your next tan application.
What We Like:
- It’s the original tan eraser, recommended by salons since 2014.
- Easily removes any sunless tanner, making your skin smooth.
- It works with all self-tan and professional spray tanning products.
- The mitt has two sides: pink for gentle exfoliation and black for tougher spots like elbows and ankles.
- You don’t need any other products to use it; water is all you need!
- It’s reusable and usually lasts about a year with regular use.
- You can easily wash it with hand soap after each use or pop it in the washing machine at 40°C.
What Could Be Improved:
- While reusable, it will eventually need to be replaced after about a year.
This mitt is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves a good fake tan. It simplifies the removal process and helps you achieve a perfect canvas for your next application.
5. Norvell Pre Sunless Tan Body Buff eXmitt – Exfoliate
Rating: 8.9/10
Achieve a flawless sunless tan with the Norvell Pre Sunless Tan Body Buff eXmitt. This handy, single-use mitt is your secret weapon for smooth, glowing skin. It’s designed to get your skin ready for self-tanner, making sure you get the best color possible. Plus, it helps fight that dreaded self-tanner smell!
What We Like:
- It’s super hydrating, with gentle cleansers and moisturizers that prep your skin perfectly for sunless tanning.
- It exfoliates your whole body, removing dead skin cells and adding moisture. You can use it anytime, not just before tanning.
- It’s really easy to use! No messy scrubs or beads. You just buff your skin dry, and you don’t need to rinse, which is great.
- It has ingredients that fight the odor often linked with self-tanners, so you smell fresh.
- The formula is the same great Norvell you love, just in cool new packaging. Norvell has 40 years of experience and is known for natural-looking tans.
What Could Be Improved:
- Since it’s a single-use mitt, you’ll need to buy new ones each time you want to exfoliate.
- While it helps with the DHA odor, some users might still detect a slight scent depending on their personal sensitivity.
The Norvell eXmitt is a simple yet effective way to improve your sunless tanning routine. It’s a great tool for getting that perfect, even tan.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Key to a Flawless Fake Tan
So, you want that gorgeous, sun-kissed glow without the sun damage? Fake tan is your friend! But to get the best results, you need to prep your skin. That’s where an exfoliator comes in. Using the right one before your fake tan makes all the difference. This guide will help you pick the perfect exfoliator.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing an exfoliator for fake tan prep, keep these things in mind:
- Gentle Yet Effective: You want to slough off dead skin cells, but not irritate your skin. A good exfoliator will leave your skin feeling smooth, not red or raw.
- Fine Grit: The size of the exfoliating particles matters. Look for fine grains that can reach all the nooks and crannies of your skin. Avoid anything too coarse.
- Moisturizing Ingredients: Some exfoliators can dry out your skin. Bonus points if your exfoliator has ingredients like shea butter or oils that add moisture back.
- Easy to Rinse: You don’t want to spend ages trying to get all the scrub off. A good formula rinses away cleanly.
Important Materials
Exfoliators use different things to scrub your skin. These are called exfoliants.
- Natural Exfoliants: These come from nature.
- Sugar: Sugar scrubs are popular. They are gentle and dissolve as you use them.
- Salt: Salt scrubs can be a bit more intense. They are good for rougher areas like elbows and knees.
- Oatmeal: Ground oatmeal is very gentle. It’s good for sensitive skin.
- Coffee Grounds: Coffee scrubs can invigorate your skin and have a pleasant smell.
- Chemical Exfoliants: These use acids to break down dead skin.
- AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids): Like glycolic acid or lactic acid. They are good for surface exfoliation.
- BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids): Like salicylic acid. They can get deeper into pores.
For fake tan prep, physical exfoliants (the ones with little bits in them) are usually the easiest to use and understand.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes an exfoliator great or not so great?
- Improves Quality:
- Even Distribution of Exfoliants: The little scrubbing bits should be spread out evenly, not clumped together.
- Pleasant Scent (Optional): A nice smell can make the experience more enjoyable.
- Skin-Nourishing Additives: Ingredients like vitamin E or aloe vera can boost your skin’s health.
- Reduces Quality:
- Harsh Scrubs: Big, jagged particles can scratch your skin.
- Drying Ingredients: Alcohol or strong soaps can strip your skin of its natural oils.
- Artificial Fragrances and Dyes: These can irritate sensitive skin.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do people use these exfoliators, and what’s it like?
- Before Fake Tan: This is the main event! You’ll use it in the shower, usually right before you apply your fake tan. It helps the tan go on smoothly and prevents patchy color.
- For Smoother Skin: Even if you’re not faking a tan, exfoliating makes your skin feel super soft and look brighter.
- Targeting Rough Spots: Areas like elbows, knees, and ankles can get dry and rough. A good scrub here helps your fake tan blend in better.
- Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, opt for gentler exfoliants like sugar or oatmeal. Always do a patch test first!
Using an exfoliator before your fake tan is a simple step that makes a big difference. Your tan will look more natural, last longer, and be free of those annoying streaks.
Frequently Asked Questions: Exfoliator Before Fake Tan
Q: Why do I need to exfoliate before fake tanning?
A: You need to exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. This helps your fake tan go on evenly and prevents it from looking patchy or streaky. It also helps the tan last longer.
Q: How often should I exfoliate before fake tanning?
A: You should exfoliate the day before or the morning of your fake tan application. Don’t exfoliate too often, as this can irritate your skin.
Q: Can I use any kind of exfoliator?
A: It’s best to use a gentle physical exfoliator with fine grains. Avoid very harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliators that might be too strong for your skin right before tanning.
Q: What are the best ingredients to look for in an exfoliator for fake tan prep?
A: Look for natural exfoliants like sugar, fine salt, ground oatmeal, or coffee grounds. Ingredients like shea butter or vitamin E are also good because they moisturize.
Q: What ingredients should I avoid?
A: Avoid exfoliators with large, jagged particles, or those containing harsh chemicals like alcohol. Strong artificial fragrances and dyes can also irritate some skin types.
Q: How do I apply the exfoliator?
A: In the shower, wet your skin. Apply the exfoliator and gently rub it in circular motions all over your body. Pay extra attention to rough areas like elbows and knees.
Q: Should I moisturize after exfoliating?
A: Yes, it’s a good idea to moisturize your skin after exfoliating, especially if your exfoliator doesn’t contain moisturizing ingredients. This keeps your skin hydrated before you apply your fake tan.
Q: Can I use a body brush or mitt instead of a scrub?
A: Yes, a gentle body brush or exfoliating mitt can also be effective for removing dead skin cells. Make sure they are not too rough.
Q: What if I have sensitive skin?
A: If you have sensitive skin, choose the gentlest exfoliator you can find, like one made with finely ground oatmeal or sugar. Always do a small patch test on your arm first to see how your skin reacts.
Q: How long before my fake tan should I rinse off the exfoliator?
A: Rinse the exfoliator off thoroughly with lukewarm water. Make sure no residue is left on your skin before you pat it dry and apply your fake tan.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gareth Lewis, and I’m the voice behind CampingGuider.com.. I created this space to share my passion for camping and the great outdoors. With years of experience and countless adventures under my belt, I aim to inspire and guide fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a curious beginner, my goal is to provide you with practical tips, honest reviews, and insights to help you make the most out of your outdoor escapades. Join me on this journey, and let’s explore the beauty of nature together!