How to Apply Self-Tanner Evenly (and Fix Streaks and Orange Palms)

To apply self-tanner evenly, exfoliate first, make sure your skin is dry, then work in sections and wash your hands with soap and water after each one. Those are the American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) core steps, and the handwashing step is also how you avoid orange palms. Below: prep, the steps, fixes for streaks, how long color lasts and the FDA’s safety notes on DHA, the usual active ingredient.

How does self-tanner work?

The FDA says a common ingredient in sunless tanners is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a color additive that darkens skin by reacting with amino acids in the skin’s surface. Mayo Clinic and the Skin Cancer Foundation explain that the reaction happens in the outermost layer of dead skin cells. That layer sheds, so the color is temporary.

Bronzers are different: the FDA describes tinted moisturizers and brush-on powders that give a temporary tan look, like makeup, and wash off. Neither one replaces sunscreen. The AAD says a self-tanner can’t protect your skin from the sun, and Mayo Clinic notes that most sunless tanners contain no sunscreen.

How to prep your skin before self-tanner

Good prep helps prevent streaks. The Skin Cancer Foundation explains that rough, thick, dry skin on elbows, knees, ankles and wrists binds more product and turns darker or more orange-brown than the skin around it.

• Exfoliate. The AAD suggests a washcloth or an exfoliating product, with extra time on elbows, knees and ankles. Be gentle: small circles for about 30 seconds, a lukewarm rinse, and never on open cuts, wounds or sunburn. With a darker skin tone, avoid strong chemical or mechanical exfoliation, which the AAD says can lead to dark spots.
• Shave ahead of time. As an example of package directions to follow, the Skin Cancer Foundation’s tip sheet says to wait at least 12 hours after shaving, to avoid dark spots in hair follicles. Check your product’s directions.
• Dry off. The AAD says dry skin helps self-tanner go on evenly. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests letting skin dry for at least 15 minutes after exfoliating.
• Moisturizer: sources differ. The Skin Cancer Foundation’s tip sheet says to follow exfoliation with a moisturizer so the tanner absorbs evenly. The AAD’s steps use lotion only as a thin layer over the tanner on knees, ankles and elbows. When in doubt, follow your product’s directions.
• Test it if your skin is sensitive. The AAD’s advice for any new skin care product is to try it on a quarter-sized spot, such as the bend of your elbow, twice a day for 7–10 days. Cleveland Clinic notes that spray tan products may contain irritating fragrances, and the Skin Cancer Foundation’s tip sheet says not to use self-tanner on active eczema.

How to apply self-tanner evenly, step by step

These steps come from the AAD unless noted.

1. Work in sections: arms, then legs, then torso. Massage the tanner in with circular motions, in a layer as thin and even as you can make it (Skin Cancer Foundation).
2. Wash your hands with soap and water after each section. This is how the AAD says to avoid orange palms.
3. Blend at the wrists and ankles. Lightly extend the tanner from your wrists onto your hands and from your ankles onto your feet.
4. Dilute on knees, ankles and elbows, which absorb more tanner. Rub lightly with a damp towel, or smooth a thin layer of lotion over the tanner.
5. Keep it out of the eye area and off your lips. The FDA doesn’t permit DHA on the lips or in the eye area, which it defines to include the eyebrows, eyelids and lashes and the skin inside the bony eye socket.
6. Let it dry before you dress: at least 10 minutes, says the AAD, or about 15, says the Skin Cancer Foundation. For the next 3 hours, wear loose clothing and try not to sweat (AAD).

Using a spray? Keep the mist away from your eyes, nose and mouth, and don’t breathe it in (FDA, Cleveland Clinic).

How to fix self-tanner streaks and orange palms

Prevention is easier than repair. If you already have streaks, dark patches or orange palms:

• Give it time. The color sits in dead surface cells. Cleveland Clinic says skin replaces its outer cells about weekly, and the tan goes with them.
• Exfoliate gently. Exfoliation removes dead cells from the outer layer of skin (AAD), the same layer that holds the color. Use the AAD’s gentle method and don’t overdo it: over-exfoliating can leave skin red and irritated. Moisturize afterward, since exfoliating can dry skin (AAD).
• Skip lemon juice and other kitchen hacks. We found no medical source that recommends them. The AAD notes that lemon or lime juice on skin, followed by sunlight, can cause a painful rash with large blisters.
• Stop if your skin reacts. For redness, itching or swelling, the AAD says to gently wash the product off and not use it again, and to see a dermatologist if the reaction is severe. You can also report a reaction to the FDA.

How long does self-tanner last?

Days, not weeks, and the numbers vary by source and by product.

To keep your color even, the Skin Cancer Foundation’s general guide is to reapply daily for two to three days until you reach the shade you want, then about three times a week. Cleveland Clinic notes that the more DHA you apply, the darker the color. Start each new application with the AAD’s first step: exfoliate.

Is self-tanner safe? Face, spray tans and sunscreen

The AAD says a self-tanner lets you look tan without raising your risk of early wrinkles, leathery skin and skin cancer. The FDA approves DHA for external use, which is how store-bought creams and lotions are meant to be used, and says it’s easy to keep them away from the eye area and mucous membranes and not inhale them.

Spray tan booths. The FDA has not approved DHA for all-over spraying or misting, because no safety data has been submitted to support that use, and a booth makes it hard to avoid exposing the eye area, lips and mucous membranes, or even the inside of the body. It suggests asking whether you’ll be protected in those areas and from inhaling or swallowing the spray, and asking for that protection if not.

Sources differ on how risky inhaling DHA is. Cleveland Clinic calls it toxic when inhaled and recommends creams as the best option. The Skin Cancer Foundation says there’s no evidence yet of toxicity at current concentrations, but still suggests protecting your eyes, nose and mouth while being sprayed. During pregnancy, a Cleveland Clinic dermatologist suggests a lotion or cream instead of a spray tan.

Products used only by professionals, such as spray tan solutions, don’t have to list ingredients the way retail cosmetics do (FDA). If you have allergies, ask to see the label.

Sunscreen. Use it every day with self-tanner. The FDA says only tanners with sunscreen ingredients and an SPF on the label may give any protection, and the Skin Cancer Foundation says to wear a separate sunscreen even then. The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher; a Cleveland Clinic dermatologist suggests applying it 15 minutes before you go outdoors and reapplying at least every two hours. If you use AHA exfoliants, the FDA advises sun protection, because AHAs can make skin more sensitive to the sun.

At OBB

• Body Drench Quick Tan Instant Self Tanner Bronzing Spray, Medium/Dark: Body Drench says it gives an instant bronze tint and that its DHA develops deeper color over 8 hours. Follow the product’s directions, and keep the spray away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Hempz Rosé All Day Shimmer Body Moisturizer: a shimmer body moisturizer, if you want a lotion for the prep and dilution steps above.
• Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser: a face cleanser. If you use AHA products, the FDA advises sun protection.

Call or text (949) 591-5304 with your list and we will confirm stock and pricing, then pick up at our Westminster store.

Related reading: how to get hair dye off skin and the 48-hour hair dye patch test.

FAQ

How do I get self-tanner off my palms?

Prevent it by washing your hands with soap and water after each section (AAD). If your palms are already stained, the color fades as the outer layer of skin sheds, and gentle exfoliation removes dead surface cells, where the color sits.

How long should I wait to get dressed after self-tanner?

At least 10 minutes, per the AAD, or about 15, per the Skin Cancer Foundation. Then wear loose clothing and try not to sweat for 3 hours (AAD).

Does self-tanner with SPF protect me from the sun?

Only a product with sunscreen ingredients and an SPF on the label may protect you (FDA). The Skin Cancer Foundation says to wear a separate broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher anyway, reapplied every two hours.

Can I use self-tanner on my face?

The FDA approves DHA for external use, but not in the eye area, which includes the eyebrows and eyelids, or on the lips. Keep it away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

Is spray tanning safe?

The FDA hasn’t approved DHA for all-over spraying in booths. If you get a spray tan, ask for protection for your eyes, lips and nose, and avoid breathing in the mist (FDA, Skin Cancer Foundation).

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology: How to apply self-tanner, 10 surprising facts about indoor tanning (2026), How to safely exfoliate at home, How to test skin care products and Contact dermatitis overview
• FDA: Sunless Tanners & Bronzers and Alpha Hydroxy Acids
• Mayo Clinic News Network, Mayo Clinic Q and A: Tanning beds raise risk for skin cancer (2019)
• Cleveland Clinic: Are Spray Tans Safe? (2023), Why Tanning Pills Aren’t Worth the Risk (2024) and Does Sunscreen Prevent Tanning? (2025)
• Skin Cancer Foundation: Fake it to Make it: Sunless Tanning Explained and tips for applying sunless tanner (2025)

This is general information, not medical advice. Follow the directions on your self-tanner, and see a dermatologist if your skin reacts to it.