Achieving that perfect, sun-kissed glow with self-tanner can feel like a treat—until you notice those unwanted, patchy areas around your elbows. This issue tends to arise not only due to the nature of your skin in that area but also often occurs when remnants of an old tan are present, and a new layer is applied on top. Let’s explore why this happens and how you can ensure a smooth, even tan every time.
The Challenge of the Elbow Crease
The skin around your elbows, and especially within the creases, can be particularly challenging for self-tanners. This area is prone to dryness and has more skin folds, which can absorb tanning products unevenly. Furthermore, as the tan fades, the inner elbow may lose its colour faster than other parts of your body due to frequent bending and movement, which exfoliates the skin naturally and accelerates the fade.
Tips for a Seamless Tan on Your Elbows
Ensuring an even application and preventing patchiness, involves careful preparation and application. Here’s how to master the perfect tan;
- Thorough Exfoliation
- Begin with exfoliating your skin to slough off dead skin cells and any remaining patches of old tan. Focus on the elbows to ensure they’re as smooth as possible, which helps in achieving an even base for the new tan layer.
- Add Hydration
- After exfoliating, mist on Perfect Primer to rebalance the skin’s pH, neutralise any residue left behind scented shower gels etc and add some hydration back into the skin. (If you’re particularly dry, you can apply a small amount of moisturiser to each elbow, to act as a barrier to the tan).
- Mindful Application
- Apply the self-tanner sparingly on the elbows, because these areas can absorb more product. This will help avoid the darker, patchy outcome as the product develops.
- Blend and Buff
- If you get a crease in the elbow fold during application, use a tanning brush to gently buff the tanner out. This helps distribute the product evenly, reducing the concentration of DHA (dihydroxyacetone) in the creases and preventing the formation of dark patches.
- Regular Maintenance
- Maintaining an even tan around the elbows means regular moisturising to keep the area hydrated and less prone to patchiness. When you notice the tan fading, especially at the inner elbows, do not be tempted to reapply a fresh coat.
Patchy elbows are a common frustration in the self-tanning process, especially when old tan layers interfere with new applications. By following these steps for careful preparation, application, and maintenance, you can achieve and maintain a flawless tan—even in tricky areas like the elbows. Remember, the key to perfect self-tanning lies in the details, so take your time to perfect your technique for the best results!
