Wholeman Advice
Body
Tanning
Faking it
There is only one way to tan safely
We all love a tan but people are now quickly coming around to the fact that sunbathing and sun-beds cross the fine lines of premature ageing which leads ultimately to skin cancer. A fake tan is much healthier and will keep your skin looking youthful as you get older.
If you’re following our advice on moisturising and are using face cream with a built-in SPF, then you won’t be getting much colour to your complexion at all. But of course no man wants to pale into insignificance. So if you’re tired of being told you look tired, then why not go fake?
There are now loads of fake tan face creams for men*. Of course, it’s very easy to end up with a blotch job that will give you the kind of creosoted, nuclear-orange streaks sported by middle-aged women in seaside discos. So go for a trusted brand and take these tan commandments to avoid making a David Dickinson of yourself:
- Scrub-up: Gently exfoliate your face first using a mild facial scrub. Also have a shave as otherwise you will be dying your bristles ginger.
- Spread out: Only apply a tiny amount, and as evenly as possible. Put a dab of fake tan into the palm of one hand – about the size of a pea – and rub between both palms for an even coat.
- Blend in: Then rub your palms over your face, taking care to avoid getting any in your eyebrows. Blend it into the hairline and neckline with your fingertips so that you don’t get tell-tale ‘tidemarks’.
- Tidy up: Dab your face with a dark-coloured towel to remove any excess. Then immediately scrub your hands all over – including your nails and between your fingers – to prevent the tell-tale tikka tinge.
*Tanning the whole body is a far trickier business and so believe us, you’re far better off paying a professional than going for a DIY dye. Visit our shop for an expertly applied spray tan.