How to Apply Self-tanner
A beautiful, natural, even glow starts with proper preparation. Follow these simple steps for an even and flawless result when using self-tanner:
- Exfoliate your skin first: Begin by removing dead skin cells to create a smooth surface. Use a gentle scrub like Açai Body Scrub for the body and Açai Facial Scrub Mask for the face. This helps the self tanner apply evenly.
- Moisturize dry areas: Apply body lotion to elbows, knees, ankles, and any dry patches before applying self tanner. This prevents dark spots and ensures a more natural finish.
- Apply your preferred self-tanner: Mix 2–4 drops of A Hint of Summer The Classic with your facial cream and apply evenly to the face, neck, and décolleté. If using A Hint of Summer The Lotion or The Mousse, start from your feet and work your way up. The Classic can also be used on the body when mixed with body lotion, oil, or balm. While a self-tanning glove or applicator isn’t necessary, it can make application easier for some.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after application: Do this continuously if applying to the whole body to avoid stained palms.
- Build your glow gradually: Repeat the process over several days until you reach the desired intensity.
Choose the Right Self-tanner
Rudolph Care has developed four self tanners, all providing a natural, sun-kissed glow without sun exposure. Here’s an overview to help you find the variant that suits you best.
Self-tanner For the face
Self Tanning Drops – A Hint of Summer The Classic
The popular best-selling drops are perfect for those who want a simple, intuitive self tanner for both face and body. The Classic mixes easily with your facial cream or body lotion, gradually building a natural glow you can control.
The advantage of the drops is their flexibility. You can use them year-round and adjust the intensity with the number of drops. They also care for the skin with organic aloe vera and açai extract, which protect and hydrate.
Self-tanner For The Body
Self Tanning Lotion – A Hint of Summer The Lotion
Looking for a product that nourishes while giving a glow? The Lotion is the ideal choice, functioning as a two-in-one body lotion and self tanner.
Its lightweight texture spreads easily and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy. The Lotion is perfect for those who want a radiant glow while nourishing the skin with ingredients like shea butter, açai oil, and sweet almond oil.
Self Tanning Mousse – A Hint of Summer The Mousse
For a more intense glow and faster results, The Mousse is your answer. Its airy texture delivers a stronger glow than The Lotion or The Classic, making it ideal for those who want quick results.
The mousse applies easily with hands (or a glove) and can be layered over body lotion or oil for an even finish.
Self Tanner with Sun Protection – Self Tanning Sun Body Lotion SPF 30
Self Tanning Sun Body Lotion SPF 30 combines sun protection and self tanning in one product. It’s ideal for summer when you want both a glow and effective SPF.
Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure to get both UV protection and a natural, golden tone that develops gradually.
Self-tanner when pregnant
Naturally, it is always entirely up to you which products you use on your skin during your pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we generally recommend following the 'less-is-more' principle when choosing skincare products; choose as few products as possible. In our opinion, self-tanner is a 'nice-to-have' product and not necessary to provide your skin with the moisture and care it needs.
Is There a Difference Between Face and Body Self-Tanner?
Yes and no. The glow develops in the same way on all skin, but facial skin is often more delicate and requires lighter textures. That’s why we recommend using A Hint of Summer The Classic for the face, as the drops blend easily with your day or night cream.
For the body, you can choose between The Lotion, The Mousse, or Self Tanning Sun Body Lotion SPF 30, depending on how intense you want your glow and whether you want SPF protection.
How Long Does Self Tanner Last?
The longevity of your glow depends on factors such as how often you shower, how much you exfoliate, and how well you moisturize afterward. Typically, the glow lasts 3–7 days before it begins to fade.
To extend the effect:
- Use nourishing body care daily; lotion, oil, or balm to keep skin soft and glow even.
- Avoid long, hot showers and drying soaps, which can fade the glow faster.
- Reapply self tanner regularly to maintain your glow. You can use it daily or every other day for a fresh, sun-kissed tone.
How to Remove Self Tanner
If the result is uneven or you want to start over, you can gently remove or lighten your tone:
- Shower and use a gentle exfoliating scrub, like Açai Body Scrub, to remove dead skin where the glow has settled.
- Repeat over a few days until skin is even again.
- For small spots, especially on hands and feet, you can use a warm washcloth or half a lemon to correct them.
Rudolph Care’s Approach to Self-Tanning
The A Hint of Summer products are designed with respect for both the skin and the environment, following the same high standards as the rest of the Rudolph Care range.
The tanning effect comes from DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a natural molecule found in plants, animals, and human cells. When DHA contacts the skin’s outer layer (epidermis), it reacts with peptides and amino acids to form golden polymers called melanoidins. The result is an even, natural summer glow that develops gradually. DHA is plant-derived and provides a safe, controlled glow without UV exposure.
In addition to DHA, the self-tanners contain natural and organic ingredients that nourish the skin. With Rudolph Care’s self-tanning range, you get products that care for your skin while giving a beautiful, natural glow all year round.
FAQ
Is self-tanner better than the sun?
Self-tanner is a great alternative if you want a sun-kissed glow without exposing your skin to the sun’s UV rays. While the sun can accelerate skin ageing and increase the risk of sun damage and skin diseases, self-tanner creates a golden tone by reacting with the outermost layer of the skin.
At Rudolph Care, the glow comes from the ingredient DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which gradually develops a natural glow on the skin. The result is an even, sun-kissed glow – without the sun.
Self-tanner does not replace sun protection, however. When you spend time in the sun, it is still important to use SPF to protect your skin. Self-tanner does not provide sun protection.
How do I use self-tanning cream?
For a beautiful and even result, preparation is key. Start by exfoliating the skin to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth surface. This helps the self-tanner distribute more evenly.
Next, moisturize dry areas such as elbows, knees and ankles with a body lotion, as these areas can otherwise become darker than the rest of the skin.
Apply your self-tanner in an even layer. It can help to start from the lower part of the body and work your way up, distributing the product thoroughly. If you use self-tanning drops such as A Hint of Summer The Classic, mix a few drops with your face cream or body lotion and apply evenly.
Wash your hands thoroughly after application, and repeat the ritual over several days if you want to build a deeper glow.
Can you shave after using self-tanner?
It is best to shave or exfoliate the skin before applying self-tanner. Shaving works as a mild exfoliation and can therefore remove some of the glow if done afterwards.
If you shave after applying self-tanner, the glow may become slightly lighter or more uneven in that area. If you want to maintain an even result, it is best to wait at least 24 hours after application before shaving again.
Can you sleep with self-tanner on?
Yes, in most cases you can. Many self-tanners develop their glow gradually over several hours, which is why many people apply the product in the evening and let it develop overnight.
Allow the self-tanner to dry completely before getting dressed or going to bed. This helps reduce the risk of the product transferring to fabrics.
How do I avoid streaks and uneven colour?
The best way to avoid streaks is to prepare the skin well and apply the self-tanner evenly.
Start by exfoliating the skin to create a smooth surface. Then moisturize dry areas such as elbows, knees, hands and ankles, as self-tanner can otherwise gather in these areas.
When applying the product, take your time and distribute it carefully. Some people also prefer using an application glove, which can make it easier to achieve an even result.
If you want a more natural effect, build your glow gradually over several days.
How does Rudolph Care self-tanner smell?
Many people associate self-tanner with a heavy or characteristic scent. Rudolph Care’s self-tanners are developed with a focus on a gentle and pleasant fragrance experience.
The formulas carry the natural scent of the ingredients they are made with, combined with a hint of Rudolph Care’s delicate signature scent – without allergenic fragrance substances.