This being said, if you have relatively ~chill~ skin (i.e., you have none of the conditions above), you can try using an exfoliating glove on your body once a week. Yes, just once a week. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, over-exfoliating can still cause irritation, dryness, inflammation, and even rashes, says Dr. Lal. So if you're someone who has a bad habit of going overboard with skincare, store your mitt or glove in another room so you're not tempted to use it every time you're in the shower. Be realistic about how often you’ll clean them Michaella advises applying every day for 3-4 consecutive days to achieve a real glow, before breaking for a couple of days, and then starting again. For a subtler build up, and consistent seven-days-a-week glow, apply on alternate days continuously. Now the mitt is wet with tan add a smaller 20p size amount of product and repeat your oval strokes knee to ankle. Then repeat on the other leg.

Put on your clean mitt and apply a 50 pence size amount of tan to the centre, bringing your fingers down to your palm inside the mitt to spread the product over it.Gradual tans are a lot more forgiving than traditional formulas, so don't necessarily require a mitt. That said, Michealla still advises using one; "Application with a mitt is effortless. It glides on, smooths the tan and finishes it beautifully." Exfoliating 2-3 times a week is part of the maintenance routine, to facilitate both removal and application. Michealla's method of choice is to use an oil-free shower gel with exfoliating gloves; "I just buff my body all over in circular motion, making sure I've got a lovely pink flush."

Gradual tanning lotions use the same sugar-derived active ingredient found in traditional tans, DHA (dihydroxyacetone), causes a non-toxic browning effect on the skin. What sets gradual tanning lotions apart is that they use far less DHA than traditional self-tan, and deliver it in a moisturiser product that doesn't need to be washed off.The result? A buildable, gradual, tanning outcome that is easier to apply without streaking or patches, with the added bonus of a burst of hydration. Reminder: You absolutely should not be using an exfoliating glove if you have sensitive skin or inflammatory skin conditions (like psoriasis, eczema, or active cystic acne) since the abrasive material can trigger even more inflammation and flare-ups. Exfoliating gloves should also not be used on your face or on skin that’s covered in acne, folliculitis, or cuts, says dermatologist Karan Lal, MD, because they can easily spread bacteria and/or result in infection. Additional moisturising is key. Gradual tans are more hydrating than many traditional formulas, but DHA can still dry the skin. On tanning days, use an ordinary body lotion or cream on any particularly dry areas before you apply your gradual tanning product. "Focus on your hands; especially the palms, in-between your fingers, and around your wrists," says Michaella. "Also watch out for elbows, knees, ankles, and tops of feet down to your toes, along with any other dry areas you may have elsewhere." On days you're not tanning, moisturise all over. Michaella recommends shea butter-based creams or lotions rather than body oil, which can interfere with the development of your tan or speed up fading.