Can I use self tanner on dry skin?

Mix moisturiser into your tanning product to achieve an even coverage of colour.

Wait for cracked skin to heal before tanning.

Wintry weather tends to dry out the skin, leaving it feeling tight and chapped. Applying self tanner to very dry skin can result in a patchy finish because more tanner is ‘grabbed’ by drier areas. However, there are ways to create a gorgeous glow on the skin even when it feels drier than normal.

Use a moisturiser the evening before tanning to hydrate the skin. Pay close attention to commonly dry areas, like the elbows and knees, rubbing in a lotion that is absorbed quickly and doesn’t leave behind a residue that can act as a barrier to tanner. If your moisturiser isn’t readily absorbed by the skin don’t worry too much – you’ll be waiting a few hours before applying the product anyway.

On the day of your tan don’t apply any moisturiser directly to your skin. Instead mix a small amount into your sunless tanner to loosen the formula and dilute the consistency. Apply this to dry spots to ensure a smooth and even coverage of product. Radiance Body Balm is the perfect moisturiser for this bit because the rich formula contains golden flecks of light-reflective mica that highlight the natural contours of the body.

If you suffer from contact dermatitis and eczema you may find that your skin has started to crack far more in the cold weather. If this leads to soreness, redness and bleeding wait until your flare-up has calmed down before applying tanner. As with all beauty products it’s best to avoid using them on cracked skin until it has healed.

A patch test is recommended if you’re using Sienna X tanners for the first time on your sensitive skin. Apply a little product behind the ear and allow to develop before washing off. If your skin looks and feels fine during the test you’re good to apply tanner over your entire body.