Applying Tanning Oil

To speed up your tanning, tanning oil is a must have. Tanning oil can help one achieve a dark, rich tan in a shorter amount of time. While useful in this regard, something to keep in mind is that tanning oil will not protect you from sunburn unless an SPF (sun protection factor) number is listed on the bottle. A lower SPF number can be used if a person already has an established base tan, but as oils are typically meant to increase tans, a high SPF cannot usually be found in a tanning oil product.

There are some tips when applying your tanning oil. Tanning oil has the potential for becoming messy. So, it is a good idea to take precautions.

• Begin by laying a towel anywhere you may sit while applying the tanning oil. 
• Start by squirting a quarter-sized drop of oil into the palm of your hand and rub palms together. This will keep the oil from spilling through your fingers.
• Coat the tops of your feet with tanning oil, continue up your ankles and cover as much of your calves as possible with the remaining amount of oil. At this point, you will need to squirt another quarter-sized amount of tanning oil in your palms. Keep in mind that too much oil is better than putting on too little.
• Continue at the point on your calves where you left off. Move up your legs, ensuring you cover every area of skin which will be touched by the sun.
• Slide your hands around to the back of the knees. Then, cover the front of the knees, bending the knee slightly to stretch the skin smooth.
• Thoroughly cover the thigh area, working up to the bikini line. Refill your hands with the same amount of oil.
• Next, apply the oil to your stomach and lower area of your back. If you have someone who can apply oil to your middle and upper back areas, this is best. If not, spill a small stream of oil at the back of your neck and shoulder blades. Spread it around as best you can while reaching back. 
• Finish up by covering the chest area not covered by your suit, front and back of neck, then face. When covering your face, never apply to the eye area. If you break out easily, look for an oil that states it will not cause break-outs. Or, if using a tanning bed, check hottanningbulbs.com for bulbs which can turn for the face area.
• Wait a few minutes to let the oil soak into your skin before you begin tanning. Check the oil bottle to see how often you should re-apply.