Jergens Natural Glow Tips

When you want a sun-kissed glow, sunless tanning products are a much safer alternative to soaking up the sun. But faux tanners can be tricky to use, leaving you with streaks and an unnatural orange color. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer is usually an effective option for those who are new to self-tanning; the product works gradually, which allows you greater control over your color. That doesn't mean using the product is foolproof -- follow a few key steps to ensure an even, all-over glow.

One of the biggest problems with self-tanning products is winding up with a color that is too dark or orange to look natural on your skin. Jergens Natural Glow comes in two shades, Fair to Medium and Medium to Tan, which are meant to work with your skin tone to develop a natural-looking glow. For the best results, choose the shade based on your natural skin tone. If you’re unsure which shade to choose, the Jergens website recommends using the inside of your forearm as a guide. Hold the color chart on the back of the tube up against your skin to see which shade is best for you.

Start with freshly washed skin when you’re applying Jergens Natural Glow -- dirt and oil on the skin's surface may prevent the moisturizer from properly absorbing. Exfoliate to slough off rough, dry flakes to ensure an even glow; if you have any dry patches, the product may collect in those areas, giving you a splotchy tan. The Jergens website recommends using an exfoliating scrub that is not oil-based, as oils can interfere with the product and prevent proper color development on the skin. When you’re scrubbing, take extra care with particularly dry spots like your elbows and knees.

In addition to being a self-tanner, Jergens Natural Glow is a moisturizer, so apply it smoothly as you would with any moisturizing product. To ensure that your color develops evenly, rub the moisturizer into your skin in circular motions so you don’t create streaks. Use less product when you get to dry or uneven areas like your elbows, knees, knuckles and ankles. Take similar care between your toes and fingers. Once you’ve applied the product to your skin, rinse the excess from your hands and fingers to avoid colored palms. If any areas of your body develop a darker tan that you’d like, the Jergens website suggests using a regular moisturizer in those spots to help dilute the tanning product.

Wait at least 3 hours after your application before allowing your skin to get wet or you may wash off some of the product. If you don’t continue to use the product regularly, your skin will fade to its natural color in approximately one to two weeks due to natural exfoliation. Apply the product daily or every other day to keep your tan looking natural and uniform.