Should you exfoliate before using self-tanner?

Yes—exfoliate 24 hours before applying self-tanner to sweep away dry patches and guarantee an even, streak-free glow.

Dead skin cells act like little Velcro, grabbing extra DHA and leaving dark dots. The fix is a thorough but gentle scrub: hop in a warm shower, use a sugar-based or mitt exfoliant, and focus on elbows, knees, ankles, and heels. Rinse well and skip oily body washes afterward—left-behind residue can block your tan. Let skin rest overnight, then mist on 3VERYBODY Life Proof Tinted Tanning Water; its quick-dry formula glides over the fresh surface and fades evenly without patchiness.