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Published on Monday, 02 May 2011 14:12
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Written by Stacey Naito DO, AOBFP
Though I am thrilled to see men compete in the new Mens Physique Division,.jpg)
I have noticed that many are new to the world of competition and may not know how to prep their skin properly for competition color.
First and foremost, it is imperative to use a high quality scrub daily for several days leading up to the day that you tan. This will ensure optimal exfoliation so that the skin can absorb the bronzer as well as the DHA in the self-tanner. There are many great scrubs out there, but I always recommend a sugar scrub over a salt scrub. Salt scrubs can be far too harsh, and if you have any scrapes or cuts, a salt scrub can be downright painful.
When you use a scrub, be thorough, remembering to use it on the back of your neck, underarm folds, gluteal folds, heels, elbows, hands and knees. Once the skin is thoroughly scrubbed, use a high quality moisturizer to seal in moisture.
Your routine will be different on the day that you tan. You will use the scrub, but do NOT apply moisturizer because this may produce too much "slip" which will prevent the tanner from depositing evenly. Another no-no is the use of an anti-perspirant/deoderant. If you use one, chances are that the tanner will interact with the aluminum and you will end up with green underarms. This is not an attractive look and is a tell-tale sign that someone did not follow directions. Trust me, you will all smell pretty funky on the day of the competition, and it is just par for the course. You can always shower and apply anti-perspirant/deoderant in the evening AFTER the final show.
