the MAN TAN

A secret about males’ virile summertime bronze: It need no longer come from the sun.

Here’s an awkward fact for the macho set: When a man passes his middle years, he is significantly more likely than a woman to develop melanoma. The reasons aren’t entirely clear, but they may well include men’s well-known tendency to scorn health precautions. Women lie in the sun more than men, true, but they’re also more likely to use sensible sunscreen with a high SPF—sun protection factor. Some women even develop a nice brown look through the use of tanning products, not bothering with the dangerous old sun at all.

Well, why should they have all the tan?

Fact is, men are increasingly embracing “artificial” tans, and a growing array of products—Bro Glo and Man Tan Amino Tan mousse, for example—proves that sunless tanning is no longer a one-gender affair. You can man up and get that healthy glow this summer without risking your health to do it. Heed these step-by-step tips:

The Prep

Rather than penetrating into the skin as ultraviolet rays do, sunless tanner stays at the top layer of skin. So, before you start tanning, use a scrub or brush to exfoliate the spots you plan to tan. This will get rid of that rough top layer and make room for a brighter one. Give extra attention to your knees, elbows and feet. Doing so ensures a more thorough application.

As for shaving, you want to do so at least 24 hours before you tan to avoid irritation from the tanning products, and to make sure the color penetrates more deeply into your face. Plus, a razor could wipe away your hard-earned glow. Finally, to avoid streaky spots, make sure your skin is completely dry after showering or shaving.

The Tan

As with any hygiene regimen, the products you choose will make or break the whole thing. We suggest that you opt for a foam, mousse or spray tanner rather than a lotion. Foam won’t get stuck in your body hairs, and it’s more foolproof to manipulate and dispenses more evenly from the bottle.

Once you’ve picked your product, spray about three pumps per body part onto a mitt or glove (to avoid the dreaded orange fingers), and then apply it in a circular motion. Make sure to get in all the crevices, including ankles and elbows, and do the tops and bottoms of your arms and legs to avoid an awkward farmer’s tan. Your face should require about three pumps as well; make sure to blend the color into the jawline and hairline to avoid stark tone differences with your neck and scalp (especially if you’re balding).

Start with one layer at a time, because you can always add more tanner to deepen the color later on. And don’t apply too often—once or twice a week will suffice, especially in the summer when you’re spending more time outside anyway.

The Aftercare

Depending on the product you choose, self-tanners take from two to 24 hours to develop their full color. This is why it’s ideal to tan before bedtime, so that you can let the color soak in overnight. Wear loose clothes so your ’fit doesn’t absorb the bronze.

For the first 24 hours after application, avoid the pool, sauna, ocean or hot tub, and your first post-tan shower should be with just plain water and mild soap. Use a gentle washcloth rather than a rough loofah or scrub that could slough away your hard-earned color. Afterward, pat yourself dry with a terry cloth towel rather than wiping down to avoid unsightly streakage. Some fake tans can dry out the skin, so be sure to lightly moisturize your entire body after your shower once a day or every other day in between applications so that your skin looks glowy, not