‘DWTS’ Pro Peta Murgatroyd’s Exact Self-Tanning Routine Is So Good

Summer’s nearly here, and that means it’s time to break out the self-tanner (especially if you don’t naturally get a golden glow easily). We’ve come a long way from the harmful tanning beds of the past (and if you still use them, this is your sign to stop) and many of us are making the switch to self-tanning at home. But if you’re new to the game and need some pointers, we brought in a pro—a Dancing With the Stars pro, that is, who has mastered the art of self-tanning through her years-long appearances on screen. Below, Peta Murgatroyd shares her expert tips and tricks on how to self-tan for a flawless application and finish.

What to look for in a self-tanner: red and green flag ingredients

Before we get into Peta’s Dancing With the Stars self-tanning routine, let’s go over how to choose the best self-tanner. For starters, it’s important to know the active ingredient in self-tanners that gives you the bronzed glow is called dihydroxyacetone (DHA); but, not all DHA is sourced the same—some are “better” for your skin than others. “The active ingredient for sunless tanning is DHA and the big green flag to seek out is naturally-derived DHA from sources like sugar beets, which is what we use at Sugared + Bronzed,” says Courtney Claghorn, seasoned tanning expert and founder of celebrity-loved Sugared + Bronzed. “DHA has a drying effect on the skin, so you want to make sure you use products that replenish your skin’s hydration (like Sugared + Bronzed FlexExpress formula, which includes natural oils like aloe vera, coconut oil, jojoba oil and nourishing botanical extracts which all aid to avoid dryness, streaking, or uneven fading).”

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Further, beware of self-tanners that are labeled “organic,” Claghorn warns—it simply can’t be truly “organic” if it’s using DHA and water. When we refer to a self-tanner as “organic,” it more so means that the ingredients are naturally derived. “DHA is a carbohydrate typically derived from sugar beets or cane, and while it can be naturally derived, it goes through a processing method that disqualifies it from being labeled ‘organic’ under FDA or USDA standards,” she explains. “Similarly, water, despite being the most common ingredient in skincare, is never considered organic because it doesn’t come from a living organism.”

She continues, “So if a brand claims their self-tanner is ‘100% organic,’ it likely means they’re either misinformed—or deliberately misleading. And if they’re willing to bend the truth on something as fundamental as ingredient classification, it raises bigger questions: What else aren’t they disclosing? Whether it’s synthetic dyes, hidden fragrances or questionable preservatives, transparency matters.”

Also, make sure you’re choosing the right formula for what you plan on self-tanning. Doing the whole body? You may opt for a mousse formula. Tanning just the face? Perhaps try self-tanning drops, like Sugared + Bronzed Sunless Tanning Glow Drops.

How to self-tan like a ‘Dancing With the Stars’ pro: Peta Murgatroyd’s self-tanning routine

I’ve been on Dancing With the Stars for 16 seasons, so it’s safe to say I feel confident in my self-tanning routine. So much so that I started my own brand, Peta Jane Beauty. Below, I share my exact self-tanning routine, from prep to finish.

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Step 1: Prep the day before

My golden rule: it’s all in the prep. Trust me, I’ve been tanning for 20 years and this is the number one tip I can share. Getting a flawless self-tan starts before you even open the bottle.

This is how I prep: 24-48 hours before I tan, I exfoliate and shave, really focusing on my knees, elbows, ankles and wrists, which are high-risk patchy zones, even more so when you have dry skin like me. Do not use oily/sugary exfoliators or scrubs—you should use an exfoliating mitt instead. Further, don’t shave right before you tan, because you run the risk of having open pores that the self-tanner can irritate and make you look spotty.

Also, skip the moisturizer before tanning. Moisturizer acts as a barrier on your skin and the tan can’t penetrate like it should. The only areas I put moisturizer on are those patchy-dry areas like the knees, elbows and ankles.

Step 2: Thoroughly clean skin

On tanning day, I shower with a tan-friendly soap—no heavy body wash or oils. You want your skin totally clean and oil-free. Also, avoid thick deodorants and perfumes, since they can mess with how your tan develops.

Step 3: Apply the self-tanner

When it’s time to apply my self-tanner (try the Self-Tanning Mousse), I always use Peta Jane Beauty Tanning Mitt. We designed it to have a deep thumb hole, which allows for more control when applying the tanning mousse. I work in small sections so that I have time to blend out the tanner before the product dries. I start with my chest and arms, then work my way down.

I recommend using small, circular motions and blending quickly! Less is more on tricky areas like the hands, feet, knees and elbows. I always use the leftover product on my mitt for those spots, then follow up with our body brush to buff out any lines and make sure my knuckles and ankles are seamless.

By the time you finish, you’ll likely feel dry—but I still wait five more minutes just to be safe before getting dressed. Always wear loose, dark clothing after a fresh tan. Wait 6-8 hours for the tan to develop and then jump in the shower and rinse off with lukewarm water. Don’t use soap on the first rinse, then pat dry with your towel (don’t rub).

Post-tan care is everything: Moisturize daily, avoid harsh exfoliants and use our gradual tan lotion to keep your glow fresh for the full seven days. Bonus tip? Tan at night, sleep in it and rinse in the morning. It always gives me the best, most even results!

How I make my self-tan last longer

Hydration is everything. A tan fades fastest when your skin is dry and flaky, so I moisturize every day—especially after showering. Here’s what helps your tan go the distance:

• Use a gentle, non-exfoliating body wash or bar soap (no loofahs or scrubs!).
• Pat dry after you shower, don’t rub.
• Moisturize like your tan depends on it (because it does).
• Avoid long soaks, chlorine or sweating it out in saunas.
• Use a gradual tanner every few days to boost the color and keep things looking fresh without needing to fully reapply.

How to make your self-tanner look natural

If you’ve ever self-tanned before, you probably know that the hands and feet can be tricky—but don’t worry, I have some tips.

For starters, apply self-tanner to your body first, and then use what’s leftover on the mitt or brush to lightly sweep over the hands and feet. Less is more when it comes to those areas.

Next, flex or claw your hands and fingers while applying—this helps avoid product settling into lines and creases. I like to use our small perfecting brush to really get into those small areas between the fingers and toes. Make sure you blend the tanner into your wrists and the tops of the hands with a brush to make it seamless.

One last tip is to use a tanning mist for the hands and feet instead of a tanning mousse. Because it’s lightweight and buildable, a mist can help your hands and feet look more naturally golden!

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