Exfoliation is one of those things we’re told to do often and know will be worthwhile – but we probably don’t do enough. When it comes to getting a foolproof glow in 2023, though, exfoliation is your friend.

Nicole Currie, Dove’s Brand Manager, cautions that without exfoliation pre-self-tan, you could be risking an uneven finish. “Always exfoliate in the shower before tanning to remove any dry patches which could make your tan look uneven – a soft exfoliator like a sponge or shower loofah will work wonders.”

Regular exfoliation between tan top-ups might feel counterintuitive as you may feel like you’re at risk of scrubbing the tan off, but Miranda Holder, fashion and beauty coach and tanning devotee, tells Stylist there is a true science to it. “Sloughing off dead skin cells and particularly paying attention to stubborn areas such as heels, elbows and ankles provides an even base for the colour to ‘take’.

“And it’s even more important if you’re tanning frequently – a light, regular exfoliation will keep your skin primed for more applications and help the colour to fade evenly, too.”

Still need a little persuading? Bruce Green, founder of SOS Serum Skincare, likens exfoliation to the critical step of cleansing in your skincare routine. “Exfoliating between applications unclogs pores and makes it easier to re-apply your mousse or lotion.”

6 expert-approved self-tanning tips to help boost your glow