Exfoliating 2-3 times a week is part of the maintenance routine, to facilitate both removal and application. Michealla's method of choice is to use an oil-free shower gel with exfoliating gloves; "I just buff my body all over in circular motion, making sure I've got a lovely pink flush."

Working across the celebrity and fashion world, tanning expert Michaella is an industry go-to for all things sun-kissed glow. Here she shares with GH, everything you need to know about applying gradual tan, including exactly how she applies her own. How often do you need to apply gradual tan? Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your daughter, mum, sister or friend? Soap & Glory then look no further, as Glorious Giftmas is here with Soap & Glory! Put on your clean mitt and apply a 50 pence size amount of tan to the centre, bringing your fingers down to your palm inside the mitt to spread the product over it. Additional moisturising is key. Gradual tans are more hydrating than many traditional formulas, but DHA can still dry the skin. On tanning days, use an ordinary body lotion or cream on any particularly dry areas before you apply your gradual tanning product. "Focus on your hands; especially the palms, in-between your fingers, and around your wrists," says Michaella. "Also watch out for elbows, knees, ankles, and tops of feet down to your toes, along with any other dry areas you may have elsewhere." On days you're not tanning, moisturise all over. Michaella recommends shea butter-based creams or lotions rather than body oil, which can interfere with the development of your tan or speed up fading.Somebody that would love a gradual tan might be a drier skin type, or a mature skin," says former Head of Tanning on Strictly Come Dancing, Michaella Bolder; "Someone that just likes to maintain colour, but they know they can build and tailor that to the point that they feel comfortable and happy." Get the best bang for your beauty budget with Soap & Glory! Discover the range of indulgent bath and body products, soothing skincare, marvellous make-up, and gift sets for every occasion. Now the mitt is wet with tan add a smaller 20p size amount of product and repeat your oval strokes knee to ankle. Then repeat on the other leg.

Gradual tans are a lot more forgiving than traditional formulas, so don't necessarily require a mitt. That said, Michealla still advises using one; "Application with a mitt is effortless. It glides on, smooths the tan and finishes it beautifully." Gradual tan is a natural choice for those looking for a sun-kissed glow, without the deep finish, stained sheets or streak-risk of traditional self tan.Michaella advises applying every day for 3-4 consecutive days to achieve a real glow, before breaking for a couple of days, and then starting again. For a subtler build up, and consistent seven-days-a-week glow, apply on alternate days continuously. Gradual tanning lotions use the same sugar-derived active ingredient found in traditional tans, DHA (dihydroxyacetone), causes a non-toxic browning effect on the skin. What sets gradual tanning lotions apart is that they use far less DHA than traditional self-tan, and deliver it in a moisturiser product that doesn't need to be washed off. The result? A buildable, gradual, tanning outcome that is easier to apply without streaking or patches, with the added bonus of a burst of hydration. Start with the thighs and bottom as a large body part allows you to begin with a substantial amount of product and use the mitt’s full area. Both help the mitt become covered evenly in tan from the start which helps with an even finish throughout the process. Reminder: You absolutely should not be using an exfoliating glove if you have sensitive skin or inflammatory skin conditions (like psoriasis, eczema, or active cystic acne) since the abrasive material can trigger even more inflammation and flare-ups. Exfoliating gloves should also not be used on your face or on skin that’s covered in acne, folliculitis, or cuts, says dermatologist Karan Lal, MD, because they can easily spread bacteria and/or result in infection.