Fake tan for dummies - help needed

[Rankellior]

I want to start using fake tan on a more regular basis - not necessarily aiming to look permatanned but just to take the edge of my pasty and very untoned/chubby arms and legs but I have a couple of questions as I worry I’ll do it wrong:

I have facial tanning drops - can I use these regularly without tanning the rest of my body or will I end up with an orange face and white body? If so what’s the most foolproof way of applying? Can it be used with acid toners/retinol/vit C as part of my overall skin routine or will that make it patchy?

Is there an optimal prep and maintenance routine to keep fake tan looking good or will I have to accept at some point it will go flaky and patchy in between applications?

Thanks!

Currently lying on the bed 'drying' the tan on my legs so happy to wade in here.

Prep and more prep. Exfoliate really well 24 hours before you apply, I use a mitt and exfoliating scrub and concentrate on feet, knees and elbows. Moisturiser afterwards is important.

I use tanning drops in my face moisturiser every few days for face and neck but do a full body tan once per week. Make sure you moisturise after your daily shower/bath to help maintain it and avoid odd patches. I occasionally use Dove gradual tanner mid week for a top up but otherwise it is just whatever is on the bathroom shelf.

I don't use retinol, acids etc so can't advise on that sorry.

I’ve been using tanning drops on my face every other night. I use Tret on the opposite night and find it’s quite good. I’m also deathly pale and don’t find it’s too orange or anything.

I don’t use any other acids on mornings or anything though so don’t know if this will be useful for you.