Whether you’re back from holiday (or your back garden) and are sporting a golden glow, there are tips and tricks to make it last longer – even if you’ve turned to the bottled stuff for an all-over tan.As always, your skin’s health comes first, so first and foremost: lather up the SPF at every opportunity. Once you’re back in the bathroom – boo, sob – here’s what to do, to keep that natural (or not) tan lasting longer. Spoiler: time to invest in moisturiser.
By Rachel Spedding
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1 Exfoliate before
Exfoliating will slough away dead skin cells settled on your body. Doing so – with an exfoliating mitt, scrub, or your every day loofah – will reveal the fresh skin beneath. If fake tanning, aim to exfoliate for a few days pre-application. If you’ll be heading out in the sunshine, exfoliated skin is at higher risk of burning, so welcome a large bottle of factor 50. Side note: this one will also rescue you from any dodgy fake tanning (tabby cat no more).
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2 Ease off the hot water
Hot water can dehydrate the skin, leading to flaking, peeling or patchiness. When hopping in the bath or shower, lower the temperature of your water to avoid accelerating the breakdown of tan. Instead, add a skin-nourishing bath product (like a milk – this one’s nice) to your water, that’ll help your tan stick around for longer.
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3 Moisturise, a lot
Obviously, you moisturise every morning and night anyway, obviously. But if you forget now and then (…), make moisturising your priortity during tanned periods. There’s no such thing as too moisturised. If you have been to sunnier climes, time spent in the sunshine may have dehydrated your skin, so it’s vital to bring moisturise back – once peeling starts, it won’t stop. Lock in skin’s moisture (and your golden glow) with a nourishing lotion.
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4 Drink all the water
Wait, water hydrates? Alright, so its hardly new news, but staying hydrated is vital for good skin health, cell turnover, and glowing (‘cause who doesn’t want that, truly). Actually, the same goes for your diet – a ‘healthier’ diet, of foods rich in beta-carotene (and organic, red-orange pigment), will keep your tan going a little longer. So carrot orange is, in fact, a good thing. Sunshine, reveal yourself.
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FAQs
How can you make your tan last longer?
To make your tan last longer, focus on consistent moisturising and avoid hot water when bathing. Staying hydrated and using nourishing products helps maintain skin’s moisture, which keeps your tan from fading or peeling.
Why should you exfoliate before applying fake tan?
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and reveals fresh skin, giving you a smoother base for fake tan. This helps the tan last longer and prevents patchiness or uneven colour after application.
How does hot water affect your tan?
Hot water can dehydrate your skin, causing tan to fade faster and appear patchy or flaky. Using cooler water and adding skin-nourishing bath products helps your tan last and keeps your skin healthy.
What foods can help make your tan last longer?
Foods rich in beta-carotene, like those with natural red or orange pigment, can help your tan last longer. A ‘healthier’ diet supports cell turnover and keeps your skin glowing.
When is it most important to moisturise your skin for a tan?
It is especially important to moisturise morning and night during any period your skin is tanned. If your skin has been exposed to sun, replenishing moisture prevents peeling and keeps your golden glow intact.