Achieving the perfect sun-kissed glow is a great way to feel radiant and confident. But as anyone who’s worked hard for their tan knows, it can fade all too quickly if not properly maintained. Thankfully, there are simple yet effective ways to prolong your tan and keep your skin looking luminous for longer.
Here are some pro tips to help extend the life of your glow, whether it’s from the sun or a self-tanning product.Looking for quality skincare to help maintain your radiant complexion? Discover a range of high-performance products through white label skincare in Australia designed to nourish and protect your skin, ensuring a longer-lasting tan.
Prep Your Skin Before Tanning
The longevity of your tan starts with how well you prepare your skin. A smooth, even surface allows your tan to settle in more uniformly and helps prevent patchiness as it fades.
- Exfoliate gently before you tan to remove dead skin cells. This will ensure your tan develops evenly and clings to fresh skin, which will last longer. Avoid harsh exfoliants as they can irritate the skin – opt for a gentle body scrub or a washcloth.
- Moisturise well after exfoliating to keep your skin hydrated. Hydrated skin holds a tan better, making it last longer. Use a lightweight, non-oily moisturiser to avoid clogging your pores.
Stay Hydrated Inside and Out
Hydration is key to prolonging the life of your tan – the more hydrated your skin, the longer it will retain its colour.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin moisturised from within. Dehydrated skin can flake and peel, causing your tan to fade prematurely.
- Moisturise daily to prevent dry patches. Use a moisturiser with aloe vera or hyaluronic acid, which helps to lock in moisture and soothe sun-exposed skin.
Avoid Hot Showers and Baths
While a long, hot shower might feel relaxing, it can strip your skin of essential oils, leading to dryness and peeling.
- Opt for lukewarm showers instead, and use a gentle, hydrating body wash. Harsh soaps can accelerate skin cell turnover, causing your tan to fade faster.
- Pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it with a towel, which can cause exfoliation and fade your tan.
Use Tan Extending Products
To keep your tan looking fresh and radiant, invest in tan-extending products designed to nourish your skin while maintaining your glow. These products often contain a small amount of self-tanner to gradually build or maintain your tan.
- Choose a gradual tanner to use in place of your regular moisturiser. It will keep your colour topped up and prevent any uneven fading.
- Consider incorporating white label skincare in Australia, which offers high-quality products designed to nourish and maintain your skin’s natural radiance.
Eat Your Way to a Longer Tan
Believe it or not, the food you eat can have an impact on the longevity of your tan. Foods rich in beta-carotene, like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach, are known to enhance your skin’s ability to retain colour.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, as they help to protect your skin from damage and maintain its natural glow. Adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals can work wonders for your skin health and appearance.
Wear Sunscreen – Always
One of the biggest misconceptions about tanning is that sunscreen will prevent you from getting a tan. In reality, sunscreen helps protect your skin from burning and peeling, allowing your tan to develop more evenly and last longer.
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen every day, even if you’re just walking around the city. This will protect your skin from harmful UV rays while allowing you to build a healthy, gradual tan.
Avoid Exfoliating Too Soon
Once you’ve achieved your desired tan, be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can remove your tan faster.
- Wait at least a few days before exfoliating, and when you do, use a gentle scrub. Avoid using any rough loofahs or scrubbing tools, as they can fade your tan prematurely.
Stay Away from Chlorine
Chlorine found in pools can have a bleaching effect on your skin, causing your tan to fade more quickly.
- If you’re planning a swim, rinse off with fresh water as soon as you’re out of the pool and reapply moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated. This will help minimise the damage from chlorine exposure.
Top Up with Self-Tanner
If you notice your tan beginning to fade unevenly, a little self-tanner can work wonders to bring your glow back.
- Use a self-tanning mousse or lotion to gently top up fading areas, blending well to avoid streaks. This is a great way to keep your tan looking fresh without overexposing your skin to harmful UV rays.
By following these simple tips, you can extend the life of your tan and enjoy that sun-kissed glow for longer. Remember, a little care goes a long way in preserving your tan, so stay hydrated, moisturise regularly, and avoid anything that can cause premature fading.
