Whether you use sunscreen and spend time in the sun, or you use a self-tanner on a daily basis, you may have a burning question: ‘how long does a tan last?’ It depends, is the response.
Due to the natural turnover of skin cells, self-tanners should anticipate their golden colour to last 7-10 days. Alternatively, if you obtain a tan outside, you may anticipate your tan to fade in roughly the same period of time (7-10 days). When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it creates melanin, a pigment that darkens the skin to help protect it from dangerous UV radiation.
The skin tans as a result of this response, but how long it lasts depends on your skin type. Tans will persist longer on individuals with dark or olive complexion than on those with pale or beige skin. Applying a daily sunless tanner (suggested every 3-5 days for maintenance or once a week if you like your color) will help you keep an even tan for self tanning.
How to make self tan last longer?
The key to a long-lasting tan extends beyond application. Follow these before and after tanning instructions to extend the life of your self-tanner.
1. Exfoliate and hydrate before using a self-tanning lotion.
The way you prepare your skin before applying a self-tanner may make or break your tan. Exfoliate and moisturize regularly to keep the tan from adhering to dry places.
Our best advice? To create a clean canvas for your tan, use our Tan Enhancing Body Polish and Exfoliator, then apply our Tan Enhancing Body Moisturizer to particularly dry areas (knees and elbows) for a patch-free finish.
2. Avoid taking hot baths.
Although you may enjoy a hot bath, your tan will not! Hot water can cause your skin to dry up, causing it to peel away and take your golden tan with it. To assist prevent skin shedding and preserve your shine for longer, avoid bathing for an extended period of time (think showers, not baths).
3. Apply moisturizer every day.
Using a moisturizer on a regular basis will assist to avoid shedding (which, as you know, can cause your tan to disappear more quickly).
You may use our Tan Enhancing Body Moisturizer both before and after tanning! It not only leaves skin feeling silky smooth, but it can also extend the life of your tan by up to three days with even fading.
4. Exfoliate once every three days.
We recommend applying the St.Tropez Body Polish and Exfoliator every 3 days to help your tan stay longer. Exfoliating will keep your tan from looking patchy, allowing it to fade naturally and last longer.
5. Always exfoliate before reapplying tan.
If you’re a self-tanner enthusiast, you’ll know that it’s best applied to a clean canvas. Always begin your tanning procedure from fresh to avoid undesirable tan build-up and patchiness.
Takeaway Tips
- Before using your sunless tanner, exfoliate your skin to eliminate any dead skin cells.
- Applying body moisturizer on a daily basis will keep your skin moisturized and nourished.
- Body scrubs, peels, face masks, and treatments containing salicylic acid or exfoliants should be avoided.
- Avoid using hot water since it can cause your tan to fade and peel faster.
- Use a daily moisturizer, sunless tanner, and sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to keep your skin healthy.
