How to Prolong Your Fake Tan

We can’t deny the fact that we would love to stay perfectly bronzed forever. But, the reality is that even the best fake tan (both real and fakes) can fade. Luckily, we have a few handy tips up our sleeve that can help ensure that your fake tan lasts as long as possible.

Pre-Tanning Preparation

You have to prep your skin beforehand; a fake tan is only as good as the canvas you begin with. Make sure you exfoliate your skin with an oil-free scrub to remove dead skin cells. If these dead skin cells aren’t removed, the application of your fake tan can be a lot less smooth and the fake tan will end up looking uneven.

Shave and Wax Before Your Session

If you aim to do your hair removal a day before, your legs will have time to recover and won’t be overly sensitive during the tanning process. It will also increase the longevity of your best fake tan because you won’t have to shave on top of a fresh tan – shaving or waxing will essentially exfoliate away some of your bronzed colour.

Do Not Touch

After your tan has been applied, stand calmly and DO NOT TOUCH IT. Avoid putting your clothes on or touching anything for a good 10-15 minutes to guarantee that the tan has dried properly. After all that time it took to apply the fake tan, you don’t want to find out it’s been rubbed off on your clothes, ruining both your clothes and your tan!

Avoid Showers

To preserve your fake tan it is best not to shower or bathe for at least 8 to 10 hours after it has been applied. When you do shower or bathe avoid using abrasive cleansers, peels or scrubs. It is best to also avoid using nylon or other fabrics to scrub your skin (if you do have to use a wash cloth, use a soft one). Use a mild cleanser or an oil and gently pat your skin dry when finished, no rubbing!

Avoid Chlorine

Avoid chlorine as much as you can. Feel free to relax by the side of the pool without actually going in the water, the chlorine can reduce the lifespan of your tan!

Moisturise

The best fake tans are kept looking fresh when you moisturise frequently. Make sure you avoid lotions that contain petroleum, mineral oils or Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) – all of these can compromise your fake tan. Instead choose products made specifically to help nourish and maintain fake tans, such as tan extending lotions. The more you moisturise the less likely it is that your skin will peel, and the better your fake tan will look.

Drink Lots of Water

Staying hydrated helps your best fake tan last even longer, as well as preventing your skin from peeling. That is why you need to moisturise and keep up your daily intake of H2O!