How to Keep your Summer Tan – The 3 Golden Rules

Sun out, skin out. Providing you take care of your dermis and slap on plenty of SPF, getting a bronzed glow is one of the best things about summer (well, at least on the one or two days the sun shines). Whether you’re just back from holiday or managed to bag a sunny afternoon in a local park, here is our advice for keeping the tan for as long as possible…

Precaution

One of the most important things to consider is how you care for your skin before/when you step out into the heat. While skipping on suntan might seem the quickest way to gain colour, it’s never going to make for a long-term bronze. You’ll likely burn and dry out your skin, meaning any copper hues peel away as quickly as they arrived.

Slap on a high-factor during your first few days in the sun, even if you don’t burn easily, and gradually bring your SPF factor down (keeping in mind that dermatologists say you shouldn’t go under SPF 15). It’s not just to prevent you getting burned (though that should be your primary concern), but sun damage is one of the biggest causes of premature lines and wrinkles. Dermatologists say you should wear suncream every day – not just in the sun. Lying in summer heat makes this necessity even more vital – if nasty diseases like skin cancer aren’t enough (and they most certainly should be), the aesthetic impact on your body should make you consider reapplying.

Exfoliate

It might seem counterproductive to scrub your skin off, but a weekly exfoliate to remove dead skin is vital for maintaining a long and beautiful tan. Opt for very gentle products or, even better, a light body brush and make sure you’re as gentle as you can be. It will remove the dull surface layers of skin that prevent you having that healthy shimmer and allow you to keep your skin looking fresh – avoiding the dreaded peel that takes place after a few days. What’s more – it’s a wise idea to have a good exfoliate before you tan – if you get a chance to give your skin a good (but gentle!) scrub before stepping into the sun, do it! You’ll thank yourself for it when you’re making the most of your glow.

Moisturise

Having exfoliated and got rid of dry bits of skin, moistursiation is absolutely crucial in keeping a stunning tan. Quite simply the more hydrated your skin, the better your glow so opt for natural products and thick body butters for the best possible results – heavily perfumed items, for example, can sometimes have the opposite effect of drying out skin.

Aloe Vera is a great product to add moisture to dehydrated skin, as is coconut oil. Natural is best when it comes to looking after yourself, so consider this when you’re searching for the perfect splash of moisture.

Fake it

If all else fails, one of the safest (and most assured) ways to get a long-lasting tan lies in a bottle of your favourite coloured potion – fake tan is no longer anything to be ashamed of, providing you do your research and invest in a good bottle.

You don’t normally need to spend more than £20-£30 for a fair amount of high-quality, streak free tan (much cheaper than a holiday and it lasts a lot longer) and most of the best-known brands normally do gradual moisturisers which are perfect for those with paler skin who want more of a subtle glow. Remember – while it might not feel as nice as lying in the sun for several hours, you’ll thank yourself in years to come and you can keep it topped up far easier than a plane ride to Spain every weekend (though we can always dream…).

And, as stupid as it sounds, don’t forget – fake tan offers absolutely no protection against the sun’s rays. If you go away with a beautifully fake bronzed look, you’ll still need to slap on the high SPF to avoid burning and sun damage.

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