How to make your fake tan last longer

As much as a golden glow all year round is the dream, it's hard work to keep your self-tan topped up for months on end - and we all know the dangers of spending too much time exposed to the sun. If you aren't taking care of your skin before and after you tan then your bronzed glow can last as little as three days, resulting in an endless cycle of exfoliating and tanning that would drain even the most devoted tanning lover.

But with the right product, some careful preparation and the proper aftercare, your self-tan can last up to 10 days! Here are the best ways to extend your self-tanner as long as possible:

Shave or Wax Beforehand
Be sure to be silky smooth in all desired areas before you apply your self-tanner. If you wait to wax or shave after application, you will lose more of your tan faster.

Exfoliate
It’s essential to exfoliate your skin before application, our Tan Erase Ultimate Exfoliator Glove helps to ensure your tanner will be applied to fresh, smooth skin. Don’t go too crazy with the exfoliation though, you don’t want to irritate your skin! (You can read more about the negative effects of exfoliating your skin too often here). Over exfoliating will dry out your skin and interfere with result of your tan.

Showering
It's best if you can shower and exfoliate eight hours before you tan, to let the skin return to a neutral pH before application. We find it works best to shower in the morning and tan in the evening - with no moisturiser in between. If you shower or sweat too soon this will fade your tan much faster. Also, hot showers are very drying for your skin. Instead, try to keep your showers warm, cool, or short afterwards to keep your skin from getting dried out.

Moisturise
The number one rule: Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Keeping your skin hydrated won’t only help your tan to last longer, it will help to prevent streakiness and patchy fading. The TanOrganic Multi-use Dry Oil is the perfect moisturer to help keep your skin nourished and hydrated. Apply the oil before tan application, focusing on dry areas such as your elbows, ankles and knees to avoid the dreaded orange joints. Once you’ve applied your self-tanner, it is crucial that you keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. This will prolong the tan and keep your skin from drying out. Lotion, moisturising body wash, and dry oil are all great ways to keep your skin nourished.

Avoid Harsh Products
Some products are harsher than others and can end up taking away some of your gorgeous tan. Try to steer clear of anything with alcohol in it, waxing strips, acne products etc.

Reapply
You may need to reapply your self-tanner, especially if certain areas are fading faster than others. Gently exfoliate every 3-4 days with the Tan & Exfoliate Duo Tanning Glove. You can use the exfoliator side to prep your skin last minute with a dry exfoliate, then flip the glove over to reapply your tan with the silky-smooth application glove.

There’s nothing better than a fresh tan that has you doing double takes in the mirror. A great tan makes you more confident, more defined, and just gives you an overall radiant, bronzed look. I don’t know about you, but I’m willing to do everything I can to keep my tan for as long as possible. Stick to tips we’ve given above, and you’ll be flawlessly glowing all year round!

If you have any more tips on how to make your tan last longer, let us know in the comments below!