We may be swapping our sun frocks for chunky knits but it doesn't mean we want to lose our hot holiday glow just yet. Make your colour go the distance with these tan prolonging tips and tricks.
Exfoliating:
To ensure a long lasting tan it's important to exfoliate before sun exposure, but not after. By prepping your skin with a good scrub you'll reduce dryness which can lead to peeling and help your tan develop deeper and in turn last longer. Try to resist using harsh exfoliators once you're tanned (whether it's real or not), so that you don't scrub it off - unless of course your skin is flaky, although the trick is to keep it hydrated.
Moisturising:
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise should be your after-sun mantra. For real results swap a normal body cream for a specialist product like Lancaster Tan Maximiser, that works with the skin's own natural tanning ability and promises to increase your tan by up to 50%.
Whilst this will naturally extend your tan you can also give it a helping hand with a moisturising gradual tanner that will blend into and enhance your sun kissed colour. Our all-time fave is the Xen-Tan Transform Luxe. It may be pricey but it never streaks, gives a natural olivey (not orangey) glow and smells divine. For those on a budget reach for Garnier Summer Body Moisturising Lotion, which is also pretty foolproof.
If you're planning on topping up your tan at any time remember to also load up on sun cream. Even though you have your ‘base' it will actually help make your tan last longer.
Showering:
Swap your shower gel for an oil like Eucerin Bath & Shower Oil which is super-hydrating and replace your loofah or sponge for a wash cloth like the fab Life NK Japanese Wash Cloth (£18, spacenk.co.uk) which magically quadruples your body wash product and is machine washable so lasts for yonks.
Hair removal:
Avoid waxing when you're suntanned, always do you hair removal prep before, and if you're a shaving kind of girl swap your wet razor with an electric shaver which won't remove as many surface skin cells (i.e. your top layer of tan).
