how to prolong tan
Courtesy of @alexandramiro

Could it be? Summer is finally coming to an end?! Whilst we’re longing for cooler days and to be able to step outside without our sunnies steaming up, one thing we’re not looking forward to is losing our post-holiday sunkissed skin. So, if you’ve been frantically searching “how to prolong tan”, this one’s for you. The quest for a sun-kissed glow that lasts beyond vacation photos is no longer an elusive dream, and in this guide, we’re spilling the beans on how to make your tan last longer, all thanks to a few product picks and expert tips. You’re welcome.

Prep Perfectly

Achieving a long-lasting tan begins before you even step into the sun. Prior to your sun-soaked escapade, exfoliate your skin to eliminate dead cells and ensure an even canvas for your tan to develop. Choose a gentle exfoliant that pampers while it purifies. We recommend indulging in a luxurious sugar scrub infused with nourishing oils to unveil your inner radiance, like Ouai’s St. Barts beautifying buffer. Not only does it boast sugar to slough away dry, dead cells, but it’s also packed with probiotics to support the skin’s natural microbiome, coconut oil to retain softness and moisture and it can be used to treat your scalp too. Not to mention its Caribbean-island-inspired scent of dragonfruit, orange blossom, amber and tuberose that will whisk you away to tropical shores with just a whiff.

OUAI St. Barts Scalp and Body Scrub
Ouai St. Barts Scalp and Body Scrub, Dhs162, SHOP NOW

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Hydration is the cornerstone of an enduring tan. But we’re not just talking slathering on the body lotion, we’re talking inner hydration. Before, during and after your sun-soaked sojourns, quench your skin’s thirst from the inside out by sipping on refreshing concoctions of infused water. Slices of citrus fruits and sprigs of mint add some good-for-you flavour and look cute if you snap an Insta. Win-win. This not only keeps you refreshed but also enhances your tan’s longevity, leaving you with skin so radiant Jlo would be proud. The Humantra hydration sachets are perfect for popping in your bag to keep you hydrated on the go. Four times more than water alone, to be exact. Plus they’re plant-based, sugar-free, and packed with electrolytes and antioxidants, all with a delicious fruity flavour to boot.

Humantra Himalayan Lime Hack #1
Humantra Himalayan Lime Hack #1, Dhs105, SHOP NOW

Boost Your Body Care

Unveil the power of nature with tan-prolonging potions and choose skincare products enriched with aloe vera, coconut oil and antioxidant-rich botanicals. These natural gems not only rejuvenate your skin post-sun but also amplify your tan’s allure. We swear by aloe-infused body mists that cocoon you in a hydrating embrace while enhancing your bronzed brilliance. Also, opt for moisturisers that boast skin-nurturing ingredients like Shea butter and hyaluronic acid. These help lock in your tan’s luminosity for longer and ensure even fade.

 

SOLEIL TOUJOURS Organic Aloe Antioxidant Calming Mist
Soleil Toujours Organic Aloe Antioxidant Calming Mist, Dhs50, SHOP NOW

 

BUFF UP

Exfoliating skin to prolong your tan? It might sound counterproductive, but a weekly gentle exfoliating session post-tanning will actually help your tan last longer. How? By removing the top layer of skin (read: dry, dead cells), you help keep your skin even and smooth, in turn enhancing your sunkissed glow and helping your tan last longer and look more even. This is a great one for an exfoliating body mitt, which you can use in the shower in a matter of minutes to buff up beautifully.

Rituals THE RITUAL OF HAMMAM Kessa Glove
Rituals The Ritual Of Hammam Kessa Glove, Dhs30, SHOP NOW

Add AN Enhancer

From bronzing drops to tan-boosting body lotions, there’s a plethora of products out there designed to help you prolong your tan and enhance your glow. Although they do contain low amounts of tanning actives, they’re not to be mistaken for a fake tan. Instead, they work slowly over time to add a subtle hint of colour as your natural tan starts to fade. They’re also completely foolproof, so fake tan phobes need not fear – there’s no chance of streaks or weird biscuit smell here. Especially if you use the Isle of Paradise Happy Tan Everyday Gradual Glow Lotion. Using colour-correcting technology and a whizzy vegan formula, it can be used in place of your regular body cream to enhance your tan and to add a buildable, bronze boost.

Isle of Paradise Happy Tan Everyday Gradual Glow Lotion
Isle of Paradise Happy Tan Everyday Gradual Glow Lotion, Dhs80, SHOP NOW