Most of us have spent more time than usual enjoying the outdoors this year, most likely in our back yards rather than on a beach, but as a good result of this it has given us the opportunity to gain a natural tan.
As life slowly returns to normal, we want to make that tan lasts for as long as possible – ideally for the rest of the summer! In this post, I am going to be sharing how you can do this!
- Remember to apply sunscreen
Although getting a natural tan is great, we must look after our skin. If we do not do this, we can suffer from painful sunburns, pigmentation and overexposure to the sun without protection can cause premature ageing in our skin.
Even if it is cloudy sunscreen is essential, as your skin will suffer the same effects as if it was a bright and sunny day. Apply sunscreen over your entire body with a factor of at least 30. I would recommend a specialised one for your face, this will allow you to see the best results from products that you apply after.
You can also protect yourself from overexposure to the sun by:
- Wearing a sunhat and sunglasses.
- Use a sunscreen mist to apply protection to your scalp if you’re not wearing a hat. Sunburn on your scalp is seriously painful.
- Do not use make-up containing SPF as a sunscreen replacement for a proper sunscreen as this does not provide enough protection (You would have to apply around eight layers to achieve enough coverage).
- Try to avoid peak time sun, which is typically between 11 am – 2 pm.
- Ensure you top up your sunscreen every couple of hours or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming, as these actions will dilute the sunscreen.
- Check the expiry date of your sunscreen, the active ingredients will not continue to protect you to their full effects if it is out of date.
- Exfoliate Regularly
You may think exfoliating your skin will buff away your tan rather than maintain it, but it works to keep your tan looking its best. You should exfoliate before and after you tan, it helps to remove dead skin cells which allow your skin to absorb the sun more effectively and tan quicker.
After tanning exfoliating will again remove dead skin cells, as well as sunscreen build-up. By removing the dead skin cells, it will help to open your pores to allow products you apply topically afterwards such as moisturizer to penetrate deeper and work more effectively. Exfoliating also makes your skin feel more supple, improves skin tone and creates a healthy glow.
To exfoliate I would recommend using a Susi’s Scrubber Body Scrubber, it is a handy mitt which simply slips over your hand. To use it you dampen it in your bath or shower and begin to apply light pressure onto your skin and work it in circular motions over your entire body from head to toe.
- Keep your skin hydrated
Moisturizing your skin is the key to making your tan last longer. You should repeat this step every day, paying extra attention to the dry areas on your skin which is your elbows, hands, knees and feet. Moisturizing your entire body will keep your skin cells supple and pumped, which will make your skin tone look even and ensure the moisture is locked in.
However, I would recommend avoiding using after-sun moisturizing products daily, which contain alcohol, because this will dry your skin out and cause your tan to fade quicker. In addition, to applying moisturizer you could also apply body oil, choose one which does not contain silicones and it will not only nourish your skin, it will give you a golden goddess glow.
- Ditch hot showers
Swap your regular hot showers for cooler ones, because hot showers will dry out your skin and cause your tan to fade or even worse cause you to peel. Cool showers will also help to open your pores to allow products you apply to your skin afterwards to penetrate your skin deeper and allow you to see the full potential from using them. I would also recommend using an oil-based body wash in the shower, as too many bubbles will rub away your tan.
- Drink enough water
It is vital to keep hydrated when you spend a prolonged amount of time in the sun, whether you are going on a hike, playing sports or just laying out sunbathing. It will help you regulate your body’s temperature, prevents infections, provides nutrients to your body’s cells and helps to keep the quality of your skin texture at its best. Most importantly it will ensure you avoid the effects of being dehydrated such as sunstroke.
- Use A Gradual Tan Moisturizer
If you know your time outside is going to be limited as we head back to normality, half fake your tan to make the most of the natural one you already have. To do so, once or twice a week after your shower or bath use a gradual tan moisturizer rather than a regular one. This will give you a gorgeous glow and make the most of the tan you already have. Apply it generously and evenly over your entire body for the best results.
- Wearing Lighter Shades of Clothing
If you want your tan to be seen, do not wear black instead choose lighter shades – especially white. These lighter shades will make your tan stand out, due to the contrast of your skin against them. It almost creates an illusion of more tanned skin. Whereas a darker shade can make you look paler, especially if you have a fair skin tone. If you have an olive skin tone, colors such as khakis and camel shades will compliment your tan nicely.
Although we are returning to normal life do not leave the time outside behind. It is great for our minds, wellbeing and our consumption of Vitamin D is beneficial. Vitamin D boosts our serotonin levels and is said to release feelings of stress and anxiety – something we have all needed in recent situations.
I hope this post helps you to maintain your natural tan for the rest of the summer!
