We know how much of a pain making your tan last can be. You’ve worked on building up a gorgeous golden glow, but for some reason it just won’t stay like you were hoping for. Well, worry no more! We have compiled some of our best tips for helping your tan last as long as possible. 

Always apply tanning lotion before tanning

If sunbathing, we recommend layering a tanning lotion with your SPF to act as a second hydrating companion. Not only will this work to soothe and nourish skin for a soft, silky feel, but it will also boost your results and prevent skin from drying out as much after tanning. When applying this, we recommend the following:

1. Apply your SPF 20 - 30 minutes before sun exposure
2. Apply your tanning lotion immediately before going outdoors
3. Reapply your SPF (and tanning lotion) every two hours as a minimum. This frequency should be increased if swimming, sweating or towel drying.

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is KEY to helping your tan last as long as possible. Dry skin not only affects your tan, slowing down any tan results built up, but it also means that your skin will shed faster. The faster your skin sheds, the faster your tan will fade and become uneven or patchy, as it removes the tanned skin cells. By upping your water and ensuring you’re drinking at least 2 litres of water per day consistently, you are hydrating your skin from the inside out, slowing down the natural shedding process. 

Cool showers

Did you know that having hot showers and baths can strip your skin of its natural oils? By lowering the temperature, you lessen the likelihood of drying out skin so severely.

Exfoliate gently

By exfoliating gently a couple of times a week, you rid yourself of any dead skin cells that could be sat on your tan, making it look dull. This ensures that rather than losing your tan by your skin's natural shedding process, resulting in a patchy colour, you rid yourself of dry patches quickly. This means that future tan results are deeper, as there are no dry patches that can reflect light, and your glow will remain even and bright. 

Diet

Did you know that your diet can have an impact on your skin’s condition and appearance? With that in mind, eating foods which are high in Beta Carotene such as red and orange vegetables and leafy greens actually work to encourage a deeper hue to the skin. What’s more, these are also rich in antioxidants and vitamins which work to improve skin’s condition for enhanced and longer-lasting tan results. 

Have you also considered using a TanShot Xtra before your tanning session? These are supplied or can be requested in salon and are a tanning and beauty drink, designed to give you 2 of your five a day. These work to help improve your skin condition from the inside out, ultimately enhancing future tan results as well as extending the life of your current glow. 

SPF is your BFF

Our line of sun protection is also rich in skincare ingredients which are not only popular with those with prickly heat, but also are reviewed positively for this moisturising properties, helping to keep skin hydrated. 

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!

For those looking for the best hydration possible, our Hemp Nation collection are all reviewed 5 stars and have been designed by tanners FOR tanners with the aim of making your skin glow and your tan last as long as possible. These moisturisers contain no alcohols or other drying ingredients, unlike many high street moisturisers, and have added skincare ingredients which work to deepen your natural tan, care for tattoos or plump the skin with a collagen infusion 😍