HOW TO KEEP YOUR TAN LONGER: TIPS FOR PROLONGING YOUR NATURAL… AND FAKE TAN
Whether you’ve spent time soaking up the sun this Summer (with the proper SPF care, of course) or applied a shimmery self tanner, nothing feels better than that golden glow. But unfortunately, tans — natural or artificial — can fade quickly without the proper care.
But, how can we keep on to our tan for longer? Well, we’ve spoken to the experts at Bondi Sands to reveal the top tanning tips and tricks, so you can stay bronzed longer than your holiday.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- How Long Does A Tan Last
- How Long Does A Fake Tan Last
How To Prolong A Natural Tan - How To Prolong A Fake Tan
- Best Tanning Products
- How To Keep Your Tan For Longer FAQs
HOW LONG DOES A TAN LAST
Whether we like to believe it or not, a natural tan will usually only last for around 7-10 days, although this can vary depending on one’s skin type, sun exposure, skin care routine and natural skin cell turnover. The good news? This timescale won’t apply for those who live in warmer climates or who are exposed to rays for longer periods of time as the frequent contact to the sun will keep your tan fresh and topped up. What’s more, since your natural tan is pigmentation of the outermost skin layers, it will fade as your cells shed – so while regular exfoliation speeds up the fading process, moisturising can help maintain the tan longer by keeping skin hydrated.
So, in short, the typical duration of a natural tan is around 7-10 days but can last up to 2 weeks with the proper care.
HOW LONG DOES FAKE TAN LAST
Self tan works by reacting with the amino acids on the top layer of your skin, which means as your skin naturally sheds, your tan will fade too. But don’t stress, we’ve got plenty of tips to help you keep that glow going and maintain your self tan!
“How long fake tan lasts really depends on the tan you’re using. If you’re after a quick, instant glow, Bondi Sands’ Glo Matte One Day Tan gives you a bronze that lasts just for the day (perfect for last-minute plans). But if you’re looking for a tan that lasts longer, the brand’s Self Tanning Foam (Light/Medium, Dark, or Ultra Dark) can give you a gorgeous tan for up to 5-7 days, especially if you prep your skin well. And if you want to keep the glow going, our Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk is the perfect addition to your routine”.
HOW TO PROLONG A NATURAL TAN
Picture this: you’ve spent hours basking under the sun, and you’ve finally managed to achieve your ideal golden glow. But now the real challenge begins, keeping that sun-kissed sign off around longer than your fleeting summer fling. But don’t fret! With a little TLC and some smart skin care moves, you can stretch out that natural tan longer than you initially thought.
STEP ONE: PREP PROPERLY BEFORE TANNING
Exfoliate 24–48 hours before sun exposure: Remove dead skin cells using a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt to ensure an even, natural tan. Avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate skin as these formulas can disrupt your protective barrier, leading to dryness, redness and the dreaded peeling of skin.
Moisturise daily on the lead up to your sun exposure: When your skin is well-hydrated, it’s healthy and plump, meaning the tanning pigments from the sun can absorb and settle more evenly. Hydrated skin also helps prevent dryness and flaking, so your tan doesn’t peel off quickly. So, keeping your skin moisturised is like giving your tan the ideal, smooth canvas to stick to and stay vibrant!
STEP TWO: STAY SMART IN THE SUN
Limit your initial sun exposure to build your tan gradually: Overdoing your sun exposure can cause peeling and quick fading. Your skin needs time to adapt to UV rays. If you jump straight into long, intense sun sessions, you risk sunburn, which damages your skin and results in your tan fade quickly. Gradual exposure allows your skin to produce melanin steadily, resulting in a deeper, longer-lasting tan without the harmful effects of burning.
Always apply sunscreen with appropriate SPF: It might sound counterintuitive but using sunscreen while tanning actually helps your tan last longer and keeps your skin healthy at the same time. Your go-to sunscreen lets you tan safely by filtering UV rays, so your skin can produce melanin (the pigment responsible for tanning) gradually without burning. This slow buildup leads to a richer, more natural-looking tan that lasts. For the best and safest results, we suggest using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Apply it generously and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. This tailored approach keeps your skin safe while still allowing you to enjoy that sun-kissed glow.
STEP THREE: LOCK IN YOUR GLOW
Moisturise daily: Using a rich, oil-free moisturiser helps hydrated your skin and avoids the risk of it shedding. Plus, proper hydration supports balanced skin cell renewal. When cell turnover is too fast (common with dry or damaged skin), your tan disappears quicker as the pigmented cells shed faster than usual.
Invest in after-sun: After-sun lotions and gels are specially formulated to soothe, hydrate, and repair skin after sun exposure. Packed with moisturising ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin and hyaluronic acid that deeply hydrate your skin, these must haves keep skin well hydrated, giving it the ability to hold onto its tan for longer. For the best results, apply after-sun immediately after showering when your skin is clean and slightly damp. Then, reapply daily during and after sun exposure to maximise your tan’s longevity.
Use mild body washes: Harsh soaps cleanse more aggressively, removing not only dirt but also the skin’s natural oils. These oils form a protective barrier that locks in moisture and keeps your skin smooth. And as your tan lives in the uppermost dead skin cells, the increased dryness and faster shedding caused by harsh soaps can lead to the tan fading sooner and unevenly.
Minimise exfoliation: Limit scrubbing and use a gentle exfoliant no more than once a week as over-exfoliating removes tan prematurely as it sheds skin.
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HOW TO PROLONG A FAKE TAN
Let’s face it, a flawless fake tan can boost your confidence and give you that sun-kissed glow year-round… but maintaining it requires a bit of care. And just like any beauty regime, the trick for how to go keep your tan longer is all in the prep work.
“Make sure to exfoliate and shave 24 hours before you tan, and ensure your skin is dry and free from moisturisers to help get a smooth, streak-free application. After a few days, you can keep that glow going with products like Bondi Sands’ Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk or the Tinted Skin Perfector Gradual Tanning Lotion – which also works as an instant tan, great for refreshing a fading self tan.”
With that in mind, simply follow our simple yet effective routine below to extend of your faux shimmer.
STEP ONE: PREP PROPERLY BEFORE TANNING
Exfoliate thoroughly: Use a gentle, oil-free scrub or exfoliating mitt to remove dead skin 24 hours before applying your tan. Always pay special attention to your skin’s roughest areas including your elbows, knees and ankles.
Hair removal: If you’re wanting to shave or wax, ensure to do this at least 24 hours before applying your tan to prevent irritation and ensure an even application from top to toe.
Moisturise: Apply a light, oil-free moisturiser to dry patches at least 30 minutes before tanning to prevent those areas from soaking up too much product. Why oil-free you ask? Well, for starters oil-based products are renowned for blocking dihydroxyacetone (AKA DHA) – the active ingredient in self-tanners that reacts with the top layer of your skin to create a tanned appearance. What’s more some self-tanners do not adhere to oily skin as it causes the formula to separate or apply unevenly.
STEP TWO: APPLY WITH CARE
Always use a tanning mitt: A mitt ensures even coverage and protects your hands from staining once your tan begins to develop.
Apply in small sections: When applying your self tan ensure to work your way through the body in small areas, working from your legs upwards (we’re talking legs, torso, arms, back, neck shoulders then face). Smaller areas are easier to manage and blend, reducing the risk of streaks or missed spots. Always blend well, especially around joints to boost a smooth, streak-free sign off.
Let it dry: Allow your tan to dry fully before dressing- patience is a virtue here! Wear loose, dark clothing while it develops to avoid transfer and streaks.
STEP THREE: MAINTAIN DAILY
Hydrate your skin: Moisturise morning and night with an oil-free, fragrance-free lotion to prevent flaking and uneven fading.
Avoid long, hot showers: Stick to lukewarm water and gentle, non-stripping cleansers when washing your face and body.
Pat dry, don’t rub: After bathing or showering, pat your skin dry softly with a towel to avoid exfoliating the tan prematurely.
STEP FOUR: EXTEND YOUR GLOW
Use a gradual tanner: Every 2–3 days, apply a gradual tanning lotion to top up your desired colour and smooth out any fading that may have occurred over the past couple of days.
Tan touch-ups: Revive your tan, paying particular attention to spot-treat fading areas with a tanning mousse or drops blended into your moisturiser.
STEP FIVE: KNOW WHEN TO REMOVE & START FRESH
Avoid patchy build-up: When your tan starts to fade unevenly, it’s time to accept that you need to remove it and start over. Use an exfoliating mitt or a tan remover to create a clean canvas before starting the process again.
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BEST TANNING PRODUCTS
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HOW TO KEEP YOUR TAN LONGER FAQS
How can I make my tan darker and last longer?
The best way to make your tan last longer is to prioritise hydration – both internally and externally. By this we mean drinking lots of water and moisturising daily from top to toe. We also suggest avoiding anything that can dry out your skin (we’re talking hot showers, harsh soaps, over exposure to the sun and everything in between).
Why does my tan fade so quickly?
Your tan fades quickly because your skin naturally sheds dead cells every 28 to 40 days, and since your tan resides in these outer layers, it disappears as they slough off. Over-exfoliating or using harsh scrubs can also speed up this process by removing the top skin layers prematurely, while dry skin causes flaking and peeling that makes your tan look patchy and uneven. Additionally, swimming in chlorinated pools or saltwater can break down your tan faster, and excessive sweating or tight clothing causes friction that rubs your tan off more quickly.
What is the best tan accelerator?
The best tan accelerator depends on your skin type and preferences, however the key is to look out for its ingredient list. Formulas that include coconut oil, aloe vera and glycerine lock in some much-needed moisture and keep your skin soft, smooth and supple helping your tan develop evenly and gradually over time. Or if you’re looking to accelerate your fake tan, blends with tyrosine or DHA help stimulate your melanin production.
So, there you have it, now you know how to keep your tan for longer, it’s time to prep and prime to showcase your sun-soaked sign off long after you’ve stepped off the plane (or emptied your bottle).
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
