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    Home » Style

    How to Prolong Your Tan After Vacation

    Published: Sep 19, 2022 · Modified: May 12, 2023 by Jennifer · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    It is officially summertime, and the heat is on! Getting a tan is a popular tradition during the summer when both men and women sunbathe for hours. Today let's talk about How to Prolong Your Tan After Vacation so that all of your hard work in getting tanned doesn't go to waste within weeks!

    On the other hand, the same people are having a more difficult time keeping their tan. Using waterproof self-tanning products can be an option, but how do you prolong that glorious tan? Let's talk all about it!

    jenn Quillen The Rebel Chick on a Beach in Morocco

    How to Prolong Your Tan After Vacation

    Tips on How to Prolong Your Tan After Vacation

    Keeping a tan can be tricky if you do not know how to do it. So, here are five valuable tips you can use:

    Tip 1: Take Cool or Cold Showers

    Most of us take hot showers thinking it will retain the tan. Do not do this! Showering with hot water can dehydrate your skin and could lead to skin complications, especially if you’re coming from a sunburn. Instead, do a cold shower. 

    Showering with cold water can prolong your tan in several ways:

    • It cools down your skin.
    • It hydrates your skin.
    • It doesn’t remove your skin’s natural oils.

    You can also add moisturizing shower oils so that you can help keep your skin hydrated for an extended period.

    How to Prolong Your Tan After Vacation

    There are also some reminders when showering with a tan to keep in mind:

    Don’t Shower if you used a bronzer or you got your tan artificially through a tanning bed or other means.

    Do Shower if you just came from the beach, and you’re already rocking that tan.

    Jennifer Pridemore Bathing Suit in Morocco

    Showering after using a tanning bed or bronzer will remove some streaks of that artificial tan. Your tan lines will show, and they will not be pleasing to look in the eyes.

    Worst case scenario will be doing your tan again and costing you additional dollars along with the risk of skin damage in the future. Do not make this common mistake! 

    REMINDER: Take a cold shower at least an hour after tanning.

    Tip 2: Using Bronzers

    In case that tan is slowly fading after several days, using a bronzer can help you prolong that tan to have that “sun-kissed” look. Faking a tan will always be better than baking yourself under the sun. Sunbathing again will run the risk of sunburns that can damage your skin.

    Getting sunburns consequently can cause skin health complications in the future. So, if possible, fake a tan with a bronzer rather than sunbathing for hours. 

    As a bonus, some bronzers are also moisturizers. Buying a bronzer is like hitting two birds with one stone. Not only do you keep your tan, but you also keep your skin hydrated!

    Speaking about skin hydration….

    How to Prolong Your Tan After Vacation

    Tip 3: Keep your Skin Hydrated

    Drinking water is the best way to keep your skin hydrated. Getting dehydrated from time to time will break that tan since your skin will shed and will flake off that tan.

    It is also the least expensive option if you are planning to save money. Alternatively, if you do not want to go to the toilet now and then, using moisturizers is also another route you can take.

    A moisturizer can help retain skin moisture and hydration for a certain period. Though some products and brands offer expensive moisturizers, you can opt for cheaper brands if they can help your skin.

    Have you checked out the MAËLYS Summer Collection? Get it here for $25 - $35 on maelyscosmetics.com!

    • SO-PREPPED (tan accelerator):$29 – This tan accelerator helps you to quickly achieve an even, deep, long-lasting tan by triggering your melanin receptors.
    • SO-COOL (after sun cooling body wash): $25 – Helps to soothe dry skin after sun exposure, gently removing sand and salt particles after that long beach day.
    • SO-JELLY (after sun restorative mask): $35 – This refreshing jelly mask aids hydration, promoting the repair of the skin barrier after sun exposure, helping to calm sunburnt skin.  
    • SO-FLAWLESS (body perfecting camo): $35 – Helps to soften imperfections, even out skin tone, and leave you glowing. 

    Otherwise, check out our other options in this article. A big disclaimer before buying, if you have any allergic reactions to some moisturizers, it would be best to seek counsel from your dermatologist for the best recommendations.

    Getting the best recommendation would help you save time and money and avoid any future skin complications that may prevent you from getting a new tan.

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    Tip 4: Eating Foods with Beta Carotene will help to Prolong Your Tan After Vacation

    But wait, what is Beta Carotene?

    Beta Carotene is the pigmentation that will make you recognize your fruits and vegetables. In the realm of skincare and beauty, foods with Beta Carotene such as carrots, apples, and mangoes have been proven to help extend the life of your tan.

    You can also eat leaf greens such as spinach or lettuce to get adequate doses of Beta Carotene. For those looking to transition into a healthier lifestyle, this tip is for you. Not only will you rock a sleek tan but also a healthy, strong body. Consequently, this option could be pretty pricey on your wallet whenever you buy groceries.

    If you are running low on funds check out Beta Carotene supplements that can help you out retain a tan.

    Eating Foods with Beta Carotene will help to Prolong Your Tan After Vacation

    Tip 5: Using Tan Extenders or Self-Tanners

    Either tan extenders or self-tanners can help prolong your tan. The difference lies in your usage and how long you will keep your tan. Tan extenders are 3-in-1 lotions that aim to extend the lifespan of your tan.

    These products acts can do two things, namely:

    • It hydrates your skin.
    • It protects your skin from ultraviolet rays.

    As mentioned earlier, skin hydration is essential in keeping your tan because dry skin will shed and flake away your newly formed tan. Second, continuous sun exposure harms your tan since it is like a hot shower. Getting baked will damage your skin and turn that tan into a burn.

    Hydrating your skin and avoiding further UV exposure is the key to prolonging a tan. Failure to do this means losing your tan within its natural life cycle.

    Sunbathing at the pool in Morocco

    Self-Tanners

    In contrast to tan extenders, if you are planning to prolong your tan for a short period, you can apply self-tanner lotions. Seeing your tan fade is a signal for you to apply a self-tanner lotion to make it look like you still have a tan. Faking it is better than baking.

    You can easily remove the self-tanner on your skin by applying baby oil and taking shower. Consider this option if you are planning to keep a tan for a few extra days.

    Getting a tan can be fun and exciting, but keeping it is challenging.

    Keeping a tan will cost both time and money, so be prepared to shell out your funds. But, with these tips in mind, you will no longer worry about quickly losing that tan ever again.

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    About Jennifer

    Jennifer, AKA "The Rebel Chick," is a 40-something Gen Xer who strives to help her readers live their best lives possible with easy recipes, travel inspiration and lifestyle tips!

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    Hi, I'm Jennifer! I'm a Miami native and I love sharing easy dinner recipes, baking recipes, travel ideas and general Miami Lifestyle fun! Follow along for inspiration on how to make the most of your life!

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