5 Tricks to Make Your Self-Tanner Last Longer

If you’re trading in hours baking under the sun for a faux glow achieved with self-tanner — which we highly recommend — you might be wondering how to prolong the results. The truth is, many of the ways to extend the results of self-tanner aren't all that different than if you were trying to savor your bronze glow from a tropical vacation. However, when using a fake tanning product, you’ve got more options to keep it looking fresh.

Ahead, we’re sharing what you need to know about how to extend the life of your self-tanner with five easy tips. Follow our guidance and you’ll be bronze with glowing skin all year round. 

1. Exfoliate Before Tanning 

Perhaps the easiest and most common way to ensure your self-tanner lasts is to thoroughly exfoliate before applying it. Applying self-tanner on top of smooth, exfoliated skin is key because it prevents the tan from fading as dead skin cells shed. No matter where you’ll be applying the product, be sure to exfoliate your skin to yield the most even and long lasting results. 

2. Moisturize Before and After Self-Tanning

In addition to exfoliating, moisturizing your skin before applying self-tanner is key. The drier your skin is, the more likely it is to shed and therefore make your tan fade more quickly. After exfoliating, apply a moisturizer and then you’re ready for the self-tanner. 

For an easy faux glow in, you can even mix the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops, Fragrance-Free in with your moisturizer. Mix about five drops into your moisturizer a few times per week to maintain a natural-looking tan. 

3. Avoid Long, Hot Showers

Long showers with high temperatures dry out your skin. And like we mentioned, the drier your skin, the more likely it is that your tan will fade due to shedding. Instead, take quicker showers in cool or warm water to preserve the life of your tan. 

4. Wear Sunscreen

Applying SPF daily is essential whether you’re using self-tanner or not, but doing so can help to keep your tan intact. Sun burns can cause damage to your skin that can lead to dryness, flaking and peeling which will ultimately disrupt the results of your faux glow. 

If you’re looking to maintain the tan on your face, apply an SPF on top, like the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30. In addition to protecting your skin thanks to built-in broad-spectrum sunscreen, it deeply hydrates and works to reduce wrinkles, firm the skin and brighten your complexion. 

5. Be Consistent With Your Self-Tanner 

If you’re looking to maintain a tan for a prolonged period of time rather than for a one-off occasion, opt for a product that can be used multiple times per week or even daily. 

The L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Glow Daily Moisturizer Natural Skin Tone Enhancer is a great tanning lotion for body (if you have a light to medium skin one) because it creates a subtle glow within three days and can be used daily to maintain your tan. Plus, you don’t have to wait hours for it to develop and then wash it off. It simply creates a natural tan with continued use. 

If you like to maintain a natural-looking tan on your face, the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Water Mist, Vitamin E is a great option. It’s formulated for all skin types and can be applied on bare skin daily using a cotton pad. 

If you’re using exfoliating acids on your face that can make your tan fade quickly, this product is great because you can apply it consistently to maintain your color. Plus, it’s formulated with vitamin E to for added hydration. 

Next: 5 Springtime Skin Care Tips to Start Following Today

Written by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn