How to make your tan last longer

A suntan is one of the nicest things we bring back from holiday. But, unfortunately, the suntan usually doesn’t last as long as we would like. The reason for this lies in skin regeneration. Through cell division, permanent new cells form in the lower layers of the skin. Over time, these migrate upwards, where they replace the topmost skin layer. Here, cells dry out and die off on a daily basis. On average, this process takes 28 days and serves to support our skin barrier.

UV rays are some of the harmful environmental influences which this function is designed to protect us from. This is because the sun not only gives us a summery glow, it also harms the skin. To protect the damaged skin, the lower cells renew themselves and the affected topmost layer is sloughed off. Conversely, this means that our freshly tanned skin also regenerates and the tan therefore does not last as long as you would probably like.

Instead of occupying yourself with how to keep your tan after your holidays, you should deal with the issue beforehand. Because, with a few simple steps, you can prepare your skin as well as possible to guarantee a long-lasting tan. For your skin to get a good tan, it makes sense to exfoliate regularly in advance. Dead skin cells are removed and moisturisers are absorbed better. As the skin is already stressed by UV rays when you are on holiday, we recommend that you give up peels during this period.

In addition, it is advisable to get the skin used to the sun from spring onwards. People who regularly spend time in the sun support the skin’s own protection and stimulate melanin production as well as the thickening of hard skin. This makes the skin more robust when it comes to UV rays. But, of course, you should basically never forget sunscreen. It is also sensible to make sure you choose the right sunscreen for your skin type early on. The more sensitive your skin, the higher the SPF should be.

There are a few tips that you can heed after your holiday to make your suntan last as long as possible. Most of these tips are quite easy to put into practice, once you know what they are. The right skincare, in particular, plays a central role in whether your tan lasts.

A good moisturiser is the main thing when caring for your tan. The skin is inclined to dry out and flake due to a high level of UV rays. This means your tan quickly looks unlovely and patchy. If you always think about adequate moisture, through body lotions or after sun care, for example, you can easily avoid this problem.

For your tan to last after your holiday, you need to shower properly. This is because taking showers that are too hot or too long damages your sun-kissed skin. We recommend taking lukewarm showers and opting for mild shower creams that don’t attack the natural skin barrier.

This applies all year round but is particularly important in summer – if you want a long-lasting suntan, you’ve got to think about sunscreen. You should pay attention to your skin’s requirements and choose the right SPF to avoid sunburn. Sunburn not only damages your skin, it also creates an uneven and patchy tan. Most important: Don’t forget to use after-sun moisturiser regularly.

In summer, it is not only advisable to drink plenty of fluids due to the warm temperatures. Your tan also lasts longer if you take care of your skin from the inside with enough hydration. Drinking plenty of water slows down skin-flaking and thus protects your holiday tan.

Even if a natural tan looks best, it doesn’t hurt to give your tan a boost with the right products. You can simply use a little self-tan or mix self-tan drops into your body lotion. This refreshes your tan and also makes it last longer after your holiday.

If you are hoping for simple home remedies to keep a long-lasting tan, you should pay attention to the right nutrition. Foods containing carotene, like carrots or red fruits, can darken the skin, if consumed in large quantities. This is because the carotenoid pigments in plants can contribute to turning the skin a red to yellowy colour. They have a similar effect to melanin and provide some sun protection.