How to Keep Your Tan After Vacation: What to Do After Tanning
Sunbathing to Get Tan
Some of us work very hard to capture that sexy, after-sun glow. Although many of us don't mind spending hours in the sun or paying high prices at the tanning salon, we should keep our time in the rays to a minimum. Sunlight has both good and bad effects on our bodies so when fishing for a tan it's best to prolong your results instead of tanning more often.
What to do Before You Tan to Keep Your Color
The most important thing to do before you hit the beach or the tanning salon is the exfoliate your skin. Exfoliation scrubs away dead skin cells and allows for the regeneration of the outer layers of your skin. There are many different options out there as far as exfoliators go. My personal favorite is a sugar scrub. Sugar scrubs and salt scrubs are very similar, however, sometimes the salt scrubs can be irritating especially if you have any nicks or abrasions on your skin. The sugar scrub works just as well as the salt but doesn't irritate the skin.
You can also exfoliate without putting anything on your skin. In the shower you can use a loofah, brush, or exfoliating gloves. You can use a soft, natural bristle brush after showering to gently brush off extra dead skin cells.
After exfoliation it is very important to moisturize afterward. If you don't use a moisturizer, exfoliating is pretty pointless because the new cells you brought to the surface will become dry.
Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe
The great thing about making your own sugar scrub at home is that you can put pretty much anything you want in it. You can use your favorite scents and determine the consistency to find what works best for your skin. The easiest way I have found to make my own sugar scrub is to find a massage oil I really like and combine some in a jar with 1/2 cup of brown or white sugar. There are a ton of different recipes out there but this has been the simplest way for me.
What to do After You Tan to Stay Tan Longer
After tanning you first want to take a shower. Make sure to be gentle on your skin so as not to rub off the newly tanned skin cells. No exfoliating is needed at this point or you will just undo your progress. After your shower pat your skin dry and moisturize. You can use any of your favorite lotions. Just make sure you have one that is keeping your skin moist so there is no drying and flaking.
Use a Good Lotion After Tanning to Keep Your Tan
Important Things to Keep in Mind When Tanning
You want to tan your skin gradually. If you go out and tan for a long period of time you will not only cause long-term damage to your skin but you may burn and peel which results in losing the tanned cells from the outer layer of your skin. Be careful and watch for signs of skin damage that can be the sign of potential health threats. Always wear at least a 15 spf sunscreen and be aware of the harm sunlight can do to your body.
