Sunless tanning gives your skin a healthy, bronzed glow whenever you want it. And while the results do fade away with time, there are certain steps you can take to preserve your new look. The guide below explores what to do—both before and after your appointment.

How to Extend the Life of Your Tan

1. Prep Beforehand

Smooth, clean skin is best for sunless tanning. Make sure to shave or wax the morning of, and skip the moisturizers to ensure even coloring. Exfoliate and scrub in the shower to get rid of dead skin cells, which can flake off after your tan without prior treatment.

2. Watch Your Products

Certain products can make your tan fade prematurely. Don’t use loofas, exfoliating scrubs, scented lotions or body washes, harsh shaving creams, anti-aging products, or anti-acne products right after sunless tanning. Some of these contain chemicals that might even strip away your tan in a patchy, unflattering way.

3. Avoid Hot Showers

While hot showers might feel amazing, they’re surprisingly harsh on spray tans. Hot water dries out your skin and weakens tans. Instead, shower in cool to warm water. Chlorine and salt can also fade tans, so avoid pools and the ocean.

4. Moisturize Often

Skin naturally exfoliates, taking some of your tan with it. Luckily, daily moisturization can keep your skin softer for longer and prolong your glow. Apply moisturizers containing coconut oil immediately after showers to nurture your skin.

5. Revisit the Tanning Salon

These quick fixes can delay fading to a degree, but heading back to the tanning salon for touch-ups is the best way to extend the life of your tan. Regular sunless tanning allows you to keep a beautiful, healthy glow throughout the year. The professionals at the salon can also give you additional advice for longer-lasting tans.

If you’re looking for a way to maintain a natural-looking tan without lying in the sun for hours, go to Touch of Bronze in Stillwater, OK. This professional tanning salon offers a variety of services, from state-of-the-art tanning beds to top quality lotions and spray tans. Their knowledgeable staff will help you find the best option for your budget and needs. To book a sunless tanning appointment, call (405) 533-1826 today. Take a look at their deals and special offers online.