The art of getting a tan
How do you maintain your golden glow? What can you do during and after your holiday to preserve your tan for as long as possible?
Your number one enemy is peeling. Once your skin has peeled, you may be left with freckles, but not a smooth, even tan. Make sure you avoid sunburn on holiday, with sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. If you put your sunscreen on before you get dressed, you won’t miss any areas. Top up throughout the day. Every time your skin peels during your holiday, your tan is back to square one. Nourish your sun-warmed skin with after-sun lotion at the end of each day. It’s a good idea to keep using any leftover after-sun lotion once your holiday has ended as it is perfect for keeping your skin moisturised.
Paradoxically, exfoliation is your friend. Layers of dead skin cells obscure your glow. Exfoliation polishes your skin and turns it from dull to fresh. Whether your tan comes from the sun or a bottle, exfoliation enhances it. It helps your tan to be even, rather than fading in patchy blobs. Exfoliate before going out in the sun for a longer-lasting tan. Once you have exfoliated, it’s time to moisturise.
Healthy body, healthy skin
Drinking water isn’t just important for your body. It stops your tan from drying out and peeling. Hot water dries out your skin, so keep settings tepid when showering. Moisturise twice a day and look for moisturisers with seed oils, shea butter and Vitamin C and D boosters. Moisturise first thing before you go out in the sun. Some serums are especially designed to help you maintain your tan. Look for hyaluronic acid on the ingredients list.
Topping up your tan
A touch of bronzer can subtly enhance your tan. Apply a small amount to your cheekbones, nose, temples and forehead. These are the areas most exposed to the sun. Daily application of a gradual tan keeps skin hydrated and freshens up your tan.
Fake tan looks best on an existing tan rather than un-tanned skin. Before applying, finish waxing 12 to 24 hours beforehand, otherwise you risk the tan tinting your open pores brown. Exfoliate your skin and moisturise it on the days leading up to tanning, but not on the day before. After tanning, avoid chlorinated pools and hot water, and pat your skin dry. Moisturise daily and wait a few days before exfoliating every 3 days.
To make your skin look more tanned, white is the perfect colour. At Type Swimwear, we have a fabulous range of white swimwear that will show off a gloriously tanned body. You can choose a triangular cut or a sporty bandeau top. Of course, to reduce the risk of marking your new white swimsuit, make sure your tan is thoroughly dry before putting on our swimsuits. And to keep your white swimwear white, make sure you hand wash it in cold water after every use. You can buy our swimwear through Paypal, credit card or bank transfer. You can buy a set or mix and match your bikini top and bottom.