The moment you step off the plan after a holiday can always seem a little flat, especially if you left the brilliant sunshine and returned to dull drizzle. The thought of your tan fading can put a dampener on your whole holiday, so we have put together our list of tips and tricks to prolong that summer tan for as long as possible.

Cool Showers

Whilst soaking in a hot bubble bath may sound ideal, it will actually dehydrate your skin, which will lead to patchiness and peeling even quicker which will instantly ruin your summer tan. Instead, take a short lukewarm shower, it may not be as appealing but it will definitely be worth it. Using a nourishing shower oil will also keep your skin looking glowing and healthy for even longer. We recommend the Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Shower Oil for an invigorating and refreshing blend of pink grapefruit, juniper and rosemary – which is a perfect wake up call for those jet-lagged mornings.

Light exfoliate

Whilst using a harsh scrub to exfoliate will remove your tan, it is still essential to exfoliate to remove any dead skin cells that can leave your complexion looking flat and dull. Exfoliators that include acids such as glycolic and salicylic will accelerate the process of fading so finding a soothing and gentle exfoliator is key.

It is also crucial to avoid waxing and hair removal creams as they will remove the top layer of skin, which is the essentially the layer you want to keep as it is the most tanned.

For the ideal exfoliator, we recommend Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin Scrub, for gentle citrus notes and instant brightening.

Keep Hydrated

This goes without saying, it is important to keep your body hydrating from not only the outside but also the inside. As well as using oils and moisturisers, make sure you are drinking plenty of water to ensure your cells are fully hydrated. It is also advised to eat beta-carotene rich foods such as Sweet Potatoes, Papaya, and Mangos.

Moisturise

Whilst catching the rays on holiday, your skin will become dry and damaged and will be in extreme need of a nourishing moisturiser. When it comes to applying this, there is almost no such thing as too much. After Sun, Gels, Oils and Moisturisers will all help enhance and prolong your summer tan, so it just comes to finding one that suits your skin type and then applying it regularly. We recommend the Sol De Janeiro Acai Body Power Cream for a rich yet lightweight moisturiser that will leave your skin feeling rejuvenated and glowing.

Fake it + Wear White

Or, if all of this sounds too daunting, you can always fake it by using a self-tanner and wearing white. When it comes to using a self-tanner, it is essential to make sure you are not using a shade that is darker than the tan you originally came home with, as the game will be up and your friends will pick up on the fact that you have been faking it. A gradual tan that is hydrating will help prolong the appearance of your post-holiday tan, as well as ensuring that it can be topped up as regularly as you wish without creating streaks. Don’t forget a tanning mitt though, you don’t want a bright orange palm! For this, we recommend the Vita Liberata pHenominal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse for a lasting tan that can be gradually built up with a unique moisture locking formula