With the stunning weather we had in the UK this summer, many of us have managed to get a glowing tan without even needing to go abroad – and if you have been lucky enough to have a holiday, your tan is probably looking a million dollars right now! Despite the Met Office telling us that summer would probably last through October too, it seems like the nice weather is being replaced by clouds and drizzle already, so how do you prolong your tan when the sun isn’t on your side? Here are our tips:
Don’t Bathe!
Okay, so we aren’t suggesting that you don’t wash, but soaking in the bath for long periods of time is one of the quickest ways to lose your tan as the top, tanned layers of skin will soften and eventually slough off with too much regular soaking. Opt for brief showers using a gentle product like Elemis Skin Nourishing Shower Cream to wash your skin, as this will moisturise your body and prolong your tan as much as possible.
Don’t Exfoliate!
Just as we mentioned above, you’re trying to preserve the top layers of your skin as much as possible, so for now, exfoliation is off of the cards. If your skin feels dry or uncomfortable, Decleor Satin Softening Dry Oil is scented with a subtle, delicate and beautifully feminine fragrance, which leaves your body and face feeling softer and more comfortable.
Don’t Dry Out!
Moisture is the key to keeping your tan as golden as possible, even throughout autumn and winter, but many of us forget to moisturise our bodies when we’re covering them up with jumpers and coats! Elemis Skin Nourishing Body Cream contains oat kernel and limnanthes alba, combined with the lipid rich Sesame and Shea Butter, which ensures skin is left silky soft and healthy looking.
Don’t Forget Your Veggies!
There’s a whole lot of research which shows that a diet rich in beta-carotenes (a type of red-orange pigment) can help to prolong the glow of sun-kissed skin from within. The best natural sources are sweet potatoes, apricots, mangoes and obviously carrots, so be sure to munch on as many of these sunshine-coloured fruits and veg as you can manage.
Don’t Be Afraid to Fake it!
If you’re at a point where you really can’t do anything else to prolong your tan but you still feel a bit pale and drab, don’t forget that the healthiest tan comes from a bottle. A gradual tanner like Elemis Total Glow Bronzing Body Lotion is perfect for giving your skin a sun-kissed look without having to worry about the sun’s harmful rays, and you’ll be looking like you’ve just got back from the Bahamas even up to Christmas!