How to Extend the Life of Your Tan: Expert Tips

Hi SunFX fam! As the owner of SunFX, I know how much love goes into achieving that perfect tan—whether you’ve spent time at a salon or applied our self-tanner at home. We’re all about delivering a natural, radiant glow, and I want to help you keep that glow going strong! So, I’ve gathered some of my best expert tips for extending the life of your tan. With a few adjustments to your routine, you’ll be enjoying that bronzed look for days longer!

1. Prep Your Skin Before Tanning

girl with sunfx scrubExfoliate for Smooth Skin
Before you tan, it’s essential to prep your skin by exfoliating. This step helps remove any dead skin cells so the color holds evenly and looks smoother. I recommend using a gentle, sulfate-free body scrub for best results—this way, you’ll have a great foundation to apply our SunFX solutions, and your tan will fade beautifully, too!

Moisturize Dry Areas
Dry patches can absorb more color and lead to uneven spots, so it’s always good to apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to areas like your elbows, knees, and ankles before your tan session. This keeps everything looking flawless.

 

2. Choose a High-Quality Tanning Product

How to Extend the Life of Your Tan: Expert TipsOur SunFX Self-Tanner Lotion is bronzer-free, so it fades more naturally without streaking or leaving patchy areas. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend it for an even, long-lasting tan

Enhance Your Glow with DHA Drops
If you’re looking for even more longevity, our DHA booster drops are a game-changer. Adding just a few drops to your spray tan solution deepens the color, so you get a longer-lasting, richer glow.

3. Stay Moisturized Daily

How to Extend the Life of Your Tan: Expert TipsUse Tan Extending Moisturizers
Keeping your skin moisturized is key to extending your tan. Look for a moisturizer with natural emollients and antioxidants—ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are fantastic for hydration. Our formulas include organic botanicals and deep conditioning agents that are perfect for extending your color.

Avoid Oil-Based Products
Avoid products with alcohol, sulfates, or mineral oils, as they can make your tan fade faster. Try our specially formulated dry oil, a fabulous lightweight, deeply hydrating spritzer. Stick to sulfate-free body washes, like the ones we recommend, to keep your tan fresh!

4. Avoid Long, Hot Showers

why no hot showers after spray tanningHot Water Strips Moisture
Long, hot showers can dry out your skin and cause your tan to fade prematurely. Instead, keep your showers quick and stick to lukewarm water to help your skin stay hydrated.

Pat, Don’t Rub
When drying off, gently pat your skin with a towel. Rubbing can exfoliate your tan, so be gentle!

5. Exfoliate Lightly to Prevent Patchiness

Maintain Your Tan with Gentle Exfoliation

For those that self tan on a weekly basis, a light exfoliation can help your tan fade evenly and allow for even absorption of subsequent applications. I suggest exfoliating gently once a week or more often in high friction areas that require blending. Try our mild scrub or silk mitt.  This prevents patchy areas and helps your tan look smooth and natural for longer. 

6. Try a Tan Extending Self-Tanner

applying sunfx lotionTouch Up with Self-Tanning Mousse
Our SunFX Self-Tanning Mousses, infused with indredients like Kakadu Plum and Finger Lime Caviar, are ideal for refreshing your spray tan in between sessions. These mousse add a beautiful, gradual color and are perfect for touching up areas that might fade faster. You can select from either bronzer-free or match to your spray tan.

Maintain Your Glow with Gradual Tan Lotion and Mist
For an easy way to build and maintain your tan, our SunFX gradual tan lotion and mists are excellent choices. They both work to extend the life of your color while adding a soft, natural-looking glow. Simply apply the lotion or mist daily to enjoy a subtle boost in color, ensuring an even, radiant tan that lasts.

My go-to is the Rose Mist on my face and decolletage. I find I lose color on these areas quicker. The mist is so easy to spritz on my face after my night time skin routine or in the morning after applying my SPF.

7. Limit Chlorine Exposure

Chlorine Fades Your Tan
Chlorine is notorious for breaking down a tan, so if you’re planning a swim, make sure to apply a waterproof barrier lotion beforehand. After swimming, rinse off and apply a good moisturizer to minimize the drying effects of chlorine. If you are planning on being in and out of the pool, invest n our gradual self tanning lotion to replenish your color.

8. Avoid Tight Clothing and Heavy Exercise

Minimize Friction
Tight clothing and heavy workouts can lead to friction, causing your tan to wear off unevenly, especially in areas prone to rubbing, like your waistline and underarms. Try wearing loose, breathable fabrics for the first few days after tanning to keep your tan intact.

How to Extend the Life of Your Tan: Expert Tips

Final Thoughts

Following these simple steps can make a huge difference in how long your tan lasts. It’s all about keeping your skin healthy, hydrated, and gently exfoliated. With our SunFX products and these expert tips, your sunless tan will stay radiant, smooth, and fresh.

At SunFX, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your best glow—if you have any questions or need product recommendations, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Keep glowing, SunFX family! 🌞

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