How to Maintain a Tan

Co-authored by Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD

Last Updated: August 5, 2020 References

If you have a nice tan from a vacation or the summer months, it can be difficult to maintain. Tans may fade or turn into sunburns without proper care. To preserve your tan, keep your skin moisturized and protected from the sun. Use beauty products to bolster the tan if it starts to fade. Do things like drink extra water to help your tan stick around longer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Practicing Daily Skin Care

1
Moisturize your skin regularly. Moisturizing your skin will keep your tan looking smooth and natural. Too much sun can dry out your skin, leaving a tan with a cracked or burnt appearance. Use moisturizer each day to maintain a smooth, attractive tan.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Apply any regular moisturizer you use after showering or each time your skin feels dry.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.}
- In addition to your regular moisturizer, go for after-sun creams like aloe vera. Applying such creams after being out in the sun can help your skin repair, leaving you looking tanned rather than burnt.
2
Avoid waxing. If waxing is your chosen hair removal method, go a different route. Waxing can strip off the top layer of your skin, removing your tan. Instead of waxing, opt for shaving as you try to maintain your tan.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- As shaving can dry out your skin, always moisturize afterwards. You should also use a moisturizing shaving cream.
Advertisement
3
Wear sunscreen. A tan can go from bronzed to burnt without proper protection from the sun. Each time you go out in the sun, apply sunscreen to any exposed body parts. Use a sunscreen with a high SPF. The higher the SPF, the better protected your skin will be from the sun.^{[4]
X
Research source} Reapply every 2 hours and don't be afraid to do so more often if exposed to water.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.}
- It can also help to avoid sun exposure by wearing longer sleeves and things like hats and visors.
4
Shower in cool water. When taking your morning shower, avoid the hot water. Hot water can strip oils from your body, lessening your tan. When showering, opt for cooler water to keep your tan longer.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Also, use moisturizing body washes in the shower to avoid stripping your skin of oils needed to maintain a tan.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Products to Maintain a Tan

1
Use self-tanner on your face. Your face is generally the first thing people notice. A fading facial tan will be immediately noticeable, so use self-tanner to fix up any fading. Purchase a self-tanner designed for your face and apply it regularly to keep your tan noticeable.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Go for gradual tanners, as these tend to look more natural.
2
Wear bronzer. A little bronzer on your face can also help your tan last longer. Apply the bronzer on areas where the sun naturally hits your face, such as the forehead, temples, nose, and cheekbones. This will highlight your natural tan, preventing the product from looking fake.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Apply enough bronzer to give your skin a natural glow. Too much bronzer can be overwhelming and make your tan look fake. You want to recreate your natural tan rather than replace it altogether.
3
Patch up your tan with spray-on tan. Unless you have access to the sun all the time, your tan will eventually start to fade. As your tan fades, patch it up with spray-on tan. If your tan starts to lighten or darken, spray some fake tan on patchy areas to even things out.^{[9]
X
Research source}
4
Use pills. Over-the-counter pills that are designed to protect skin, such as Phytobronz Skin Protect, may help you maintain a tan. Such pills help replenish oils in your skin that are lost during the tanning process. If you're concerned about maintaining your tan, try taking some medication.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- However, some over-the-counter pills are not FDA regulated. Always check with your doctor before taking any new medications.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Adjusting Your Lifestyle

1
Wear white. White clothing creates contrast between your skin and clothing. To make your tan more apparent, wear white clothing as it starts to fade. This will create the illusion that your tan is stronger than it is.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- If white is not your color, any lighter shades will do.
2
Eat more beta-carotenes. Beta-carotenes are found in foods with a red-orange pigment like sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, and mangoes. Beta-carotenes can subtly change the color of your skin, helping you maintain your sun-kissed look longer.^{[12]
X
Research source}
3
Eat foods with tyrosine. Certain foods contain an ingredient called tyrosine that can help you maintain tanned skin longer. The following foods are rich in tyrosine:^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Turkey
- Cottage cheese
- Avocado
- Egg white
- Salmon
- Almonds
4
Stay hydrated. Extra water intake can help your tan stick around longer. Seek to drink extra water to maintain your tan. Drink a glass of water with each meal, stop at water fountains whenever possible, and carry a water bottle with you at all times.^{[14]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I know if I've applied enough sunscreen?

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Margareth Pierre-Louis is a board certified Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Physician Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Twin Cities Dermatology Center and Equation Skin Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Twin Cities Dermatology Center is a comprehensive dermatology clinic treating patients of all ages through clinical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and telemedicine. Equation Skin Care was created to provide the best in evidence-based, natural skin care products. Dr. Pierre-Louis earned a BS in Biology and an MBA from Duke University, an MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed a residency in dermatology at the University of Minnesota, and completed a dermatopathology fellowship at Washington University in St Louis. Dr. Pierre-Louis is board certified in dermatology, cutaneous surgery, and dermatopathology by the American Boards of Dermatology and Pathology.

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

You should apply a layer thick enough so that you can see the product on your skin. If it's a chemical sunscreen, you can rub it in because that'll get absorbed into the skin, but if it's a mineral sunscreen, you should see a thick white layer. If you don't see it going on like it's a moisturizer, then you might not have enough sunscreen on.
Question

How long does sunscreen last after applying?

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Margareth Pierre-Louis is a board certified Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Physician Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Twin Cities Dermatology Center and Equation Skin Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Twin Cities Dermatology Center is a comprehensive dermatology clinic treating patients of all ages through clinical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and telemedicine. Equation Skin Care was created to provide the best in evidence-based, natural skin care products. Dr. Pierre-Louis earned a BS in Biology and an MBA from Duke University, an MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed a residency in dermatology at the University of Minnesota, and completed a dermatopathology fellowship at Washington University in St Louis. Dr. Pierre-Louis is board certified in dermatology, cutaneous surgery, and dermatopathology by the American Boards of Dermatology and Pathology.

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

You should reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours while you're outside. If you sweat a lot or get in water, reapply it more often to make sure your skin is protected.

Warnings

It's important to note that unprotected sun exposure comes with the risk of sunburns and skin cancer. Too much time spent in the sun without proper protection can also cause you to develop wrinkles, fine lines, and brown spots over time.^{[15]
X
Expert Source

Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 15 May 2020.} Keep these risks in mind when tanning and remember to always take proper precautions.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0