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Health & Fitness

How To Make Your Sunless Tan Last

In my last blog, I discussed the questions you should ask yourself about the sunless tanning solution you are using. Solutions – and their effects – can vary. But if you're looking to make your sunless tan last, here are some tips that will help you maximize your healthy glow, whatever the solution you choose:

• Proper preparation. Arriving at your sunless tanning salon fully prepared for your application can make a big difference in the amount of time you can maintain your glow. Start the day before your appointment. Exfoliate with an oil-free product and moisturize dry skin; this is especially important the day before your application because you should not moisturize on the day of your appointment or you could risk an uneven application.On the day of your appointment, shower and exfoliate as you did the previous day, and make sure that your skin is free of any other tanners, makeup, perfume, and moisturizers. Avoid deodorant, hair sprays, and anything else that might come between your skin and the tanning solution.

Tip: Exfoliation clears skin of dead cells that could shed and result in a shorter-lasting glow.

• Follow instructions. Your salon will give you instructions about how to prepare for your tan when you call to book an appointment. After application, you will receive some additional instruction about how to make your tan last. Take the advice of the professionals and you can't go wrong!At my salon, we maintain a list of suggested skin care products to be used before and after your tanning application.

Tip: Make sure you understand the type of solution you are putting on your skin and ask for a ballpark estimate of how long your tan should last. Remember, everyone is different, so no two tans are going to last for the exact same amount of time. But your tanning specialist can give you an idea of what to expect.

• Diligent follow-up. It's a good idea to wear loose clothing to your appointment to minimize chafing and rubbing of your skin once your application is complete. Make sure that you understand how long it will take for your tan to fully develop, as this process can vary depending on which solution is used. Don't shower, swim, or exercise until your tan has fully developed! Water and sweat can impede the development process and drastically reduce the length of time that your tan will last.When you shower and moisturize following the tan's full development, make sure to use water-based products. Moisturizing your skin will ensure that your tan will last longer and fade evenly. 

Tip: Avoid exfoliating your skin until just before your next tanning appointment. Excessive exfoliation following your tan application could shorten the life of the tan or cause uneven fading.

By following these simple guidelines, you should be able to ensure that you are maximizing your sunless tan. Not only will this save you the inconvenience of booking multiple tanning appointments within a short period of time, it can save also you money while keeping your glow looking natural and healthy.

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