Fade Proof: 4 Tricks to Keep Your Fake Tan From Fading

Exfoliate…Gently

It is inevitable that your spray tan will start to fade because your body’s surface is constantly shedding dead skin cells and just like you would exfoliate your body before a spray tan, you may want to think about giving your skin a light exfoliation days after a spray tan to prevent your skin from looking discolored. Lightly exfoliating your skin can help blend the faux pigment with your natural skin tone and may allow your skin to breathe and restore its ability to absorb moisture—the next step in caring for spray-tanned skin.

We recommend: The Body Shop’s Body Polisher, $8

The more you moisturize, the longer a fake tan can last because keeping your skin hydrated—especially after a light exfoliation—can help prevent dead skin cells from building up on the skin’s surface. Not to mention, moisturizing helps your skin look supple, which always complements the perfect shade of bronze. When you get out of the shower, apply lotion to damp skin—this will help the skin lock in the moisture it received during the shower.

We recommend: Decleor’s Systeme Corps Moisturising Milk, $48

Applying a gradual self tanning lotion to your skin in the days following your initial application, is an integral step in making sure your fake tan will last long. It can help give your skin the moisture it needs to stay hydrated and can keep a spray tan from fading by continually adding pigment back onto your skin. You can use these kinds of self tanners in conjunction with your moisturizer or on their own.

We recommend: L'Oréal Paris’ Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion Deep Natural Tan, $10.99

Need a temporary boost towards the end of your tan? Try a wash-off self tanning formula that will give you instant, commitment-free color. We share the ultimate commitment-free self tanner, here.