Moisturizing

Tips For Extending A Tan

The key to preserving your tan is simple - moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize! The use of tanning beds, or tanning outdoors, tends to dry skin out. Dry skin has a greater risk of peeling and can quickly erode a hard earned tan. Dry skin cells can also inhibit the formation of a tan by reflecting a lot of the UV rays. Instead moist, healthy, exfoliated skin tans better, and the use of moisturizers helps re-hydrate, nourish, and protect tanned skin. Healthy moisturized skin is less susceptible to skin damage and slows down the aging process.

It's not only important to moisturize the skin from the outside but from the inside as well. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a balanced diet can go a long way in ensuring soft, smooth, supple skin. Try to avoid, or at least minimize, drinks such as coffee and alcohol which dehydrate the skin, impede circulation, and remove nutrients from the skin. Smoking is especially bad for the skin as it deprives it of oxygen and vital nutrients.

Many tanners moisturize 1 to 2 times per day with a long-lasting moisturizer. The best time to moisturize is immediately following a shower or bath, and right before settling down for the night. After your tanning session may also be a good time to moisturize if you find your skin is particularly dry, but generally tanning lotions provide enough moisture. Personally I wait 3 to 4 hours after my tanning session before I shower and moisturize with a good moisturizer or tan extender.