7 Top Tips To Keep Your Holiday Glow
We all love heading off into the sun with the hope that we will return sporting a bronzed glow, but why does it never seem to last? There are a few steps you can take to ensure you get the most out of your tan. Skin specialist and lead product developer at Colorescience, Patricia Boland, gives her 7 top tips:
Prepare and Exfoliate
The key to prolonging a tan starts way before you even head off into the sun. Exfoliating your skin prior to sunbathing helps rid of old skin cells so that the sun can penetrate the new skin cells at the beginning of their life cycle. Using a daily exfoliating body wash one to two weeks prior to your holiday, and whilst away will prepare your skin for prolonged sun exposure and ensure a deeper tan. After each exfoliation you should also apply some moisturising body lotion to ensure the skin is well hydrated and supple.
Protect
Wearing sunscreen is imperative when exposed to the sun, not only to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but also if you want a long-lasting tan. Not only is it dangerous to avoid wearing sunscreen but allowing the skin to burn only means this red tinged tan will fade quicker as these skin cells have become damaged and will peel off more easily. Be sure to opt for a sunscreen with broad spectrum which is both UVA and UVB and ensure you reapply throughout the day.
Hydrate From Inside
Many dermatologists, skin experts and scientists believe that water helps extend the life of your skin cells, so it’s best to drink as much as possible, 3 litres being the target per day. Foods such as melons and cucumbers also have a high-water content and make for the perfect skin-friendly food to snack on poolside.
Face Hydrators
The skin on your face is much thinner and more delicate than that of your body, so the maintenance needs to be slightly different. The best way to help your glowing complexion remain is by using a gentle facial exfoliant prior to and once you’re back on home turf. Facial sprays and serums help keep your skin hydrated and complexion glowing.
Moisturise
In addition to drinking lots of water, moisturising is key to a healthy and long-lasting tan, to ensure skin remains hydrated and smooth. Remember to use a good quality facial moisturiser as well as body lotion.
Intensify The Tan
You can always fake your tan. There are many fantastic intensifier lotions and oils available on the market which are made to deepen your tan, giving your skin a natural looking glow and complementing your real colour. Perhaps also substitute your daily body moisturiser for a nourishing gradual tanning lotion which you can apply straight after the holiday giving you a deeper glow, without looking fake.
Bronze It Up
Faking a tanned complexion with makeup is easy, using a cream-based bronzer for a natural-looking glow.
