How to Keep your Vacation Tan longer

Post author:
Reading time:4 mins read

There is nothing that you can do to make your vacation sun tan permanent, but there are several ways how to keep your vacation tan longer. To understand how to keep your tan, we first need to know how and why our skin tans. All of us have cells called melanocytes that produce melanin when exposed to sunlight. When this melanin oxidizes, it becomes darker, protecting your skin from UV rays. These changes take place in the topmost layer of your skin – the epidermis. The reason your tan fades is that newer cells in this layer push the older cells with the tan upwards, where they are sloughed off within days or weeks, depending on the intensity of your tan. Read what are the best ways to make your vacation tan last longer.

Contents

Avoid Sunburns to Make Your Vacation Tan Last Longer
Moisturize to Keep Your Vacation Tan Longer
Reasons Why to Use Sunscreen Daily
Skincare Tips to Use in Advance for Prolonged Vacation Tan

Disclosure: Sponsored post.

diagram showing untanned and tanned skin to illustrate the tanning process — Schematic view of the tanning process (right). Melanocyte cells produce melanin when exposed to sunlight. The melanin darkens the skin. This darkening is an attempt by the skin to shield itself from further damage. However, a base tan only offers a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of about 2-4, far below the recommended SPF of 30. When people are over 30, the number of melanocyte cells decreases by about 10-20% per decade, leading to a lighter skin tone. By edesignua. Source: depositphotos.com.

Avoid Sunburns to Make Your Vacation Tan Last Longer

In your enthusiasm to get a good tan, you skimp on the sunscreen and then end up with a sunburn. You may not mind the mild sunburn, and you may even be happy about it, believing that this could make your tan last longer, but this could not be further from the truth. Even a mild sunburn can cause damage to the deeper layers of your skin, accelerating the rate at which your skin sloughs off and you lose your tan faster. Additionally, research indicates that experiencing five or more sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk of skin cancer. If you notice any changes to your skin, such as discoloration or lumps, consult your doctor about them. Some lumps are a regular part of aging, so using a visual guide on skin lumps can help you understand their cause.

My experience: I once got a bad sunburn inside a tent that had no sun-safe fabric. Not only that it hurt badly, but once the burned skin peeled, the new skin was even whiter than my usual skin color. And, yes, you can get a sunburn in the shade.

Moisturize to Keep Your Vacation Tan Longer

Tanned skin tends to get dry and can even start to peel in some areas. Exposure to sunlight not only strips your skin of moisture but also destroys natural fats on your skin that prevent it from drying out. This fact is why it is crucial to use generous amounts of moisturizer to help rehydrate your sun-parched skin. You can also use anti-aging creams as they contain a wide range of vitamins, oils, and skin-boosting peptides that will keep your skin healthy. Healthy, well-moisturized skin does not slough off as quickly as dry, flaky skin, so moisturizing will help you keep your tan longer.

diagram comparing moisturized healthy and dry skin — Schematic view comparing healthy, well-moisturized skin and dry skin under sun exposure. By: mug5. Source: depositphotos.com.

Reasons Why to Use Sunscreen Daily

It may seem counterintuitive to use sunscreen when trying to prolong your vacation tan, but it is highly effective. Using sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to reduce sun exposure. Sunscreen will help shield your skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of dryness and peeling. Using sunscreen daily helps protect the tanned layer of melanin-rich skin, allowing you to maintain your vacation tan for a longer time after your return.

Skincare Tips to Use in Advance for Prolonged Vacation Tan

While these steps will help you maintain your vacation tan once you return home, there are some skincare tips you can use in advance to achieve an even, longer-lasting tan. Use sunscreen and reapply it as needed. This will prevent overexposure, allowing your skin to tan gradually and evenly. Whether you get your tan on the beach or at the pool, be sure to change your position every twenty to thirty minutes. Use a body scrub or washcloth to gently exfoliate your skin, as this helps remove the upper layers of dead skin. After applying your moisturizer, follow with your sunscreen, as this will help keep your skin hydrated while you tan.