4 Steps to Your Summer Tan...WITHOUT PEELING

As temperatures rise, layers of clothing fall to the floor. Am I right??? Our pasty winter skin finally gets to see the light of day! Now before we get too excited and bask out in the sun, I've got some tried and true tips for a healthy, long-lasting tan!

My skin is painfully dry. I’m talkin’ eczema-prone with high tendencies of flaking and developing rough dry patches. Sexy, right? When I go on a tropical vacation, I’m always slathering on some SPF (ward off cancer, people!). By the end of my vacation I have a gorgeous tan…until I hit the dry airplane air. I can see my skin’s top layer drying out and within 1-2 days, I’m peeling…unevenly! By the end of it I look like a spotted Dalmatian. At this point, no scrubs or moisturizers can save me. Trust. I have tried it every which way.

I have been perfecting my regiment for a few years, so I know it works. It takes some time and more effort, but I assure you, you will have a healthy glow that will LAST. This is specifically for long-term sun exposure like beach vacations and cottage getaways.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

Body Scrub/Exfoliators

Exfoliating Mitts
- Can be used with any bodywash

Bath & Body Works Crushed Coconut Body Scrub
- Nourishing and exfoliating particle scrub

Nourishing body lotion

Vaseline Body Lotion
- Any moisturizer will do. I mainly use this pre and post vacation

Sun block with minimum SPF of 50

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50
- Spray sunblocks absorb quickly into the skin.

Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunscreen SPF 50
- A waterproof version of their sunscreen, perfect
for swimming and sweating

 


After-sun lotion/moisturizer

Sephora Moisturizing & Soothing After-Sun Body Mist
- Claims to calm and moisturize skin after sun exposure plus prolonging tans

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After-Sun Lotion
- Another soothing lotion to help skin recoup after a day in sun

STEP 1: Right NOW

Start exfoliating. Use whatever form works for you. Personally I prefer a more abrasive scrub, which is why I lean more towards particle scrubs rather than sugar or salt which dissolves in the shower. You can also use a wash cloth, exfoliating mitts, a loofa, etc. If you haven’t been scrubbing all winter, I suggest beginning with scrubbing every 2-3 days.

STEP 2: 14 days before departure
I typically kick up my exfoliation to every day – maybe alternating between and abrasive and gentle scrub. But that’s because normally I have EXTREMELY dry skin. I moisturize after EVERY shower. I know scrubbing everyday won’t work for everyone, but increasing the frequency of your exfoliation will help to remove all the dead skin cells on the surface.

STEP 3: In the Sun
Since I am talking about a trip with a lot of sun exposure I apply sunblock with a minimum SPF of 50 every 2-3 hours. I rarely get burned even though I am in the sun all day (8-10 hours)! I will continue to exfoliate in the shower and moisturize after it everyday. I use an after-sun body lotion with a lot of calming properties like oatmeal, coconut oil, and aloe vera to keep my skin smooth. If I develop a heat rash, lotions like this definitely help!

STEP 4: Post-Sun
Yes, your sun exposure may not be as intense now as when you were on vacation. But I will continue to gently exfoliate every day during my first week back to eliminate any left over dry patches and follow up with some after-sun lotion. I will go to 2 times/week for the rest of the summer.

*A NOTE ABOUT YOUR FACE
Remember to use a FACIAL scrub and NOT the same thing you are using on your body. Also refrain from using any products which may increase your sensitivity to the sun. Things like AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) like Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, etc...may cause you to burn.

When you shower the pores in your skin open up. Moisturizing after allows your skin to absorb the lotion, preventing any dehydration and flaking.

During this process, you will notice that the color buildup is gradual but it is guaranteed to last longer. I no longer peel and look patchy and my skin remains smooth, supple, and glowy. When your tan fades, it does so evenly. The tan will fade from the darkest color you were at, but the color you are left with is still a significant number of shades darker than your natural skin tone.

Hopefully my process and tips will help transform you into glowy gods and goddesses! If you've got any more tips and tricks, I would LOVE to hear 'em!

Happy travels and safe tanning!