How Should I Exfoliate To Keep My Gorgeous Tan

Firstly, take confidence in the fact that scrubbing won't remove your tan. In fact, quite the opposite. We may exfoliate our bodies during winter, but don't often think about scrubs when summer arrives. And yet it's important that we get rid of the dead skin cells that clog our pores and suffocate our skin. It won't just leave us with glowing skin but will also help any skincare treatments we use, such as sunscreen, moisturiser and after-sun, better penetrate the epidermis. And the fact is that a well moisturised skin will keep its tan for longer!

For best results, go for a relatively soft scrub containing fine grains (or no grains at all, if it's for your face). However, you must not scrub if you have peeling skin or sunburn; it will be painful and just result in more damage to the skin. Apply a scrub once or twice a week to clean, damp skin and gently massage it on, without rubbing too hard. Use circular movements and rinse off with cold water to kickstart your circulation. Gently pat yourself dry with a clean towel.

Once you've scrubbed from top to toe, apply a tan prolonger; this contains active ingredients that stimulate melanocytes, the cells in the bottom layer of the skin's epidermis that stimulate melanin production. When a tan prolonger is applied to exfoliated skin, it will easily penetrate the surface layers and give you a better result. When you are back from your hols, if you apply it morning and night, while getting a small amount of sun on a daily basis (by walking or eating outdoors), your golden glow should last for about six weeks longer.