We get it- you want your skin to be tan! This means a nice, golden shade of brown. As the tanning lotion experts, we’re here to tell you that you can’t be concerned with the color only. The condition of your skin goes a long way to how well you will tan as well as the duration of the tan. Better-cared-for skin tans more deeply and stays tan longer! That’s why we want to talk to you today about hydrating and exfoliating your skin before tanning. 

In order to know exactly why, we need to first understand a little more about skin, and a bit more about how tanning works as well. Most tanning solutions last for around a week to 10 days, based on their formulation. The color fades as your skin starts to shed dead skin cells and regenerate naturally. There are ways to extend a tan by affecting how quickly your skin sheds off.

3 Benefits of Exfoliation

#1 Removes Dead Skin

You don’t want scaly, crusty skin. Your body will naturally shed dead skin cells after a regeneration cycle, but exfoliation can help speed up the process and ensure you have a smooth surface.

#2 Speeds Up Regeneration

You want to tan new skin, and then have that new skin stay for as long as possible. New, fresh skin takes better to tanning, so we recommend you maintain a regular exfoliation routine before a tanning session. This can be done through exfoliation, which speeds up the regeneration process. It does so significantly by increasing blood flow to the skin and helping it heal faster. 

#3 Better Permeation 

Freshly regenerated skin absorbs skincare solutions or tanning lotions better. It’s thirsty! Your pores are open, and cells are in their prime. This leads to better permeation.

Don’t Forget to Hydrate Your Skin!

The one drawback of exfoliation and cleansing is that these practices can strip your skin of its natural moisture. If you exfoliate too much, your skin could feel dry, stretched, and stiff. This is particularly true if you use a harsh scrub on a regular basis. Experts recommend regularly using moisturizers, including the body lotions and moisturizers we sell on our website, to keep your skin supple and moist. 

Another way to achieve this is to drink water regularly. This way, you will avoid dehydration and dryness. Experts recommend eight glasses of water every day. Also, use a rich moisturizer every day that is loaded with vitamins C and E for the best results. 

One last note. Be sure to avoid applying moisturizer immediately before a tanning appointment. If you do, the lotion will form a barrier over your skin and won’t let spray tan penetrate it. When you show up for your appointment, you want freshly washed, clean skin and then you’ll enjoy the best results. 

All of the tanning products you could ever want for your tanning needs can be found here on our website. From lotions to moisturizers to body wash, we have it all!