Body

How to Make a Tan Last Longer Without Looking Fake

Keep your golden glow long into fall

by Heather Cichowski | COMMENT

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How to Prolong a Tan: Moisturize Regularly If you're not in the habit of regular moisturizing, it's time to start. Not only does it keep skin smooth and supple, it also helps prolong the life of a tan. If your tan is faux, hydrated skin will help lock in color for longer and helps reduce streaking and fading, according to the tanning experts at Nkd Skn. They recommend using an oil-free moisturizer because oils tend to break down sunless tans faster.

Look for a moisturizer with dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a color additive typically sourced from plants that subtly increases tans. It's usually found in self-tanners and gradual tan moisturizers, like Jergens Natural Glow Daily Firming Moisturizer, $9.99. Be aware that some people might be allergic to DHA, so always do a patch test before applying products all over.

There are even specific tan boosters like the Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster, $32. It's dubbed "sunshine in a bottle" and promises to increase skin's natural glow when users mix three drops with their moisturizer. E.L.F. offers a similar product: Sunkissed Booster Drops, $10.

Image via Imaxtree

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