Aftercare3 min readAugust 20, 2026
Make Your Glow Last: Aftercare 101
Your tan is only as good as your aftercare. A few simple habits can stretch that fresh-from-the-studio glow days longer.
Once your color has developed, keeping it looking fresh comes down to one word: hydration. A well-moisturized tan fades slowly and evenly, while dry skin flakes and takes your glow with it.
The daily glow routine
- Moisturize morning and night with a fragrance-free, oil-free lotion.
- Take shorter, cooler showers and pat — never rub — yourself dry.
- Avoid long soaks in baths, pools, and hot tubs, which break down color faster.
- Blot sweat gently after workouts rather than wiping hard.
Skip exfoliating, retinols, and acne treatments while you want your tan to last — they speed up how fast it fades.
When it's time to refresh
Most tans look their best for 5 to 7 days with good care. When you're ready for a new one, exfoliate to remove any remaining color for a clean base — and if your face has faded faster than the rest of you, a quick face spray gets you back to even.
