Tips on How to Keep your Tan for longer

Soaking up the last bit of summer of tan

Many of us, myself included, have been basking in the August sun and lounging on far-flung beaches. And if you're anything like me, you've been sunbathing non-stop.

Who doesn’t love glowing, sun-kissed skin? But after days or weeks spent soaking up the sun on holiday, it’s frustrating when your skin starts to peel, fade, and dry out, leaving it dull. If you want to keep that glow a little longer, here are some simple steps to preserve your tan and prevent dry, lacklustre skin.

1. Exfoliate Gently

Over-exfoliating can strip your tan, but using a gentle exfoliator 1-2 times a week will remove dead skin cells without removing your colour. Buff your skin gently to reveal your beautiful sun-kissed glow underneath.
Avoid harsh scrubs; opt for mild, natural exfoliants like sugar scrubs. Here’s a quick and easy DIY gentle sugar scrub recipe that I use:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fine-grain sugar
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp almond oil (or any natural oil of your choice)
• 2 tbsp raw shea butter
• 15-20 drops of essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend the raw shea butter with the back of a spoon until smooth.
2. Add the coconut and almond oils and mix well.
3. Whisk by hand for 5-10 minutes until the texture is light and smooth.
4. Stir in the sugar and essential oil.
5. Store in a jar and use to exfoliate.

2. Avoid Hot Showers and Baths

Hot water can dry out your skin, causing it to peel and your tan to fade faster. Stick to lukewarm showers and try to limit the time spent in the water. You don’t want to undo the benefits of moisturising and exfoliating!
Opt for cooler, lukewarm water and use nourishing shower oils or natural, gentle soaps like our Ose Gidi Black Soap, which won’t strip or dry out your skin.

3. Moisturise & Maintain!

Moisturisation is the secret to prolonging your tan. Moisturised skin retains its colour longer because it’s less likely to dry out and peel. Use a rich moisturiser like our Gold and Ivory Shea Butter, especially after bathing. Shea butter is rich in vitamins A and E, perfect for keeping your skin soft, nourished, and healed.

LIHA Tip: Dehydrated skin needs hydration from the inside too! Drink plenty of water to replenish and rehydrate your skin from within.

P.S. We are still offering up to 70% off on our 15ml Orinrin Balm Cleanser. If you're missing our full-size Orinrin Balm, this can hold you over until it's back in stock.