How Long Does It Take for a Tan to Fade? Tips for Maintaining Color

Understanding Tan Fading

When you have achieved that golden glow from tanning, you probably want to know how long it takes for a tan to fade. In this article, I will cover how long a tan lasts, how to prevent a tan from fading, and how to maintain it for longer.

So, how long does a tan last? The answer is simple: how long do you want it to? It all comes down to the preparation and aftercare of your skin before and after tanning.

A tan fades as skin cells naturally exfoliate and regenerate, causing tanned skin cells to flake off. The human skin sheds and generates millions of cells daily, replacing tanned skin cells with new, untanned ones.

When we tan, a pigment called melanin is produced to shield the deeper layers of our skin and protect it from UV radiation and sun damage.

 

Factors Affecting Tan Duration

• Skin type: One of the main factors in tanning is your skin type. Fairer skin tends to burn more efficiently, and tans may fade more quickly. At the same time, darker skin tones may find that their tans last longer.

• Amount of sun exposure: Spending more time in the sun can lead to a longer-lasting tan.

• Skincare routine: Using products with harsh ingredients or exfoliating too frequently can cause a tan to fade more quickly.

• Use of spray tans: Applying a spray tan over a natural tan can shorten its duration.

Tan Longevity

• New skin cells are produced daily while the old dead cells flake away.

• A natural tan usually lasts 7-10 days, depending on skin type and tone.

• Sun exposure during this period can extend the life of a tan.

• Spray tans can start to fade in as little as 1 day without proper care but can last up to 10 days with proper maintenance.

Tips for Maintaining Colour

Step	What to Do	Timing	Why It Helps
Exfoliate Before Tanning	Use a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells.	1-2 days before tanning.	Prepares a smooth, even surface for a longer-lasting tan.
Apply Sun Cream	Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect skin.	Before and during UV exposure.	Prevents burns, keeps skin healthy, and avoids peeling.
Moisturise After Tanning	Use hydrating products like Shea Butter or Aloe Vera.	Daily after tanning.	Keeps skin hydrated, preventing dryness and extending tan life.
Avoid Hot Showers	Opt for cool or lukewarm water while bathing.	Daily after tanning.	Prevents over-exfoliation and reduces skin shedding.
Hydrate from Within	Drink plenty of water to maintain skin elasticity.	Before, during, and after tanning.	Improves skin health and prevents dryness, making the tan last longer.
Gentle Exfoliation	Use mild exfoliators to remove buildup without stripping the tan.	1-2 times per week after tanning.	Keeps skin fresh while maintaining an even, glowing tan.
Use a Tan Extender	Apply products like Australian Gold HN Cocoa Dreams Tan Extender.	Daily after tanning.	Replenishes skin nutrients and enhances the longevity of your tan.
Protect Your Tan Outdoors	Wear SPF 30+ sunscreen, hats, and light clothing for extra UV protection.	Every time you're exposed to sunlight.	Prevents burns, reduces peeling, and allows gradual tanning.
Touch Up with Self-Tanner	Apply a self-tanner to refresh fading areas.	As needed (usually after 7-10 days).	Maintains the appearance of a golden glow between tanning sessions.

To maintain your sun-kissed glow for longer, follow our tips and tricks:

• Moisturise regularly to keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness.

• Avoid harsh products and exfoliate sparingly to prevent stripping away the tan.

• Protect the skin from the sun’s UV rays with sun cream, shade, and hats.

• Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water to maintain skin health and longevity.

• Take cool showers instead of hot water to prevent stripping away the tan.

• Use a gentle exfoliation to remove the buildup of dead skin cells for healthier-looking skin.

Extending Tan Life

Extending your tan life involves keeping up with the maintenance and care for your skin to keep it as tanned and healthy as possible. Here are our steps to ensure your tanned skin is cared for and protected:

• Regular exfoliation before tanning will remove dead skin cells and ensure even tanning.

• Wear sun cream, ideally a broad-spectrum sun cream with a high SPF, to protect your skin from harmful UV Rays, which contain UVA and UVB rays, and further sun exposure.

• Use after-sun moisturiser to hydrate the skin and maintain a longer-lasting natural tan.

• Keep your skin moisturised every day to replenish its needs using products that contain natural ingredients such as shea butter. We recommend the Australian Gold HN Cocoa Dreams Tan Extender to moisturise and prolong your tan. 

• Wear sun cream with an SPF of at least 30. Use at least 1 ounce to cover all exposed skin, and reapply every 2 to 3 hours.

• Avoid hot showers, as they can cause your skin cells to shed more quickly. Opt for cool showers instead!

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your tanning sessions.

• With proper care, a tan can last 7 to 10 days before the skin starts to exfoliate and regenerate naturally.