Why your summer tan fades so quickly
And how to save it
‘Well, my color is almost gone, you know.’ I hear many friends and colleagues say who just got home from vacation a few days ago. Then I show them my arm (I still have to go on vacation) to reassure them that that sun-kissed skin still really exists. But to be honest: you quickly get used to your new glow and the chance that you looked just a bit tanner on vacation is high. Of course, this is also because your skin is still glowing from the sun and warmth. Once home, you want just one thing: to keep that color for as long as possible. And for that, you need one thing. No, not the tanning bed. Hydration is the beauty secret.
Why you fade so quickly after vacation
You know the feeling: you’ve been lying on a beach bed for days, your outfit was a bikini or short dress every day and your skin is at its absolute peak of tan. But then you come home, open your washing machine (and your inbox), step under your own shower and in no time it seems like you’ve never been in the sun. What happens? Your skin is still warm and supple from the vacation climate, but here in our colder frog country, you dry out rapidly. And when your skin dries out, it lets go. Literally. Layer by layer, and thus also: your color.
Hydration is the key (and no, not the tanning bed)
If you want to keep your glow as beautiful as possible, hydration is mega important. From the inside, but also especially from the outside. It starts with drinking plenty of water, but believe me: just that glass of water won’t save your tan. What you need is a skincare routine that softens, nourishes, and especially: retains what you have built up in color. Here comes your new best friend: the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner.
Laneige, or: the secret of TikTok (and now also yours)
If you believe the beauty TikTokers (and you can – not always, but this time for sure), then this toner/moisturizer in one is the miracle product your skin has been waiting for. It’s as light as a toner, nourishing as a cream, and it gives your skin exactly what it needs after a period of sun, sea, cocktails, and sunglasses. The texture is watery, but as soon as it touches your skin, you feel the hydration fall over your face like a kind of blanket. No tight cheeks, no flakes, but plump skin. This is not a sales pitch, because it really works.
Apply as a routine, not as an afterthought
Think of your skin as a plant: you don’t just water it when it’s already drooping. Well, usually, because sometimes I forget them (oops). So you prefer to apply right after showering, when your skin is still a bit damp. That helps to retain the moisture extra well. For your face, use a few drops of the Laneige Cream Skin Refiner. Pat it on, let it absorb for a minute, and voilà: your skin says ‘thank you’ in 26 languages. One more tip: mix it into your body lotion for an extra boost for your whole skin.
This also helps maintain a lasting vacation glow
Besides applying and hydrating, it’s smart to make your showers a little less hot. As nice as it is, that steam makes your skin dry. Also, try to wear soft clothing (preferably loose-fitting) so your tan doesn’t literally rub off with every movement. And scrub, but in moderation. Once a week is really enough to remove dead skin cells without losing your color. So if you sometimes wonder why that one friend still has her tan long after summer: she hydrates as if her life depends on it. So, now you know what to do.
Credit: Instagram | bentheliem
