How to Make Your Fake Tan Last All Summer Long

Summer in Australia is full of beach days, pool sessions and warm nights. It is also the season that tests your fake tan. Heat, sweat, sunscreen, salt water and chlorine can all speed up fading. The good news is that with a little science know-how and the right routine, you can keep your glow looking even and fresh for longer.

This guide explains why tans fade, what summer does to your skin and exactly how to prep, apply and care for your tan so it lasts.

The science of fake tan

Most self-tanners, including mousse and spray tans, use dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin, the stratum corneum, in a process similar to the Maillard reaction. That reaction creates brown-gold pigments called melanoidins. These pigments sit only in the top layer of skin. They do not increase melanin, and they do not provide UV protection.

Your skin naturally sheds stratum corneum cells through desquamation. As those cells flake off, the melanoidins leave with them, and your colour fades. This is why a typical self-tan lasts about 5 to 10 days, depending on your skin, your routine and your environment.

Two key takeaways:

1. Anything that increases flaking or removes surface cells will fade your tan faster.

2. Anything that keeps the stratum corneum supple and intact will help your tan look better for longer.

Why fake tans fade faster in summer

Summer brings several factors that accelerate desquamation or directly disturb the tan on the surface of the skin.

1) Heat and sweat increase friction and turnover
Heat softens the skin barrier and raises transepidermal water loss. Sweat adds salt and moisture, which can make the skin feel tackier. Tacky skin plus movement equals more friction, especially under straps, waistbands and seams. Friction lifts corneocytes away more quickly, which speeds up fading.

2) More water contact and longer showers
Frequent swimming and long, hot showers hydrate and then dehydrate the stratum corneum in repeated cycles. That swelling and re-drying loosens the bonds between cells and encourages shedding. Hot water also lifts surface lipids that help hold the barrier together.

3) Chlorine is an oxidiser
Pool chlorine forms hypochlorous acid in water. It is a disinfectant and an oxidising agent. Oxidisers can lighten melanoidins and they dry the skin, which increases flaking later. This is why tans can look dull or lighter after regular pool time.

4) Salt water draws moisture out
Sea water is hypertonic, so it can pull water from the skin, leaving it drier and more prone to rough texture. Add sand, towels and sunscreen reapplications, and you get extra mechanical rubbing that hastens fade.

5) Cleansers and high-pH products can strip
Traditional soaps and strong surfactants can disrupt barrier lipids and lift surface cells. Over time this speeds up desquamation. A gentle, sulphate-free body wash helps.

6) Shaving removes surface cells
A razor does not only cut hair. It also skims off corneocytes. Shaving during the life of your tan will thin the coloured layer and can create lighter patches.

7) The face fades faster
Facial skin is cleansed more often and exposed to skincare actives like AHAs, BHAs and retinoids, which increase cell turnover. Oil production and makeup removal add more rubbing. Expect to top up facial colour more frequently.

8) Sunburn will undo everything
If you get burnt, the damaged skin will peel. When it peels, your tan goes with it. Self-tan does not protect against UV. A strict sunscreen habit actually helps preserve your fake tan because it prevents the peel.

Prep before you tan

Good prep gives DHA an even canvas and delays patchy fade.

1. Exfoliate 24 to 48 hours before
   Remove dry, compacted cells so the mousse or spray deposits evenly. Pay special attention to elbows, knees, ankles and the tops of feet.
   Use a mitt or polish. If you like an exfoliating body wash, keep it gentle.

2. Shave or wax the day before, not after
   This avoids irritation and prevents removing fresh colour.

3. Create a balanced base
   After exfoliating, lightly moisturise the driest zones only. A thin layer of Crème de la Crème on elbows, knees, ankles and wrists stops those areas from grabbing too much colour.

4. Clean skin on tanning day
   No heavy lotions, deodorant, perfume or oil right before you tan, as they can block even development.

Choosing the right tan for summer

• Naked Tan Mousse in Medium, Dark or Ultra Dark lets you control depth. Choose Medium for a soft glow, Dark for a classic bronze, Ultra Dark for maximum impact.

• Gradual Tan is ideal for maintaining colour between full applications.

• Salon spray tan offers professional evenness and speed.

• Water Resistant Salon Solution is a smart choice if you are swimming or very active, as it has better hold under summer conditions.

Application that sets you up for longevity

1. Use a tanning mitt for smooth, even layers.

2. Work in sections. Use circular motions on limbs and long strokes on large flat areas.

3. Use the leftover product on the mitt for hands, feet and face.

4. Let the tan fully develop according to instructions, then rinse with lukewarm water only for the first shower.

5. Pat dry, do not rub. Moisturise lightly after the first rinse.

Even application means fewer high-contrast areas when the tan eventually fades.

The first 24 hours after tanning

• Avoid sweating, tight activewear and long hot showers.

• Skip fragranced oils and rich balms. Oils can soften the top layer too quickly.

• Sleep in loose cotton and use darker sheets to avoid transfer.

• Start moisturising lightly to keep the top layer flexible and comfortable.

Your summer care routine to extend wear

Shower smarter

• Keep water warm, not hot.

• Use a sulphate-free body wash such as Naked Tan Body Cleanser. Gentle surfactants clean without stripping.

• Pat dry with the towel. Vigorous rubbing lifts colour.

Hydrate daily

• Dry skin flakes. Flaking skin fades. Use Crème de la Crème every day to keep the stratum corneum supple and reduce micro-flaking.

• Focus extra product on shins, forearms and any areas that feel tight.

Sunscreen that plays nicely with tan

• Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or 50 every morning on exposed skin.

• Favour lightweight, non-oily lotions or gels that spread easily without heavy rubbing.

• Reapply every two hours outdoors. Use a gentle patting motion to minimise disturbance.

Beach and pool protocol

• Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you swim.

• After swimming, rinse with fresh water as soon as you can to remove chlorine or salt.

• Pat dry, then moisturise within a few minutes to restore comfort.

• Expect faster fading with frequent pool sessions. Plan maintenance top ups.

Exercise and warm days

• Choose breathable fabrics. Tight seams create friction lines that wear away colour.

• After sweating, rinse off and moisturise. Salt left on the skin can feel gritty and contribute to rubbing.

Face-specific upkeep

• Switch to gentler cleansers.

• Pause strong leave-on acids and retinoids while you want the tan to last.

• Top up with Gradual Tan more often on the face than the body, since it naturally fades sooner.

Maintenance and top-up schedule

A small, regular top-up keeps colour even longer than a full heavy re-tan.

• Every 2 to 3 days
  Apply Gradual Tan after your evening shower. This replenishes melanoidins in the top layer before fade lines show.

• As needed for events
  Use Instant Tan on dry skin for same-day colour enhancement. It washes off with your next shower.

• Weekly cycle
  After 6 to 10 days, when colour looks uneven, do a gentle exfoliation session to lift older build-up, then reapply your mousse or book a fresh spray.

Common summer tan issues and how to fix them

Patchy shins or forearms
Often caused by dryness and friction. Increase Crème de la Crème morning and night, and add Gradual Tan on those zones between full applications.

Light spots under straps or waistbands
Reduce tight clothing in the first 24 hours. For visible lines on event day, even things out with Instant Tan.

Dull colour after pool days
Rinse immediately after swimming, moisturise, then use Gradual Tan that night. Chlorine oxidation can lift warmth; topping up restores tone.

Face fading faster than body
Add a face-specific routine. Gentle cleanse, moisturise, Gradual Tan on alternate nights, avoid strong exfoliants until you are ready to reset.

Hands and feet too light or too dark
For too light, sweep a tiny amount of mousse with the mitt after doing your forearms or legs. For too dark, buff lightly with moisturiser on a damp cloth, then apply a touch of Instant Tan to blend.

Product checklist for long-lasting summer tans

• Naked Tan Mousse in Medium, Dark or Ultra Dark, depending on your desired depth

• Gradual Tan to maintain colour between applications

• Crème de la Crème daily moisturiser to reduce flaking

• Body Cleanser for gentle, tan-friendly washing

• Instant Tan for same-day touch-ups and photo-ready glow

• Water Resistant Salon Solution for professional, active-day wear

Summary plan you can follow

Two days before your next event
Exfoliate. Shave or wax if needed. Lightly moisturise dry areas only.

One day before
Apply mousse, or book a spray tan. Rinse as directed. Pat dry. Light moisturiser.

Event day
Sunscreen on exposed skin. Avoid tight clothing that rubs. Use Instant Tan for targeted touch-ups.

Through summer
Gentle showers, daily Crème de la Crème, Gradual Tan every 2 to 3 days, rinse after swimming, reapply SPF, and plan a weekly gentle exfoliation before your next full application.

Your fake tan fades because the coloured layer lives in the very top of the skin, which your body is constantly renewing. Summer adds heat, sweat, swimming and more washing, all of which increase friction, dryness and turnover. When you understand those forces, you can work with them. Keep the barrier comfortable and supple, minimise rubbing, choose gentle cleansers, protect your skin with sunscreen, and top up little and often.

With the right routine and the right products, your Naked Tan glow can look even and golden from the beach to the bar, all season long.