There’s nothing worse than putting in the time to get the perfect fake tan… only for it to fade in a couple of days. The truth is, your glow’s longevity comes down to the right prep, the right products, and a little ongoing TLC for your skin.
Here’s how to keep that Island Vibes glow going strong for a week (or longer!).
1. Start with a Quality Product
Your tan is only as good as the products you use. Choosing a premium self-tanner with high-quality ingredients and natural DHA (like Island Vibes Tan ) can make a huge difference in how evenly your colour develops and how long it lasts. Cheaper products often use lower-grade ingredients that fade patchy and fade fast or even flake away— and nobody’s got time for that tiger bread look.
2. Exfoliate Like a Pro
A smooth blank canvas = a longer-lasting tan. The day before you tan, use a gentle but thorough exfoliant to remove all dead skin cells, rough patches, and any remnants of old tan. Pay extra attention to dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles. This step ensures your tan sticks evenly and doesn’t flake off prematurely due to old skin cells being ready to shed after you apply your fresh tan.
3. Turn Down the Heat
As tempting as a long, boiling hot shower may be, hot water dehydrates your skin — and dehydrated skin flakes, taking your tan with it. Stick to warm water when showering to help your colour last.
4. Moisturise (Day & Night)
Hydration is your best friend. Moisturise from head to toe twice a day with a quality lotion, and avoid anything with SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). Harsh soaps and body washes will strip your tan faster. Look for gentle, nourishing formulas instead.
5. Skip the Shower Pee
Yes, it’s a thing — but urine is acidic, and it will strip your tan in minutes. If you want your colour to last, keep the shower strictly for washing not peeing.
6. Keep Clear of Harsh Chemicals
Pools and spas may feel amazing, but chlorine is your tan’s enemy. It breaks down your colour and can leave you looking patchy. If you do take a dip, rinse off straight after and rehydrate your skin with moisturiser.
7. Don’t Over-Process Your Tan
More time doesn’t mean more glow. Leaving your tan on longer than the recommended time can cause the colour to overdevelop, which often makes it come off more unevenly. The same goes for choosing a colour that’s too dark — if you’re more than a few shades darker than your natural skin tone, the fade will be much more obvious. Stick to a “less is more” approach and aim for just a few shades deeper than your natural colour for the most natural, long-lasting result.
With the right prep, product, and aftercare, your Island Vibes Tan can stay radiant and even for 7+ days — no sun damage required. So prep well, keep your skin happy, and your skin glowing all year round.
