There's nothing more beautiful than tanned skin... But as we all know, it's fleeting! So how do you keep that summer glow for as long as possible? We tell you all about it. 

A tan doesn't last forever, let's face it. But there's nothing to stop it lasting as long as possible, and with the right method, it can. But why does skin bronze? Before admiring and enjoying your tanned complexion, it's important to understand this concept.

When skin is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, melanocytes produce more melanin to protect skin cells from UV damage. Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen, absorbing UV rays and dispersing them in the form of heat. Melanin is then distributed to the upper layers of the skin, where it absorbs UV rays and helps prevent potential damage caused by these rays. This gives the skin a darker hue - what we call a tan! 

Why does a tan fade after a while?

Tanning eventually fades due to the natural renewal of skin cells. The skin constantly renews its cells, and cells in the upper layer of the skin, where melanin is present, are gradually eliminated as new cells form underneath...

More concretely, melanin is responsible for the brown color of a tan, and is produced by melanocytes located in the basal layer of the epidermis. As the tan begins to fade, the melanin-containing cells begin to be eliminated by the skin's natural exfoliation process. Dead skin cells are removed from the skin's surface and replaced by new cells from the lower layers.

The skin renewal process can be influenced by various factors, such as skin hydration, sun exposure, skin care products or simply the individual cell renewal cycle. In general, tanning fades gradually over time, as tanned cells are replaced by new, non-tanned cells. In winter, of course, the tan disappears completely and becomes non-existent, as the lack of sunlight prevents the production of melanin... Goodbye golden complexion! 

Secrets to prolonging your tan 

1. Moisturize your skin: Well-moisturized skin tends to keep its tan longer. Use moisturizing after-sun creams, vegetable butters like shea butter to soothe and nourish your skin, and lip balm to protect this fragile area. Opt for internal hydration too, by drinking enough water every day and eating water-rich fruit and vegetables to keep your skin healthy and radiant.

2. Gently exfoliate: contrary to popular belief, by removing dead skin cells, regular exfoliation can help prolong your tan. Use a gentle exfoliator or horsehair glove once or twice a week to gently remove tanned skin cells that tend to shed naturally. Light exfoliation will reveal fresh skin and prolong the appearance of your tan.

3. Use tan-extending products: Some products on the market are specifically designed to extend tanning time and ensure an even tan. They often contain moisturizing, soothing ingredients and agents that stimulate melanin production. Use these products as directed for best results.

4. Avoid hot baths and long showers: Hot water can dry out the skin and accelerate tanning peeling. Opt for lukewarm, quick showers rather than long baths to help retain skin moisture and prolong your tan. As for your choice of cleanser, choose a hypoallergenic shower oil to preserve the skin's barrier, nourish and moisturize it and perpetuate your tan.

5. Protect your skin from the sun: Excessive exposure to the sun can accelerate the skin's peeling process and shorten the duration of your tan. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen* with a high sun protection factor to protect your skin from UV rays. Avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day.
   
   Which sunscreen to choose to protect your skin?

6. Eat a diet rich in beta-carotene: Certain foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and mangoes, can promote a more golden complexion and extend the duration of your tan. Incorporate them into your diet to support your skin from the inside out.

7. Repeat sun exposure with care: If you want to prolong your tan by re-exposing yourself to the sun, do so gradually and carefully. Apply adequate sun protection and avoid sunburns, as they can damage your skin and accelerate tanning peeling.

How to keep a tanned complexion with make-up? 

To prolong the effects of a golden tan, there's also the trick of make-up. At the end of summer, when the skin is still lightly tanned, you can rely on cosmetics to enhance your tanned look. 

Choisissez la bonne teinte de fond de teint : Optez pour un fond de teint qui correspond à votre teint hâlé. Choisissez une formule légère et naturelle pour éviter un aspect trop lourd ou artificiel.

Use bronzing products: Bronzing products, such as bronzing powder or sun powder, can help you intensify and prolong the appearance of your tanned complexion. Apply them lightly to areas of the face where the sun naturally hits, such as cheekbones, forehead and chin.

Illuminez les zones clés : Utilisez un enlumineur (highlighter) pour ajouter de la dimension et de l'éclat à votre teint hâlé. Appliquez-le sur les pommettes, l'arcade sourcilière, l'arête du nez et l'arc de Cupidon pour mettre en valeur ces zones et créer un effet lumineux.

Opt for warm colors: Use warm-toned eyeshadows, blushes and lipsticks, such as browns, coppers, peaches and corals. These shades will complement your tanned complexion and create an overall harmony.

Go for light make-up: Avoid applying too much make-up, as this can make you look overloaded and mask your tanned complexion. Opt for light, fresh make-up that lets your tanned skin shine through.

Don't forget skin care: Healthy, well-maintained skin is the key to maintaining a radiant, tanned complexion. Be sure to cleanse, moisturize and protect your skin daily to maintain its health and luminosity.

Light contouring: Use a bronzing powder slightly darker than your tanned complexion to define the contours of your face. Apply it under the cheekbones, along the jawline and the sides of the forehead to give a subtle dimension to your face.