10 Tips to Keep Your Tan Glowing All Winter Long

Your Guide to a Flawless Tan All Winter Long!

Winter doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your summer tan! With the right tips and tricks, you can enjoy a long-lasting, natural-looking glow all year round. From prepping your skin to maintaining your tan, we’ve got you covered with everything you need for a flawless winter self-tanning routine.

Don’t Skip the Prep

Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate!

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that cause patchiness, making it an essential first step for an even, lasting tan. The noofah exfoliating mitt gently buffs your skin to a perfect polish without leaving any oily residue that can interfere with your tan.

Shave or Wax 24-48 Hours Before Tanning

Shaving or waxing right before tanning can leave your pores open and sensitive, which may lead to uneven application or those tiny dots where the tanner settles. Planning your hair removal 24-48 hours prior allows your skin time to recover and for pores to close, ensuring a smooth, even tan that looks flawless and natural.

Switch to Oil-Free Products

Oil-based products, including lotions and body washes, can create a barrier on your skin, leading to streaky or patchy results. Oils prevent self-tanners from absorbing evenly and can cause areas of lighter or darker color. Switching to oil-free products at least 24 hours before applying your tan will create an ideal surface for smooth, even application.

Use Ice to Close Pores

For facial tanning, rub an ice cube over your face before applying your tanner to close your pores. This helps prevent the tanner from settling into pores, creating uneven spots or dark patches, especially on areas like the nose and cheeks, where pores are more visible. By closing pores beforehand, you’ll achieve a more consistent, natural look.

Pro Tip: My best friend was the one who introduced me to ice rolling, and I’m so glad she did! It has so many benefits beyond just prepping your skin for self-tanning. I use an ice roller mold because it’s super easy and convenient. All I need to do is fill the mold with water (and sometimes add a few drops of my favorite essential oil or fruit slices), pop it in the freezer overnight, and it’s ready to use the next morning.

Skip Fragrances on Tanning Day

Fragrant products like deodorants and perfumes contain ingredients that can react with self-tanners, potentially causing discoloration. Going fragrance-free on the day you tan will keep your color even and smooth from head to toe.

Maintain your Glow

The Secret to Avoid Streaks: Baby Powder

To prevent your tan from rubbing off on high-friction areas like underarms and the backs of knees, dust a little baby powder on these spots. This simple trick reduces friction in these areas, minimizing streaking and patchiness.

Pro Tip: Make sure you find a baby powder that is talc-free to avoid being exposed to any health risks. I love Ora’s Body Powder because it’s truly talc-free, corn starch-free, fragrance-free, and the all-natural benefits go on. Check out this small family-run business here, and try their body powder. It’s a must-have in your routine! (It also works as a natural dry shampoo 😉)

Use a Gradual Tanner Every Few Days

Apply a gradual tanning lotion every few days to extend the life of your tan and prevent it from fading unevenly. Gradual tanners build color subtly, keeping your color looking fresh and natural without needing a full reapplication, while also helping your tan to fade smoothly over time.

Pro Tip: I absolutely love Jergens Natural Glow Gradual Tanning Moisturizer, and so does everyone I’ve recommended it to! It’s super easy to use, and its gradual build gives such a natural look. Plus, it’s an amazing moisturizer with Vitamin E and antioxidants that leave your skin soft and tan. You can grab your own here—I swear by it!

Protect Your Tan and Shave with Conditioner

Shaving cream can strip your tan faster, but using a gentle conditioner is a softer alternative that minimizes color loss. 

Switch to Lukewarm Showers

Hot showers can dry out your skin, making your tan fade faster and leading to uneven color over time. Opting for lukewarm water instead helps keep your skin hydrated. Also, make sure to gently pat your skin dry with a towel to avoid any unnecessary friction.

Gently Exfoliate to Remove Lingering Patches

When it’s time to refresh your tan, gently exfoliate to remove any uneven patches that still linger. The noofah exfoliating mitt makes it easy to buff away old color and prepare your skin for a smooth, fresh application every time, giving you a consistent glow with each reapplication.

With these tips, your glow will look fresh all winter long! To get your Noofah Exfoliating Mitt and other essentials, visit shop noofah and keep glowing.

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